FAMILY FEST HIGHLIGHTS
The tiniest of folks are welcome throughout the Festival and there are great options for families to share in across the program. We understand that navigating a larger event with children and young people can require a bit more planning, so our program is colour-coded to help families identify events most suited their interests.
The Festival also features some practical spaces and services to help families enjoy their time together. Our Family Marquee is situated within our FamilyFest area, and next to our Community Arts tents, making it easy for folks of different ages and interests to enjoy suitable events in close proximity. There is a Parents Room for changing and feeding, and a Cloak Room so you don't need to carry everything around all day. Plus, our Low-Sensory Room offers a place for downtime as and when folks might need it.
Read on below for a selection of events and activities that young folks and families can enjoy at the Festival.
FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS
Listen and Laugh
Gather around for stories that spark imagination and shared laughter. History comes to life with songs, storytelling and puppetry, with the much-loved tale of Railway Bob plus cheeky and charming Punch and Judy shows. Deelightfultales and Kiran the Storyteller share folktales and personal stories drawn from Asian and Indian traditions, using voice, movement and humour to connect audiences of all ages. Plus discover the musical adventure that is LizzieLand and be whisked away into an enchanting world of song, imagination and wonder.
Dance and Move
Maypole with Molly brings traditional maypole dancing to the Festival, inviting kids and adults to weave ribbons and create patterns together, with music and dance calling throughout. Circus Hokum returns for the Festival’s 60th year, blending circus performance with live music, and offering youth-focused casual circus skills try-outs. There will also be daily Family Dances in the Piazza, with everyone welcome to join.
Learn and Play
Families can join a daily Festival Ensemble including the Family Marimba Band, led by MarimbaTaters, where kids, carers and parents play marimbas and more, with no experience needed. The Festival Bush Band, led by Austral, rehearses for the Sunday night Ball, while the Radical Pick-Up Marching Band, led by Riff Raff Radical Marching Band, performs in the Sunday night Lantern Parade. Saplings is a daily workshop program for young musicians aged 8–18, led by tutors from the Bush Music Club. Young performers can also sign up for Open Mic for Kids or Youth Blackboard at Sam’s Caravan, and join daily youth sessions led by Comhaltas Sydney Céilí Band, West End Bluegrass Jam, and singing session with Young Folk artist Rupert Bullard.
Make and Participate
The Community Arts program offers art and craft activities and workshops for folks of all ages. You can join a workshop, contribute to ongoing activities, bring your own craft project, or add to the Festival Mural. Join the Lantern Parade alongside the Radical Pick Up Band Ensemble and Riff Raff Rugrats, and show off the lanterns you made at Community Arts throughout the weekend. On Monday, all venues pause before sounds of celebration emerge across the site as the Festival Parade takes over. You can join the procession as it passes by or prepare with activities over the weekend that lead into the Parade.
Info for Folks with Little Folks
Families and young folk are well looked after at the NFF, making it easy to relax and enjoy the days together.
In 2026 there’s a new cloakroom so you don’t have to carry everything everywhere, plus an indoor parents’ room with a change table, microwave and comfortable chairs for feeding and settling little ones. If things get overwhelming, the low-sensory room offers a calm space to take a breather. The Family Festival area is packed with hands-on activities and sits right next to the Family Marquee, so concerts, workshops and play are close together and easy to manage. You’ll also find budget and kid-friendly food options across the site, and a quiet camping area for families who want a more restful place to recharge between Festival days.
FESTIVAL PARADES
The Lantern Parade takes place on Sunday evening, parading through the Festival site bringing light and laughter with it. Take part by making lanterns throughout the weekend at FamilyFest or join the Riff Raff Radical Marching Band daily ensemble or kids’ workshop, with all instruments and experience levels welcome. Meet at the Village Green at 7:50pm to prepare before setting off at 8:10pm.
The Festival Parade on Monday leads to the Farewell Concert. March from the start or join in as it passes by. Visit the Community Arts Tent during the Festival to find out how to get involved, or for the musically inclined, join the MarimbaTaters Family Band to perform at the Parade’s conclusion. Meet at the Family Marquee at 4:20pm to prepare before setting off at 4:50pm.
