Bathurst Winter Festival

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Sat 06 Jul 2024 - Sun 21 Jul 2024

Over the 16 days and nights of the NSW winter school holidays in July, the town of Bathurst will come alive with a myriad of festivities and attractions suitable for all ages.

The winter playground is the wonderland at the heart of the festival with a 30m outdoor ice rink in front of Bathurst Court House where you can practice your skating or master a pirouette, indulge in delicious treats, enjoy live music, carnival rides, captivating installations, photo ops, and more, daily.

Attraction favourites, such as the giant ferris wheel and the 2-storey carousel are back, as well as teacups, jumping castles and the sizzler. Immersive installations include a Forest of Lights and a Festoon Path from sunset, in addition to a multiplayer giant arcade game that will be cast on the walls of Courthouse Lane.


Further lighting up this oldest inland settlement of Australia is a number of illuminations for you to explore the city’s historic buildings from sundown. Shop fronts and homes are decorated too, providing a colourful carnival of welcome.

This outdoor festival also has themed feature events on specific dates, as follows -

Opening Night (6 July)

A magical lantern parade will wind its way through the streets to the festival stage at the winter playground for an official opening of the event, whilst a diverse selection of food trucks and some of the region’s best beer, wine and cider satisfy your cravings.

Entertainment comes in the form of a showcase of musical artistry from extraordinarily talented students from high schools across the Bathurst region, and a silent disco that will see you dancing the night away as festival illuminations come to life for the first time.


Kids Day (10 & 17 July)

Wednesdays are dedicated to kids with activities that include chalk art, giant lawn games, interactive circus shows and recycled craft workshops. An animal farm provides baby lambs, kid goats, cute rabbits, ducklings and chicks with miniature donkey meet & greets.

Children’s entertainers, dance school performances, kids music on the ice rink and markets round out these days at the winter playground.

LiveBetter Accessibility Day (11 July)

A signature part of the festival is ensuring those with a disability can participate in activities that are fun and safely supported. The ice rink on this day, for 4 hours, has reduced capacity that allows those with accessibility needs, including those in wheelchairs, to move around in ice skating sessions that include quiet, low sensory skating experiences with no music.

There will also be market stalls, exhibits from local accessibility service providers and food & beverage options from various vendors. Whether it’s sweet or savoury, you’re sure to find something delectable.


Brew & Bite (12 & 13 July)

The biggest event of the festival, Brew & Bite is all about the best-mulled wines, spiced ciders, local gins and craft ales from some of the region’s outstanding vignerons, brewers and distillers, together with an array of amazing food from food trucks, local chefs, cooks, caterers and providers. Twilight markets for those who like to shop are also onsite.

A silent disco, live music and entertainment feature with the likes of fire dancers performing, stilt walkers, professional ice skaters and local musicians. Two great nights you won’t want to miss at the winter playground.


Winter Wind Down (21 July)

It all has to end and it’s going out with live acoustic music, market stalls, a pet parade, an animal adoption drive, all the fun of the winter playground and more. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the last of this winter magic and make unforgettable memories.

The Important Stuff

Where: Across Kings Parade, Russell St (winter playground) & Machattie Park
Entry: Free, however tickets are required for the ice rink & carnival rides
Website: www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au for pricing, timings and further information
Ph: 02 6333 6111

#festivals
#school_holidays
#family_friendly
#ice_skating
#food_drink
#markets
#carnival_attractions
#music
#dancing
#kids_activities
#circus
#animals
%wnbathurst
%wnsydney
!date 06/07/2024--21/07/2024