Culburra Beach Festival

At a Glance: The Information Hub

AttributeDetail
Event NameCulburra Beach Festival
DatesSeptember 25, 26, & 27, 2026
Exact LocationCrookhaven Park Oval and Culburra Beach Community Centre, NSW
Entry CostWeekend passes from $75; single night passes from $40; free community day events
Best For (Audience)Live music enthusiasts, coastal road-trippers, families, and lovers of regional community culture
Pet-Friendly (Yes/No)Yes (special outdoor spaces and the annual Pooch Parade welcome dogs on leash)

Introduction

Late September at Culburra Beach brings coastal breezes and warmer afternoons. Visitors driving from Sydney or Canberra pass dairy pastures, scribbly gums and Lake Wollumboola before reaching the coast. The festival spreads across Crookhaven Park Oval, the community centre, local venues and cafés, creating a weekend centred on live music and community events.

The Deep Dive: Culburra Beach Festival

Origin & Community Roots

The festival is driven by volunteers, regional artists and local businesses, with programming held on the traditional lands of the Jerrinja people. Indigenous heritage forms part of the weekend, including a Saturday morning performance by the Mudjingaal Yangamba women’s choir, featuring songs in language.

On the Ground at Crookhaven Park Oval

Crookhaven Park Oval hosts two outdoor stages featuring blues and global rhythms, alongside food trucks serving wood-fired pizzas, dumplings and local seafood. Independent makers also sell ceramics, coastal photography and other locally produced goods.

Navigating the Schedule Across Different Travelers

The program offers different options depending on your interests and travel group:

  • For Families: Saturday morning at the oval runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, with free community entertainment including Milk Crate Circus workshops, face painting and the annual Pooch Parade. At 12:15 pm, Power FM hosts Culburra’s Got Talent, featuring junior and senior divisions and cash prizes.
  • For Music Purists: The Acoustic Cafe Trail runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings at venues including Frankies, Benny’s and Fishwicks, with artists such as Mick on Wheels and the Horns of Pan.
  • For Evening Music: Evening performances focus on blues and rock, with Ray Beadle appearing alongside Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil and The Family Dog. Sunday afternoon’s Boomers Bash at the community centre features bands including The Interceptors performing classic 60s, 70s and 80s covers.

The Local Insider’s Edge

  • Parking: Check the festival’s current transport and parking information before arriving, particularly if you plan to attend during peak periods.
  • Acoustic Cafe Timing: The Acoustic Cafe Trail runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings at venues including Benny’s and Fishwicks. Check the festival program for performance times.
  • Weather: September conditions can change quickly, so bring layers and a wind-resistant jacket.
  • Tickets: Some festival events require separate tickets or admission, so check availability and booking requirements before arriving.
  • Seating: Bring a picnic rug or portable seating if you plan to spend extended periods at the outdoor stages.

Extend Your Stay: Where to Stay and What to Do Beyond the Festival

Staying near the festival can make a Culburra Beach weekend more convenient. Families and groups may prefer properties with secure yards and spacious kitchens, while couples and solo travellers can consider southern Culburra or Orient Point. For pet-friendly options, explore our pet-friendly rentals near Culburra Beach Festival, or browse Experience Jervis Bay for accommodation across the wider Jervis Bay and Shoalhaven region.

Adding an extra night also gives you time to explore beyond the festival:

  • Lake Wollumboola: Walk the shoreline and bring binoculars to look for black swans, pelicans and migratory wading birds.
  • Crookhaven Heads Heritage Walk: Follow the coastal track to Crookhaven Heads Lighthouse for views across Shoalhaven Bight toward Currarong.
  • Stay Until Monday: An extra night gives you more time to explore Culburra Beach and allows you to make the return journey on Monday rather than leaving immediately after the festival.

Practicalities

  • Transit: Culburra Beach is roughly a 2.5-hour drive south of Sydney via the Princes Highway and Nowra, and about 3 hours from Canberra via the Kings Highway.
  • Access: The festival takes place primarily at Crookhaven Park Oval and other community venues. Visitors with accessibility requirements should check the festival’s current access information before attending.
  • Direct Links: Secure admission wristbands and register for ticketed workshops through the official Culburra Beach Festival organisers.