Childers Festival is a celebration of the people and heritage of Childers!

When the highway closes, Childers is transformed into an action-packed entertainment hub, hosting celebrity artists and live music from every genre and decade!

The incredible markets feature a highway filled with over 400 stallholders where you can pick up vintage treasures, sample local produce and admire hand-made gems and local arts and craft.

Witness dozens of artists across multiple stages headlined by Dragon, Bondi Cigars and Murphy's Pigs.

Those young and young at heart will also be mesmerised by dance, culture, street performers and carnival rides.

Ready for the finer details? Check out our Festival FAQs

Sunday 28 July
9 am - 3.30 pm
Childers | Queensland

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Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of Childers’ multicultural roots as Saturday night at Crescent Street comes alive with the tastes and sounds of India.

Experience the pulse of the streets with mesmerising street performers and soothing yoga lessons to rejuvenate mind and body.

Discover the artistry of henna painting in an interactive workshop, and groove along to the infectious rhythms of Bollywood with DJ Desi, then dance into the night with Soulcutz and Magic Carpet Ride.

And of course, indulge your taste buds with a delectable array of traditional Indian cuisine, showcasing the culinary delights of the subcontinent as well as some festival favourites with an Indian twist.

Saturday 27 July
2 - 9 pm
Crescent St | Childers

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Childers Festival 2024 kicks off with an intimate twilight market!

Visitors and locals alike can witness the talents of the region on show as the sun sets over the region. The heritage listed town of Childers has so much to offer in the way of locally made products and produce.

Stallholders will line Crescent Street showcasing local food, condiments, arts, crafts and fashion. Complete with food trucks and kids rides. Presented by Community Events Management.

Thursday 25 July
4 - 9 pm
Crescent St | Childers

Want to be a stallholder at the Twilight Market?

Witness the banks of Lake Redbrook transform into a beautiful, picnic style affair for Opera by the Lake.

Growing in popularity each year, Opera by the Lake is a standout event during the annual Childers Festival.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon lakeside being entertained by Mark Vincent, one of Australia’s most beloved tenors who has captured the heart of people all over Australia and internationally. Supporting Mark will be our own homegrown soprano superstar Suellen Cusack in a collaboration that is not to be missed.

Enjoy a glass or two of local wine while enjoying both the music and beautiful setting.

Local refreshments and wineries on site make Opera by the Lake the perfect way to relax on a Saturday afternoon before the main Festival Day.

Saturday 27 July
2 - 4 pm
Lake Redbrook | Childers

Tickets: $59

Opera by the Lake is proudly supported by Ergon Energy.

Experience the journey of sugar cane from crop to crystal on this popular, entertaining and informative tour.

Enjoy the spectacle of modern harvesting at a cane farm, watch a locomotive hauling cane bins to the mill before stopping at various locations around the mill where the process of sugar cane production is explained.

Tour participants experience the spectacular sight of a cane fire completed with a BBQ dinner and a Mamminos ice-cream.

Thursday 25 | 3.30 - 9 pm
Friday 26 July | SOLD OUT

Tour begins at Isis Golf Club | Childers

Tickets: Adult $57 | Child $27 (ages 8 - 12)

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of electrifying entertainment with RESPECT The Aretha Franklin Story.

The show journeys through Aretha Franklin’s courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph, while showcasing her greatest hits over the last 50 years!

Starring Australia’s ‘Soul Mama’, Angie Narayan, RESPECT is a masterful piece of storytelling about family, loyalty and victory, layered with glorious harmonies and sassy repartee.

Joining Angie on stage are performers, Ezekiel Narayan, Shelley Davies and the incredible Faith Sosene, top 5 finalist who blew Australia away in The Voice Season 11, together with an electric band!

Friday 26 July
6 - 10 pm
Paragon Theatre | Childers

Tickets: General Admission (Reserve B) $74 | General Admission (Reserve A) $89 (SOLD OUT) | Lounge + Drink Package and VIP packages (SOLD OUT)

Historical Bus Tour

Fourth generation resident Warren Martin invites you on an informative bus tour that goes beyond the picturesque main street of Childers.

Hear stories of heartbreak and humour, heroes and villains, and the events that have shaped the history of Childers. The tour will take you through the streets of this heritage listed town as you learn about the traditional custodians of the land, the discovery of the Isis Scrub and subsequent logging industry, the development of the pastoral and agricultural industries, heritage listed buildings, memorable events and prominent citizens throughout history.

Providing an interesting insight for both visitors and locals alike, your adventure will commence in front of the Paragon Theatre and conclude at the Isis District War Memorial Precinct, with entry into the unique Soldiers Memorial Room.

Saturday 27 July
11 am - 12.30 pm
Childers township

Tickets: $15

Paragon Theatre Tour

The breath-taking heritage listed Paragon Theatre is a rare treasure steeped in Australian history.

This prized piece of Australian architecture has played host to a long list of entertainment since its opening back in 1927. Join Paragon Theatre owner Merissa for a behind the scenes tour of this state heritage listed theatre.

The tour includes an iconic postcard and your choice between a beverage from the espresso bar or an award winning Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream.

Saturday 27 July
9.30 - 10.45 am
Paragon Theatre | Childers

Tickets: $25

Arts in the Park

Join us in Millennium Park for pop up art activities for art lovers of all ages!

Featuring artists from the Childers Visual Arts Group, supported by Bundaberg Regional Galleries, Arts in the Park is all about trying something new and finding your inner artist!   

There will be free mini arts workshops and artist chats, and artworks for sale, all in the bustling, lively surrounds of Millenium Park!

This year, Arts in the Park is complemented by Creation Station: A Retrospective featuring works by the Childers Visual Arts Group at Childers Arts Space.  

Saturday 27 July
9 am - 2 pm
Millennium Park | Crescent Street

Writing is a medium of communication that represents language through the inscription of signs and symbols.

Multicultural Mass

The Multicultural Mass is a long established feature of the Childers Festival line up which will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Join Father Jack Ho with a display of national flags, prayers being spoken in different languages and parishioners wearing national dress. 

Saturday 27 July
6 - 7.30 pm
Sacred Heart Catholic Church | Childers

Writing is a medium of communication that represents language through the inscription of signs and symbols.

Nestled in amongst the vines, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Vintner's Secret Vineyard as you picnic, serenaded by the talented Band of the 1st Regiment.

While picnic benches and seating are available in the stunning fruit orchard or beneath shady trees on the viewing deck, guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic or pre-purchase a delightful picnic hamper lovingly made at the venue especially for the event (additional cost, limited quantities available).

A leisurely day with lawn games, music and fine wine available for purchase, come for an hour or an afternoon, the choice is yours.

This is a licenced venue, no BYO alcohol.

Friday 26 July
11 am - 2.30 pm
Vintner's Secret Vineyard | Childers

Call 07 4126 1255 to book your spot.

Tickets: Adult $20 | Child $10 (ages 3 - 10) | Hamper $70

Join local winemakers Terrance and Mary Byrne at Hill Of Promise Winery and discover how they pour pride, passion and respect for tradition into every glass.

The evening starts with a glass of 3 Marys bubbly and tasty appetisers as guests enjoy the ambience of the working winery.

A two-course meal featuring delicious, seasonal local produce will be matched with the vineyard’s award-winning preservative-free wines.

Thursday 25 July
6.30 - 9 pm
Hill of Promise Winery | Childers

Call 07 4126 1311 to join the waitlist.

Tickets: $80

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