Festivals are magical. There's just something about being in a large group of people celebrating and enjoying the same thing. Somehow, you feel connected to all the strangers; you feel like you truly belong. Somehow, festivals feel like a community, a family.
Thankfully, there are a lot of festivals here in Australia. From Darwin to Tasmania, it's not hard to find a festivity for wherever your kids' interests and intentions lie. There are arts festivals, music festivals, folk festivals, fashion festivals, and multicultural festivals.
Here's why you need to seriously consider festivals in your family's holiday plans.
The Cultural Significance of Festivals in Australia
One of the best reasons to bring your kids to cultural festivals is that these are an avenue for us to honour our roots and celebrate the things that make our country unique. For example, NAIDOC Week, scheduled from 6 to 13 July this year, celebrates the rich history and culture of our Indigenous peoples. Here, not only will the audience learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They will also, hopefully, develop a sense of pride and connection with our elders and ancestors through art, dance, and storytelling.
There are also festivals that remind us of just how diverse our country is. The Greek Festival of Sydney, which will happen on the 22nd and 24th of February at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour is a personal favourite, since I love everything Greek.
Meanwhile, my mum has been a regular attendee of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Melbourne Chinatown since time immemorial. Internationally loved events like these are a chance for our kids to try new foods, learn new traditions, and celebrate the incredible melting pot that is Australia.
Festivals as a Social Glue
I don't know about you, but for me, being a single mum can feel isolating. But festivals? They’re like a giant hug from the community. They remind us we’re not alone.
Small-town festivals have a way of bringing people together. Just last January, one of my uncles was a performer at the Elvis Festival at Parkes again, since he's like the hugest fan. I'm sure even non-fans of The King or of rock-and-roll will enjoy the music and the costumes. Moreover, it feels touching to see all those people keeping the memory of the famous musician alive.
And then there are events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which happens on February 14, right in time for Valentine's Day. For the participants of this annual festival, it not just a parade or a party. More importantly, it’s a celebration of inclusion and love. Everyone is welcome here. Barriers fall away. This is a time when the joy of being together takes centre stage.
I'm sure you're bound to find a festival that suits your interests. Australia's country music lovers have the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which just happened last month. There's also a blues festival and jazz festival. There are also fabulous spring festivals for those who love flowers and agricultural stuff. For literature lovers, Byron Bay has a three-day festival for writers.
Economic and Community Impact
Aside from all the entertainment we experience, festivals also do a lot of good for the local economy. Big events like Vivid Sydney or the Adelaide Fringe pump millions of dollars into the economy, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. Bendigo Easter Festival, the oldest Australian community festival, is a source of pride.
But it’s not just about the big names. Smaller festivals breathe life into regional areas. Take the Elvis Festival again. This quirky celebration attracts people from different parts of the country and even the world, and has turned Parkes in New South Wales into a must-visit destination.
And let’s not forget about volunteering. Many festivals rely on volunteers to make the magic happen. Whether you’re handing out programs, setting up stalls, or helping with clean-up, it’s a chance to give back while meeting new people. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Festivals
Sometimes, we just need a little break from our daily grind. Festivals have a way of lifting us up. They bring joy and connection in ways that few other things can. Take the Woodford Folk Festival, held annually from Dec 27th through to January 1st. Aside from music, it also serves as an avenue for people to gather and share stories, dance, and relax for six days and six nights.
There’s also something magical about outdoor festivals like Falls Festival or Splendour in the Grass. Being out in nature, surrounded by music and happy faces, feels like hitting the reset button.
And the memories? They stick with you. Whether it’s your little one’s wide-eyed wonder at their first festival or the belly laughs you shared with friends, these moments remind us why life is worth celebrating.
Some popular festivals in Australia
Thankfully, you're bound to find a festival loved by Australian and international visitors to attend that takes place in whichever city you are in Australia:
- Australian Open: January
- Fremantle International Street Arts Festival: March/April
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival: March/April
- West Coast Blues 'n' Roots Festival: March/April
- DreamBIG Children's Festival: May (50 years this 2025)
- Horizon Festival (premier multi-arts festival in Sunshine Coast): May
- Hinterland Music Festival: August
- Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (Victoria): October
- Melbourne Cup: November
- Perth International Jazz Festival: November
- Brisbane International Film Festival: November/December
- Big White's Christmas Eve Festival: December
- New Year's Eve festivals (in different cities): December
Whether you love comedians, sports, or virtually anything, there's something for you in any Australian city.
Your Child's First Fest
Taking your child to their first festival? Here are some things you should consider:
- Your child's interests: Make sure to leave a great impression of festivals by bringing them to events that they actually like. Got a kid who loves dancing? The Youth Dance Festival is held at Canberra every November. There's also the Alice Springs Beanie Festival Inc for anyone who loves, well, beanies!
- Food: Check that the festival offers stalls with foods appropriate for kids. For example, a food and wine festival might not be the perfect venue for young children.
- Accommodations: If you're planning to stay overnight or a couple of days, you'd like to check available hotels or BNBs. Kids have different needs, so staying in tents might not be the best idea.
- Time: Festivals can happen for three days, four days, five days, or more. You will most probably go on a weekend because of work and school, but also consider the volume of attendees.
- Accompanying popular events: You'd want to check for performance by artists or fireworks displays that your little ones will enjoy. Many festivals organise other themed activities your kids might enjoy like competitions, workshops, theatre, displays, and exhibitions.
Conclusion: The Power of Festivals
Festivals are more than just fun events; they’re a lifeline for our communities. They bring us together, celebrate our diversity, and remind us of the beauty of connection. Great thing you're bound to find a festival whether you are in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, or anywhere.
Next time you see a poster for a local festival or discover about an event nearby, go. Take your kids, take your friends, or just take yourself. Immerse yourself in the music, fine food, the laughter. Celebrate being part of this incredible community we call Australia. I promise, it's going to be worth it.
