Townsville Folk Festival
Festival FAQs
Codes of conduct and FAQs
We hope to provide the best possible music festival experience for our supporters our musicians, our volunteers, stall holders and our festival-goers. Help us keep it a vibrant magical festival.
When and where is the festival?
The 35th Townsville Folk Festival runs from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026.
- Gates open: 10:00 AM, Friday June 12
- Early arrival:
- Thursday, June 11 for volunteers
- From 2:00 PM with a Thursday camping pass ($20 per person)
- Festival site opens: 12:00 PM Friday
- Program starts: 1:30 PM Friday
- Departure: All attendees must leave by 10:00 AM Monday, June 15
What is the festival theme this year?
There is no set theme for 2026. Instead, we’re celebrating creativity and decorations!
- Decorate your campsite and enjoy the atmosphere
- Fancy dress is encouraged
- Parasol/Umbrella Decoration Competition
- Judging: Saturday at 4:45 PM at the Mountain Stage
Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The festival site is wheelchair accessible, with flat, grassed areas across all stages, accessible toilets, and designated disability parking.
Do you accept Companion Cards?
Yes. Purchase one standard ticket and one Companion Ticket, and present a valid Companion Card at the gate. The cardholder receives free entry, and both attendees must enter together.
What is the seating arrangement?
You can bring your own camp chairs or use the hay bale seating provided.
Will the festival go ahead in bad weather?
Yes, the festival runs rain or shine. Please come prepared for warm days, cool nights, and possible rain.
Are program changes possible?
Yes. The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the program. We recommend downloading the program to your smartphone before arriving.
Do I need to bring cash?
Yes. Most vendors prefer cash.
Can I buy alcohol at the festival?
No. This is a BYO event. Alcohol is not sold on-site, but ice is available for purchase near the Merch Tent.
What is the policy on underage drinking?
The festival has a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking. Any minor caught with alcohol will be handed over to authorities, as well as any adult supplying alcohol to them.
The festival has a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking. Any minor caught with alcohol will be handed over to authorities, as well as any adult supplying alcohol to them.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at the festival. Only authorized assistance dogs are permitted. Any violation of this rule may result in eviction from the festival.
No, pets are not allowed at the festival. Only authorized assistance dogs are permitted. Any violation of this rule may result in eviction from the festival.
What is the policy on anti-social behavior?
The festival is a family-friendly and community-focused event. Anti-social behavior will not be tolerated, and security staff may remove anyone causing disruptions.
The festival is a family-friendly and community-focused event. Anti-social behavior will not be tolerated, and security staff may remove anyone causing disruptions.
Can I take photos, videos, or audio recordings?To respect copyright and artists’ livelihoods, photography, video, and audio recordings are not allowed without prior approval.
When can I set up my campsite?
The campsite opens at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 12. Attendees should not arrive before this time unless they are volunteering or prior arrangements are made with organisers.
The campsite opens at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 12. Attendees should not arrive before this time unless they are volunteering or prior arrangements are made with organisers.
When do I need to leave?
All attendees must depart by 10:00 AM on Monday, June 15, unless volunteers helping with Pack Down.
All attendees must depart by 10:00 AM on Monday, June 15, unless volunteers helping with Pack Down.
Do I need to bring my own camping gear?
Yes, campers must bring their own tents, bedding, and all necessary camping equipment.
Yes, campers must bring their own tents, bedding, and all necessary camping equipment.
Can I bring a caravan, campervan or bus?
Yes, we welcome all sorts of camping and caravanning styles. Our helpful Traffic Flow Assistants will direct you to where is best to park large vehicles.
Yes, we welcome all sorts of camping and caravanning styles. Our helpful Traffic Flow Assistants will direct you to where is best to park large vehicles.
Are powered campsites available?
No, there are no powered sites at the festival.
No, there are no powered sites at the festival.
Can I use a generator?
No, generators are not permitted.
No, generators are not permitted.
Is drinking water available?
Yes, drinking water is provided onsite in water tanks at the campsite, festival site, and volunteer campsite. We encourage you to bring refillable water bottles.
