Set against the sweeping coastline of Western Australia’s Coral Coast, the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival transforms Geraldton into a vibrant hub of storytelling, creativity and culture each October. Visitors can experience inspiring author talks, engaging panel discussions and interactive workshops while exploring Geraldton’s cafés, foreshore precinct and historic streets. With spring sunshine, ocean views and a welcoming regional atmosphere, the festival offers the perfect excuse for a cultural getaway. Pair a weekend of books and ideas with coastal walks, fresh Mid West seafood and day trips to nearby natural attractions — making Big Sky not just a literary event, but a memorable regional escape under WA’s wide open skies.
The Woodford Folk Festival is held annually over six days and six nights, from Dec 27th through to January 1st. More than 2,000 local, national and international, artists, musicians and presenters put on over 438 acts to an audience of an estimated 132,000 people. The festival begins each year with the iconic Opening Ceremony and closes with the spectacular showcase, the Fire Event on New Year’s Day. This year will be the 35th Woodford Folk Festival and the 28th held at Woodfordia. It is the largest gathering of artists and musicians in Australia.
The Woodford festival experience is deep, rich and colourful. It is based on a vision of inclusive and creative community, culture and tradition passed through generations, expressed through story and ceremony. The site, a former barren dairy farm, has been lovingly regenerated with over 120,000 subtropical rain forest trees, orchids, ferns and sedges, planted to create a habitat for butterflies and wildlife.
Woodfordia is transformed into a village that hosts over 25,000 daily patrons, performers, stallholders, volunteers and organisers. As many as 2,680 volunteers across 162 departments are at the heart of the organisation and contribute to the setup and day-to-day running of the festival. During the event, the festival is actually the 67th largest town in Australia.
Each year construction begins in early December and continues up until Christmas Day. Over 450 contractors and volunteers build the village. Many come from around the world to be part of the festival build and then stay for a week after to pull the event down.
WE HAVE BEEN LONGING TO ANNOUNCE THIS NEWS SINCE WHAT SEEMS LIKE FOREVER – WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL IS BACK!
Change has been more of a constant these past couple of years and that will continue into the future. The return of the festival this year will see some venues retired, some taking a year off, others returning in full glory along with some new kids on the block.
The programme will continue to have the diversity, excellence and depth that Woodford patrons have revelled in over the years.
Tickets will be capped this year to make sure we get the comfort level just right.
We will be launching tickets in June – make sure you are signed up to our mailing list stay up to date.
Dates: 19/06/2026-22/06/2026
Get ready to illuminate your winter at the inaugural Light Up the West on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast.
This unique event combines the magic of light, history, and the adventurous spirit of our people on the West in the depths of a Tassie Winter.
Join us for a free audio-visual light show in Strahan and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences hosted by locals. Think food, live music, bustling markets, invigorating winter solstice plunges, and more across the region.