The festival includes a popular car show, which attracts enthusiasts from all over, pin-up girls, dancing and food for a fun day out for the whole family.

Event manager Brenda Hartmire said that interest in the festival had grown during the years, drawing between 3000 and 5000 visitors "many dressed in their retro [1940s to 1970s] costume". She said that there was plenty of support from the business community and this year Lake Macquarie City Council had jumped on board.

"The event has built a strong following not only in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter, but right across the state," Ms Hartmire said. "While the cars are a major drawcard, the festival is very much aimed at family fun with a host of activities to be enjoyed by all ages."

This year's festival will support Toronto Men's Shed, which recently moved into new premises. "We are happy to be contributing to the association's expansion and to their vision of promoting a healthy lifestyle for men by working shoulder to shoulder."

In addition to the car appreciation aspect of the festival, people will be invited to participate in the music, featuring both rock 'n' roll and rockabilly, dance demonstrations and the pin-up competition kicking off at 12pm.

The event will encompass the area between Club Catalina and the community hall on Stilling Street, Rathmines, once the largest seaplane base in the southern hemisphere, known for the iconic Catalinas.

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"There will be classic cars from the '40s to late '70s on display, local band Jumpin' Jukebox will be entertaining and providing the rockabilly music and dancing. Lake Macquarie FM will also be onsite pumping out the rock 'n' roll," Ms Hartmire said.

"One of the highlights is the pin-up parade and rock 'n' roll cosplay competition. Vendors will be catering to this genre, including '50s and '60s style food and beverages. Rock 'n' roll dance clubs and individual dancers are invited to come along and show off their moves on the dance floor, while listening to the music."

There is still time to enter the car show and shine. The cost is $5. Blast From the Past Festival is hosted by Lake Side Marketing and Events and will run from 10am to 3pm on September 8.

For more information go to blastfromthepastfestival.com.au or search for the Blast From the Past Events Facebook page.