Crows Nest Fest is a favourite on the local event calendar and this year there’ll be bigger flavours, more music, live art, and even special activities for four-legged friends…
From a brand-new local music stage and live painting battles to Paws Avenue and an expanded food offering, there’s even more to discover at Crows Nest Fest, which is coming up on Sunday 18th October.
Free and open to all ages, Crows Nest Fest 2026 will transform the streets, laneways, parks and public spaces of Crows Nest into one huge day of music, creativity, food and community.
Alongside more than 200 stalls, four entertainment stages, live music, food, family entertainment and roving performers, this year’s Festival will introduce some exciting new destinations to explore – including the new Base Music Stage, Paws Avenue × Vets on Falcon, an expanded Art.Beats.Bar at Kelly’s Place, and an even bigger food and beverage offering across the precinct.
“We want people to come to Crows Nest Fest and keep discovering something new as they move through the village,” said JoEllen Henderson, Event Owner, Crows Nest Mainstreet.
“This year there are some fantastic new additions alongside the Festival favourites – from emerging local musicians and interactive music experiences to live art battles, pet-focused activations and an even broader food offering.
“It’s exactly what Crows Nest Fest is about: bringing together the creativity, businesses, people and personality of our local area and giving visitors a really good reason to spend the whole day with us.”
New: Base Music Stage
One of the newest additions to Crows Nest Fest 2026 is the Base Music Stage, bringing live independent music to the lawn from 11am to 4pm.
Designed as a relaxed place to stop, settle in and discover new sounds, the stage will showcase emerging and independent artists throughout the afternoon.
The stage is presented in collaboration with Base Music, an artist-led, community-focused music organisation based right here in Crows Nest.
“This is a great example of the kind of local collaboration we want the Festival to celebrate,” said Henderson.
“Base Music is part of the creative community here in Crows Nest, so having them create a space where people can discover artists, experience live music and even have a go themselves feels completely at home within the Festival.”
Art.Beats.Bar Takes Over Kelly’s Place
For something altogether different, head to Art.Beats.Bar at Kelly’s Place, where art, DJs, drinks and a little competitive chaos come together.
At the centre of the action is Crows Nest Fest 26 Art Battle, featuring 16 visual artists competing across five fast-paced 20-minute live painting rounds.
Festivalgoers will be right in the middle of the action as artworks are created live, with the crowd helping decide who progresses and ultimately who is crowned champion.
The finished works will also be available for bidding as they are created, giving visitors the chance to take home a completely unique piece from the day.
Providing the soundtrack will be Back 2 Back DJs’ Mother Tucker, while 7th Day Brewery’s licensed zone will keep the atmosphere flowing throughout the afternoon.
Part live art show, part DJ session and part friendly showdown, Kelly’s Place is set to become one of the Festival’s most energetic destinations.
Paws Avenue × Vets on Falcon
Four-legged festivalgoers get their own destination this year with Paws Avenue × Vets on Falcon.
Created for pet lovers and animal enthusiasts, Paws Avenue will bring together animal rescue organisations, veterinarians, dog trainers, farm stays and other pet-focused groups and businesses.
Visitors can meet the people behind local animal organisations, pick up practical advice, learn more about pet health and training, and discover pet-friendly experiences and services.
It will also provide an opportunity to connect with rescue groups and community organisations doing important work for animals across the region.
Whether you arrive with a dog in tow or simply love animals, Paws Avenue will add another layer of community personality to the Festival.
Food, Glorious Food
Food, Glorious Food
Come hungry – because the food offering at Crows Nest Fest 2026 is getting even bigger.
The Festival’s famous Gourmet Food Alley will expand further into the top of Willoughby Road and Burlington Street, bringing an even broader selection of international flavours, gourmet favourites and new food experiences to the heart of the precinct.
Wineries and distillers will also join the Festival mix, adding another dimension for adult visitors wanting to discover new producers and tastes.
Meanwhile, Food Truck Alley returns outside Crows Nest Metro, serving up everything from quick festival favourites to indulgent street food.
With food spread throughout the Festival – alongside Crows Nest’s already impressive collection of restaurants, cafés and bars – visitors can snack, graze, lunch or make an entire day of it.
“There’s something wonderful about being able to move through the Festival and have completely different experiences within a few streets,” said Henderson.
“You might start with live music, discover an artist at Kelly’s Place, meet an animal rescue group, find a new favourite food producer and then finish the afternoon having a drink or something to eat at one of our local venues. That sense of discovery is what makes the day so much fun.”
Whether you come for the music, the art, the animals, the food – or all of the above – there will be plenty of reasons to explore every corner of Crows Nest this October 18.
Crows Nest Fest 2026
🗓️ Sunday 18 October 2026
⏰ 10am – 5pm
📍 Crows Nest Village, Sydney
🎟️ Free entry – All ages
For Festival updates, program announcements and visitor information:
Website: crows-nest.com.au
Instagram: @crowsnestfestival
Facebook: @CrowsNestFestival
