The National Folk Festival (NFF) is a longstanding, Australian family friendly celebration of the diversity of folk music and culture [1]. It is held every year at Easter in the national capital, Canberra, on Ngunnawal country.
Nestled on Ngunnawal land, the National Folk Festival is an annual gathering of the Australian Folk community and has been running for over 55 years. The Festival fosters a space where traditions are cherished and nurtured, where people perform, share and develop folk traditions. It serves an evolving community that values participation, learning, listening and creating. The diversity of folk traditions in Australia are showcased, including First Nations culture and traditions, and traditions brought through colonisation and ongoing migration. The Festival features 15-20 venues with vibrant world-class artists, 'blackboard' opportunities, workshops, craft, bars and cafes and food.
First held in Melbourne in 1967, from 1969 the NFF was held in various states in city and regional venues. From 1993 the National Folk Festival was permanently located on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra (ACT), where it established its current home at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC). In 2024 the National Folk Festival celebrated its 58th year of the festival and 56th annual event (no event in 2020/2021 due to COVID), a testament to its ability to remain culturally relevant and enduring.