Yes, drinking water is provided onsite in water tanks at the campsite, festival site, and volunteer campsite. We encourage you to bring refillable water bottles.
Are hot showers available?
Yes, hot showers are available at the campsite.
Yes, hot showers are available at the campsite.
What should I know about camping guidelines?
- Camp only in designated areas. Volunteers will assist with directions.
- If camping in a group, let volunteers know so they can allocate enough space.
- Guy ropes should not pose a safety hazard. Use white plastic strips or LED/Fairy Lights if necessary.
- Be considerate of others—keep noise levels low at night.
Can I have a campfire?
Yes, but only under these conditions:
Yes, but only under these conditions:
- Fires must be in a self-contained fire pit (brazier) that can be covered.
- You must have two full buckets of water next to the fire at all times.
- Fires must never be left unattended.
Is loud music allowed in the camping area?
Please respect quiet hours at night. Drumming and loud music are not allowed in the campsite after dark.
Please respect quiet hours at night. Drumming and loud music are not allowed in the campsite after dark.
What should I do with my waste?
- Take all rubbish home whenever possible. There is no waste collection at the campsite.
- Use recycling bins provided around the site, especially for 10c containers.
- Bring your own cup, container, plate, and bowl to support our zero-waste goal.
Is security and First Aid available at the festival? Yes, security and first aid services are available 24/7 within the festival site, based in the Security Tent.
What should I do with my valuables?The festival organizers are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Keep valuables, alcohol, and cigarettes locked in your car.
Is footwear required? Yes, footwear must be worn at all times for safety reasons.
Will there be a Lost and Found area? Yes, the Merch Tent will accept lost and found items if they are handed in.
Can I leave my children unattended at the Kids Festival?No, all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Festival volunteers throughout the site will not be responsible for minding or supervising children.
Litter: Dispose of waste in appropriate containers. Recycle whenever possible. Keep sites litter-free and preferably take all rubbish home.
Loud Music: Avoid playing loud music or drums in general camping areas for the comfort of others.
At the Townsville Folk Festival, we strive to capture the vibrant spirit and community atmosphere of our event through photography and videography. To ensure that we can continue to promote and celebrate the festival experience, we have implemented the following image use policy:
**Consent Upon Entry**: By entering the Townsville Folk Festival premises, all festival goers automatically grant permission for their image and likeness to be captured in photographs and videos during the course of the festival.
**Purpose of Image Use**: The images and recordings obtained during the festival may be used for promotional purposes, including but not limited to advertising, social media posts, public relations efforts, website content, print materials, and any other form of promotional material deemed necessary by the Townsville Folk Festival organizers.
**Ownership and Rights**: All photographs and videos taken during the festival, which feature festival goers, shall remain the property of the Townsville Folk Festival. Festival goers understand and acknowledge that they do not have any rights or claims to the images or recordings captured during the event.
**Respect for Privacy**: While we aim to capture the essence of the festival experience, we are committed to respecting the privacy of our attendees. We will make reasonable efforts to avoid capturing images or recordings of individuals who express a desire not to be photographed or recorded. However, given the nature of a public event, complete avoidance may not always be possible.
**Opting Out**: Festival goers who do not wish to have their image or likeness used for promotional purposes may request to opt out by contacting festival organizers prior to the event or by informing festival staff on-site. While we will make every effort to accommodate such requests, it may not be feasible to prevent incidental inclusion in crowd shots or background scenes.
**Updates to Policy**: The Townsville Folk Festival reserves the right to update or modify this image use policy as needed. Any changes to the policy will be communicated through our official channels, including our website and social media platforms.
By attending the Townsville Folk Festival, festival goers acknowledge and agree to abide by the terms of this image use policy. We thank all attendees for their cooperation in helping us capture and share the magic of our festival with the world.
Head towards Charters Towers on Flinders Hwy/A6 – about 43 km ~ Turn left onto Dingo Park Rd. – 10 km ~ Turn right onto Webb Rd and continue to the end to Foots Hill station gate – 8.8 km ~ That’s it!
