The Living Smart Festival is back for 2025 on Saturday 20 September and this year Dr Karl will be there!
He’s been spreading the good word of science across the globe for more than 45 years, but this September, the famous science whizz Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM will be sharing his wisdom in Lake Mac.
The Living Smart Festival, one of the largest sustainability events in Australia, will see the inquisitive Dr Karl debunk climate myths, followed by a 45-minute Q&A with the audience.
Now in its 14th year, the Living Smart Festival presented by Lake Macquarie City Council champions environmental practices and sustainable living through a vibrant and inclusive program.
The one-day event, held at Speers Point Park, will run from 9am–3pm on Saturday 20 September 2025, and feature talks, presentations, workshops, demonstrations, live entertainment and market stalls.
There’s different zones to enjoy at the Living Smart Festival.
The Main Stage will come alive with yoga at sunrise, a thought-provoking session with Dr Karl, a ‘Charged Up’ panel about household electrification, and celebrations like the school garden bed competition announcement.
Keep the little ones entertained with all-day fun in The Kids Zone. The Kids Zone will be buzzing with nature play, storytelling and fun-filled workshops designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds.
In the Grow Zone, people can discover everything from compost worms to backyard chickens, garlic-growing tips and the creativity of local school garden beds.
The Nature Zone invites attendees to connect with Country and community through wildlife encounters and talks, Landcare displays, introductions to Tiny Forests, and even weed-eating goats.
From fermented flavours to food waste solutions, the Eat Zone serves up live demonstrations that celebrate sustainable, nourishing eats.
Immerse yourself in stories, song and cultural knowledge in the First Nations Zone, with hands-on workshops and talks from local Elders and knowledge holders.
Beyond the zones, explore a full program of all-day activities – from native plant giveaways to pop-up op shops, upcycling, bike tune-ups and more.
This year’s festival is supported by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (Energy Zone sponsor), Optus (Nature Zone sponsor), and the Greater Bank (Kids Zone sponsor), and event sponsors Hunter Resource Recovery, University of Newcastle, Hunter Water, Solo Resource Recovery and Source Separation Systems.
Our Tips for the Living Smart Festival
- Closer to the event date, check the program for Living Smart event as you don’t want to miss an event or workshop. There’s lots to see and do so plan out your day.
- Get there early. Living Smart Festival runs from 9am to 3pm so arrive earlier to enjoy more of the event.
- There is limited limited parking at Speers Point Park and it does get busy. Consider taking public transport to the events.
- One of the easiest ways to get to Living Smart is by cycling. The shared pathway joins the park from both Warners Bay, Boolaroo and Glendale directions. In 2025, to make it even easier to get to the festival, there will be free, accessible shuttle buses running all day to and from the festival. Shuttle buses run from Glendale, Cockle Creek, Croudace Bay, Warners Bay, Toronto and Fennell Bay.
- Bring reusable bags as there are native plant giveaways for Lake Mac residents as well as shopping opportunities at the market stalls.
- Bring a reusable water bottle as there are water refill stations.
For more information, visit the Living Smart Festival website.