Events
Events & Festivals
Galleria Ettalong Beach, home to Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort, holds regular events in the piazzas in the centre of the complex, including the stunning Piazza St Pano. A variety of regular stallholders that have discovered us, often set up for these festivals to supply an even greater variety of products and cuisine than our permanent shops, cafes and restaurants already offer.
Keep an eye on Galleria facebook for some of our annual, popular FREE annual festivals such as the Central Coast Italian Festival, the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival and Jazz-in-the-Village Festival. Other events include: Mums & Bubs Days, Food Fairs and Latino Dancing nights.
These one or two day events are held, rain, hail or shine and are free for motel guests, local residents and visitors to the Central Coast to enjoy. Apart from some alfresco piazzas, covered courtyards and walkways abound so all events are on no matter what the weather brings! Plus, of course, our Function Rooms and Cinema Paradiso complex, creates an environment completely different from most other venues.
Apart from the larger festivals, we host Charity Films, Movie Premieres, World Sporting Events, Industry Competitions and Exhibitions. Our plethora of fine dining restaurants, Italian bakery, European style cafes and Trattoria & Bar often sponsor specific events and provide exemplary cuisine and beverages, in-line with the theme or nature of the event.
DIWALI – FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Over the weekend of Friday November 1st to Sunday November 3rd, Galleria is presenting Diwali, the Indian Festival of light. Join us as we celebrate Indian culture and diversity with music, dance, arts and crafts, food, fashion, films and fun.
Diwali (or Deepavali) is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival is based on the story of the god Rama who left his kingdom to defeat the demon king Ravana. When he returned to his people they lit their homes to celebrate his victory.
Diwali gets its name from the row (avali) of small clay lamps (diya) that people light outside their homes to symbolise the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is time when people come together to share goodwill and carry it through the rest of the year. The Indian goddess of happiness Lakshmi also features in the celebration and is welcomed into houses. People clean their homes, buy new household items, shop for gold, special foods and treats, and decorate with lamps in readiness for her arrival. Special mandala like designs ‘rangoli’ are made outside the door to welcome Lakshmi and all visitors into the home.
Galleria joins with our Indian community to launch Diwali on the Central Coast with a program of special events including the weekend’s highlight - a live concert of Indian Classical music by world renowned musicians tabla master Bobby Singh and Sarod master Adrian McNeil.
Tickets at Cinema Paradiso - Click Here
Be entertained over the whole weekend with live music, dance and story telling on the main stage, Indian food stalls offering special treats, market stalls with a variety of Indian inspired goods, henna painting and special exhibitions. Children are catered for with craft activities.
Watch this space and go to GalleriaEttalongBeach Facebook or Instagram pages for program updates. Enquiries phone 02 4341 1999.
CENTRAL COAST ITALIAN FESTIVAL
Galleria Ettalong Beach, home to the Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort - has presented the annual CENTRAL COAST ITALIAN FESTIVAL every April since 2010, and brings the magic of Italy’s culture and diversity to our local residents and guests.
JOIN US FOR ALL THINGS ITALIAN!
Vino, birra, caffe, cannoli, cannelloni, crostini, pizza, pasta, piadina! Folk dancing, classical dance, musica, song, comedy, cars, fashion, film, puppetry, merchandise, travel, language, sport - all authentic Italian style, is celebrated over two days every April amongst the Renaissance art and European vibe of the village!
Join in the fun of our "Pasta Eating" or "Gelato Licking" Competition "with-a-twist' that changes yearly and guarantees a laugh or the title of the 'Pasta Prince or Princess' or 'Gelato Guy or Gal'! Watch out for the Grape Crushing or Tomato Puree processing in wooden barrels, and give yourself time to visit Mama Maria for a 'spaghetti reading'.
Punch (or Mr Pulcinella) & Judy, and even Pinocchio may make an appearance in our puppet box travelling from the 16th century, since first performing in Italy. Classical ballerinas in pointes, may pirouette across the stage, Ballet having originated in the Italian courts of the Renaissance. Then try and keep up with traditional folk dancers as they perform the Tarantella in swirling brightly coloured costumes.
Cavalcades of Italian cars display their sleek metallic style, whilst svelte models parade in fashion that has just stepped off the catwalk in Milan. Watch the presentation of 'Travel in Italia' and you'll see where Milan is situated, and ask the presenter for hints on popular phrases in Italian. You can sing along to our resident Italian Singers and Musicians or dance the night away in a Venetian Mask, when they perform at our Italian Piazza St Pano. You may even bump into 'Pavarotti', but be nice to 'The Godfather' if he gives you a job to do for the mob! Finally, just make sure you follow Italy in the World Cup and wear red, green and white on the day and you'll be sure to receive a warm Italiano greeting!
A weekend celebrating the culture of Italy! Truly authentic Italian food, wine and merchandise