National Folk Festival Australia 2027

National Folk Festival Australia

First held in Melbourne in 1967 and staged at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) since 1992, the National Folk Festival is Australia’s longest-running celebration of folk culture. Each year it draws tens of thousands of musicians, dancers, and visitors from across the country and overseas to share in five days of music, dance, poetry, and craft.

Held annually over the Easter long weekend, the festival transforms EPIC’s showgrounds into a small temporary town of stages, marquees, workshop tents, and campgrounds, with music and dance running from early morning sessions to late-night jams.

Festival Highlights:

• Multiple Stages of Live Music: Dozens of acts perform across the festival’s stages, spanning traditional Australian and Celtic folk, bluegrass, world music, and contemporary singer-songwriters.
• Dance Program: A full schedule of bush dances, ceilidhs, and social dance sessions invites visitors of all skill levels to join in, alongside dedicated dance workshops.
• The Session Bar: A beloved festival institution where musicians gather informally to jam together throughout the day and well into the night.
• Markets, Poetry & Family Program: Artisan and craft stalls, spoken word and poetry readings, and a full slate of children’s activities round out the festival grounds.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Tickets: Multi-day and single-day passes are available, with early-bird pricing typically offered before the festival — booking ahead is recommended as popular options can sell out.
• Camping On-Site: The festival grounds offer on-site camping, letting visitors stay within walking distance of the stages for the full five days.
• Getting There: Exhibition Park (EPIC) is just a short drive from central Canberra, with on-site parking and shuttle options typically available during the festival.
• What to Wear: Easter weather in Canberra can swing from warm days to cold nights, so layered clothing, a hat, and a rain jacket are all worth packing.
• Accommodation: Canberra’s hotel rooms fill up quickly over the festival’s long weekend, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
• Explore Canberra: Australia’s capital offers museums, galleries, and lake-side attractions worth combining with the festival — browse top Canberra tours and activities here.

See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.