The National Folk Festival is one of our favourite events in Canberra, combining a great line-up of music, dance, poetry and other cultural acts with a wonderful community spirit and an opportunity for artists and audiences to really connect.
Now in its 59th year, the National Folk Festival is held every year over the Easter long weekend. This year’s event will be held from April 17 to 21, 2025, at Exhibition Park in Canberra.
In an exciting development this year, the festival is introducing ‘Local Luxe’, a celebration of the quality and creativity of Canberra’s beverage scene. Combining the artisan expertise of Underground Spirits and Contentious Character, it aligns perfectly with the festival’s commitment to fostering community connections and celebrating artistic traditions.
The two producers will create an exclusive Festival Cocktail for the event. Underground Spirits will be serving its award-winning gin and vodka, while Contentious Character will showcase its cool-climate wines, made from estate-grown and regionally sourced fruit. These offerings will complement Bentspoke Brewing Co., another Canberra institution long associated with the festival.
The National Folk Festival is a longstanding celebration of the diversity of folk culture in Australia and around the world. Alongside concerts and dance events, there are vibrant jam sessions and an array of interactive workshops and ensembles that audiences can participate in.
With more than 350 events, including family-friendly fun, circus and forums, there’s something for everyone. Be entertained by captivating storytellers like Josh Pyke, Ruth Moody, Irish Mythen, David Francey, and First Nation voices such as Stuart Joel Nuggett, The Stiff Gins, and poet Sassi Spirit.
World-class musicians
Be inspired by world-class instrumentalists, including Chris Stout and Catriona McKay (fiddle and harp) and Will Pound and Jenn Butterworth (harmonica and guitar). Dance at the Bridgerton Ball, celebrate with the Australian Morris Ring under the equinox moon, join in some Cajun dancing, or pop into the Session Bar, a much-loved space where musicians congregate to jam throughout the day and night.
Throughout the Festival grounds, spontaneous antics and street performances will add to the atmosphere while you browse artisan stalls and indulge in the food on offer.
At the festival’s media launch, held at Contentious Character’s urban cellar door at Dairy Road, artistic director Holly Downes spoke passionately about the “rich and creative festival village”. Fellow artistic director Michael Sollis echoed her comments about the festival’s ability to “connect artists and audiences in unique ways … You could be learning to dance or write a poem, or bringing the ukelele on stage, or joining a mariachi band and being part of our Latin fiesta,” he said.
With music festivals around the country facing difficult times, it’s great to see the National Folk Festival still going strong, 59 years after its inception. We should all get out there and support it so that the joy continues.
It’s also great to see the festival recognising the importance of high-quality food and beverage offerings. This not only elevates the visitor experience but it inspires festival goers to share their moments online, amplifying the festival’s reach and brand.
With this level of commitment, it’s surely going to be quite the celebration at next year’s 60th National Folk Festival.
To find out more about what’s on the program at the 2025 National Folk Festival, visit www.folkfestival.org.au
