Shellharbour City Council is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new spring edition of Eats and Beats in Oak Flats this September, alongside a newly confirmed date for the postponed Albion Park event.
With the support of the NSW Government's Open Streets program 2025-28, Council will transform town centres into vibrant public spaces with food, music, markets and family entertainment, celebrating community life in two of Shellharbour's most-loved local hubs.
Caption: Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer with Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson MP (representing the NSW Minister for Transport) launching a brand-new edition of Eats and Beats in Oak Flats this September. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
Council will utilise this funding to deliver new Eats and Beats Street Series events at both locations, meaning the $350,000 total contribution will be split into two equal amounts of over $58,000 towards each event over the three years.
The Oak Flats Eats and Beats event will take place on Saturday 20 September 2025, marking the first spring event in the growing street series. Meanwhile, Albion Park will host its rescheduled event on Saturday 1 November 2025, following a weather-related postponement earlier this year.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said both events would showcase the energy and character of their communities.
"This is all about creating energetic spaces where people can come together, enjoy themselves and celebrate the spirit of their local area," Mayor Homer said.
"We're excited to launch the new Oak Flats spring event and just as pleased to confirm the rescheduled Eats and Beats event to Albion Park in November. These events reflect the vibrancy of our town centres and the strong community spirit behind them."
Delivered in partnership with Transport for NSW, the Eats and Beats festival series is supported by the Open Streets Program - part of the NSW Government's Vibrant Streets Package. The program encourages the temporary closure of streets to vehicles, turning them into walkable spaces activated with outdoor dining, entertainment and cultural activities.
Each festival is co-designed with local schools, businesses and community groups to reflect the unique identity of each location. In Oak Flats, the September event will also align with Oak Flats Public School's Spring Fair, adding to the festive community atmosphere.
Local traders are encouraged to get involved through extended trading, interactive activities, promotions and sponsorship opportunities.
Eats and Beats Street Series is proudly funded by the NSW Government's Open Streets program, led by Transport for NSW and presented in association with Shellharbour City Council.
Festival Dates:
Albion Park - Saturday 1 November 2025, Saturday 27 June 2026, Saturday 26 June 2027
Oak Flats - Saturday 20 September 2025, Saturday 19 September 2026, Saturday 18 September 2027
Key Messages
• A new spring edition of Eats and Beats will launch in Oak Flats on Saturday, 20 September 2025
• Albion Park's rescheduled Eats and Beats event will take place on Saturday 1 November 2025 after being postponed due to weather.
• The six-event Eats and Beats Street Series is proudly funded by the NSW Government's Open Streets program, led by Transport for NSW and presented in association with Shellharbour City Council.
