For over 30 years, the Tilba Festival has been one of our most loved community celebrations. Traditionally held during the Easter long weekend, this timing brought with it a unique set of challenges to our quiet corner of the world. Central Tilba already experiences a massive influx of regular holiday tourists over Easter, making an extra, large-scale event overwhelming for our small main street and placing an enormous strain on local infrastructure. Behind the scenes, putting on a festival during peak holiday times comes at a steep financial cost, making it increasingly difficult to sustain year after year for the tiny group of dedicated local volunteers whose year-round labour of love makes the day possible.

This year, we welcome a fresh new chapter as the festival moves to spring: Saturday 26 September and we’ll be decorating Bate Street with fresh flowers from Wyndham Flower Farm and Mountain View Farm.

This new spring date eases that peak holiday pressure, reduces event costs and gives our local retailers a welcome boost during these quieter months. Most importantly, it proves that the true magic of the festival isn’t a spot on the calendar, it’s the timeless spirit of our beautiful community coming together.

That spirit shines brightest in the small, hand-crafted details that bring the street to life each year. If you look up during the festivities, you will spot our iconic hand-painted festival banners stretching overhead. Many date back to the early 1990s, carrying the whimsical art of the late John Small alongside creations by local schoolchildren from decades past. Thanks to recent touch-ups and repairs by Phil and Deb from Tilba Leather, Taisha Reed from Frontyard Tattoo, and an installation by Dan and Tarquin from Arcadia Tilba, these beloved canvas keepsakes are once again ready to shine. Adding to this living history, the children of Central Tilba Primary School will be painting a brand-new banner this year, leaving their own mark on festival history.

(Left) Tilba buildings, artwork created by Central Tilba Public School children. (Middle) Greasy pole contest poster, by the late John Small. Tilba resident and a previous Tilba Bites correspondent. (Right) Millendium Games poster, John Small.

When the street closes to traffic on 26 September, the entire village becomes a playground for connection and simple joys. Local musicians will fill the air with live music across multiple stages, while talented artisans and food trucks line the road.

Families can step back in time with old-fashioned street games including the gumboot throw, the legendary egg toss and the cheese rolling competitions!

The dedicated Kids Zone features free activities, face painting and two show-stopping performances by magic favourite, The Great Zamboni.

Bring your family, slow down and help us celebrate the unique heritage and connection that makes Tilba so special. We cannot wait to welcome you!

Information and tickets through Humanitix, under Tilba Festival 2026.

$20 Adult, $10 child, $50 family. Parking in Tilba Tilba, 9.30 am – 4.00 pm.

Nicole Clark