Events

Events are held frequently in the Garden, sponsored either by the Friends of the Garden or the Council, sometimes both. On occasion an outside group will apply to put on a play or concert, and this must be approved by Council and the Friends, the group meeting certain criteria before being allowed to do so.

Holding a function brings people into the Garden. It is a delightful place to listen to a concert, watch a play or wander around stalls at our community get-togethers. It is a way of showcasing our beautiful Garden to the public, local and tourist alike.

And there are several events designed to raise funds for the Botanic garden. The Jazz concerts, held on 4 Sunday evenings in February, have excellent entertainers, and the audience pays an entry fee to these. All proceeds from shop, barbecue, raffle and entry fee goes towards maintenance and expansion of the Garden. During summer other performers may be brought into the Pavilion to put on an evening concert. This serves two purposes - to allow local groups to show their abilities in a friendly atmosphere, and to bring cultural programs to the people of Coffs Harbour.

Annual events include:

Jazz concerts on 4 Sundays in February.

Mother's Day concerts.

Harmony Day - a multicultural affair with performers and food stalls from our diverse community groups.

Childrens' Day (May) where Koinobori kites are flown around the lake at the northern end of the Garden.

Father's Day concerts.

Buskers. First week in October, the Council hosts buskers from all over the world, some of whom appear in performances in the Garden.

Botanica (second weekend in October) is another community day, and incorporates green living ideas, renewable energy technology - with sources available to the region, waterwise gardening, growing vegetables and raising chickens at home. There are stalls selling native plants, and groups offering advice for pest and weed control.