The National Folk Festival 2024 is scheduled to be an epic celebration of music, art, and culture, making it one of the most highly anticipated events held in Canberra. The festival brings together a diverse mix of music, workshops, exhibitions, and performances, offering something for everyone.
Whether you’re a folk music enthusiast, an art lover, or just looking for a unique experience, there’s something on the program for you. Here’s all the details you need about the festival and what makes it so worth going.
This Year’s Need-To-Know Information
Dates: Easter Weekend (28 March – 1 April 2024)
Location: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC)
Tickets: https://www.folkfestival.org.au/tickets. Adult season tickets are $415, but they do offer day passes at a lower cost.
Over 50,000 visitors attend the festival every year, so it’s best to get tickets as soon as you can and book accommodation early if you’re coming from out of state.
What is the National Folk Festival?
The National Folk Festival is an annual celebration of folk music, dance, and art in Canberra. It takes place over the Easter long weekend and offers a huge range of performances, workshops, markets, and activities for all ages. Attendees get to experience diverse traditions of folk music, dance, storytelling, and crafts from across the world. The world-class festival is set up to resemble a small village with different sections and venues. This village layout is reflected in the strong community spirit it’s known for and the opportunity it provides for music lovers to engage deeply with folk traditions in a welcoming environment.
The 2024 National Folk Festival Program Highlights
Diverse Musical Lineup
At the heart of the festival is its music. Attendees can expect a broad spectrum of musical acts spanning genres across within and beyond traditional folk. From intimate acoustic sets that tell stories of Australian heritage to high-energy performances that get the crowd dancing, there’s a musical journey for every ear. The festival prides itself on showcasing a blend of local talent from across Australia, including Indigenous performers, alongside international acts that bring a global perspective to the folk scene. You’ll also find plenty of impromptu street performances throughout the festival! For the full lineup, check their website: https://www.folkfestival.org.au/artists. I know I’m excited to see The Audreys!
Cultural And Artistic Exhibits
Beyond just a music festival, the National Folk Festival is a celebration of culture and art. Throughout the large festival grounds, there are many exhibitions that offer insights into folk traditions, storytelling, and the visual arts. These exhibitions are curated to enlighten and inspire, featuring works that range from Indigenous art to contemporary folk expressions. It’s an invitation to explore the stories and histories that have shaped Australia’s diverse cultural landscape.
Workshops
The festival offers a range of workshops and masterclasses. Whether you’re interested in honing your instrument skills, learning about the history of folk music, or trying your hand at traditional crafts, there’s an opportunity to learn from experienced artists and craftspeople. These sessions not only provide a hands-on experience but also foster a sense of community through shared learning. Some highlights are songwriting lessons, poetry workshops, a lesson on Solomon Island culture, and even a self-defence class!
Family-Friendly Activities
The festival’s timing overlaps with the school holidays, and it truly is an experience for the whole family, with numerous kid-friendly events throughout. From storytelling sessions and puppet shows to interactive art projects and a dedicated kids’ zone, the festival ensures that younger attendees have just as enriching an experience as adults. These activities are not only entertaining but also educational, providing fun ways for children to learn about different cultures and the arts. Family-friendly activities this year include make-your-own-instrument workshops, a lesson on Ngunnawal culture, a lesson on how to build performance skills, and much more!
Sustainable Practices and Community Engagement
Sustainability and community are at the core of the festival’s ethos. Attendees can learn about and participate in sustainable practices, from waste reduction initiatives to environmental workshops. The festival also encourages community engagement through its volunteer program, providing a way for people to become an integral part of the event. On average, there are over 800 volunteers from around ACT, NSW, and beyond. If you want to volunteer, aside from having a lot of fun, you’ll get free session tickets that include camping. Normally, that would run you $579. You can apply to volunteer on the official National Folk Festival site: https://www.folkfestival.org.au/vol-24
History Of The National Folk Festival
The National Folk Festival in Australia has a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1967. It was first held in Melbourne and initially conceived as a one-off event to celebrate the 1967 Easter weekend. However, the festival’s success and the enthusiastic reception from both artists and attendees led to it becoming an annual event.
Over the years, the festival has moved locations several times. After starting in Melbourne, it found homes in various cities across Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, before finally settling in Canberra in 1992. This move to Canberra marked a significant turning point, as the festival established a permanent home and began to grow in size and scope.
Throughout its history, the National Folk Festival has been dedicated to celebrating and preserving a wide range of folk traditions. It has evolved to include not only folk music but also dance, crafts, and the spoken word, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of Australia and the wider world. The festival has become known for its inclusive atmosphere, where performers and festival-goers of all ages and backgrounds come together to share and enjoy the richness of folk culture.
This year marks 57 years since the first National Folk Festival. Since then, it has played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and belonging among those who cherish folk traditions. It has also been instrumental in providing a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talents while bringing extra tourism to Canberra. Make sure you don’t miss out!
