CAMPING
Camping at the National is a very long standing tradition, and a great way to fully immerse yourself in the Festival and be rejuvenated over the long weekend. Scroll down for general information about the various camping areas so that you can choose one to best suit your needs. There are FAQs below too!
​
Unreserved general camping (not powered) is available, however reserved (powered and not powered) camping was booked out well in advance of the 2025 Festival. Please sign up to our newsletter through the website contact form to be notified when bookings open for the next Festival, 2-6 April 2026.
​
Click here for detailed reserved camping area maps.
​
We partner with Camping Buddy, and app created by our friends at Green Music Australia to help you plan for an easy and environmentally sustainable Festival camping experience.
​
.png)
MAKE YOUR HOME
MEET NEW FRIENDS
Set up with friends and family, or meet new friendly folks. Roll out a swag or bring your full glamping set up. Everyone is welcome!
ACTON ARENA & OVAL
General group camping. Your typical no-fuss festival camping arrangement with neat rows, close amenities.
No reserved camping available.
No cars allowed on the oval.
11pm sound curfew.
THE STABLES
The campground for avid sessions musicians, it’s not a quiet campground. Reserved powered sites and general sites are available in this zone.
COTTER
Motorhomes, caravans and huge sites for people that enjoy their space. This campground is located next to the laundry facilities.
Reserved camping only, no access for general camping.
11pm sound curfew.
BICENTENNIAL
A shaded grassy campground, best for people that like an early night and a peaceful morning. A good choice for families with young children. An expectation that sound throughout the day is kept to a level that allows for naps and late starts. Reserved camping only, no access for general camping. 10pm sound curfew
-
Support/ContactIf after reading through the application form you have unanswered questions or need help applying, please email: artistic.director@folkfestival.org.au
-
AccommodationArtists are responsible for their own accommodation, travel and meals, unless otherwise negotiated. On site camping is available to all contracted performers at the National Folk Festival, which may incur a nominal fee in 2026. Artists may choose to bring their own tents and bedding, or pay a discounted rate for a pre-erected rent-a-tent which offers a convenient and comfortable alternative. Additionally, our friends at Canberra Rex Hotel offer special discounted rates for Festival goers, and there are many accomodation providers in Canberra within easy distance to the Festival site. Click here to learn more.
-
Choir InformationChoirs add incredible vibrancy to the Festival and their performances offer a wonderful opportunity for patron interactions. Because of this, most choirs will be programmed to perform outdoors in busy areas that allow for patrons moving through the site to enjoy their music. These performances will be busking style, but scheduled to a time and location which may be designed to appear spontaneous or be listed in the Festival program. Some choirs may be scheduled to perform in indoor venues however we ask applicants to understand that they should expect to be offered at least one programmed performance outdoors.
-
ContractsThe Festival will supply successful applicants with a standard Festival contract.
-
Public LiabilitySuccessful artists will be required to supply a certificate of currency for a current Public Liability Insurance Policy for all members at the time of contracting. Any volunteer artists or groups not receiving a fee will not be required to hold their own Public Liability Insurance Policy and will be covered by the National Folk Festival insurance policy.
-
Artist Green RoomThe National Folk Festival provides an Artist Green Room area that offers a comfortable space for down time, tea and coffee facilities, a phone charging station, plus easy access to our Artist Liaison team who can assist with any questions you may have during the Festival. Please note that the National Folk Festival does not offer specific riders for artists.
-
Artist and crew ticketsAll contracted artists are provided with an artist ticket redeemable for their wristband on arrival at the Festival site. Any additional tickets for support staff, technical crew or management must be negotiated with the Artistic Directors at the time of contracting.
-
Artist family ticketsFamilies are a very important part of our Festival, which offers plenty of things for children and young people to enjoy. All artists are offered discounted tickets for their immediate family. We encourage artists with young children to include any costs and/or supports they may need to participate in the festival in their application.