Armidale Autumn Festival

The Armidale Autumn Festival returns on Saturday 21 March 2026 for a vibrant, community‑wide celebration of colour, creativity and local culture. From dawn to dusk, Civic Park and the Armidale CBD will come alive with immersive experiences, entertainment, heritage demonstrations and family activities.

The day begins from 6:00am, when Patricia Piccinini’s magnificent Skywhales rise over the CBD, offering a magical sunrise spectacle as part of their national tour.

From 7:00am, festival‑goers can enjoy Breakfast with the Band, followed by the energetic Campus to City Canter, bringing the community together in a lively morning celebration.

From 11:00am, market stalls and food stalls fill Civic Park, showcasing local produce, artisan goods and culinary favourites. At 11:50am, aviation fans can gather for Paul Bennett’s first air show, kicking off an afternoon of impressive aerial displays.

The iconic Autumn Festival Parade follows at 12:00pm, filling the streets with colour, creativity and community spirit.

From 1:00pm, don’t miss the dedicated Kids Zone in Civic Park, offering activities, rides and entertainment for families. At 2:00pm, the region’s agricultural heritage takes centre stage with Sheep Dog Trials, alongside the New England heritage zone, featuring vintage machinery and lost‑trade demonstrations, an exciting new attraction for 2026 that celebrates craftsmanship and local rural traditions.

Later in the afternoon, spectators can look to the sky once more as Paul Bennett returns for his second air show, concluding the festival with high‑energy aerobatic flair.