It’s official – the 2025 Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts program has been released and it’s shaping up to be one of the best yet. Get your hands on a program at one of the many locations throughout the Weddin Shire or via the website at henrylawsonfestival.com.au to start planning your June long weekend!
Grenfell will be the place to be from Thursday 5th to Monday 9th June. The beautiful Central West NSW town puts on an epic festival with a street party, parade, live music, poetry, art, food and market stalls, car and bike shows, camp oven cook-offs, castle tours, maze adventures and much more. There will again be something for everyone with a swag of competitions and events to entertain in town and the surrounding area all weekend.
The festival is renowned for introducing Henry Lawson’s work to generations of fans and aims to promote aspiring artistic endeavours. The event also highlights the Weddin region’s heritage and tourist attractions, bringing the community together to celebrate annually.
An official opening not to be missed!
Kicking off the program is always the Official Opening of the Art Exhibition, where Competition Winners will be announced at the Community Hub on the Thursday night of the event.
Friday night fun at the showground!
The Friday night of the festival is a terrific way to commence the full celebration of the long weekend and this year is no exception with the Bioluminescence Show from 6-9pm and country rock legends – Elk Mountain Band performing from 7-11pm at the Grenfell Showground Pavilion.
So much to do on the Saturday of the festival!
The Saturday of the festival is always jam-packed with things to do, including wandering around the art exhibitions, poetry events, street markets, the official opening and street parade, the busking competition, Cobb & Co coach rides and the Kids’ Zone will be on in Proctor Park for the entire weekend!
Sunday – cars, vintage motorcycles, camp oven cook-offs and iconic regional attractions!
Festival goers are in for a rare treat this year with both the Grenfell Car Club Inc. holding their annual Car Show and also the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Inc. holding a Motorcycle Show N Shine from 8am-3pm in Grenfell’s Main Street. With a massive 19 trophies up for grabs, there’s sure to be some outstanding bikes entered in classes including Classic Suzuki, Classic Honda, Ladies Bike, Three Wheeler and Bike of Show.
The Sunday lineup of events offers a real taste of the region with the Caragabal Camp Oven Cook-Off, Bulla Creek Brewing Co, Iandra Castle Open Day, and Glencara – Home of the Rustic Maze Open Day offering destinations for an entertaining Sunday drive.
It’s not too late to be part of the parade & show your superpower!
Join the fun and enter a float in the official 2025 Henry Lawson Festival parade to be held on the Saturday at 1pm. The Parade is one of Weddin Shires most loved community events and a highlight of the festival. Floats are invited that celebrate modern Australian life capturing the elements of hardship and despair; courage and fortitude; or compassion and mateship.
The festival theme of “The World is Full of Kindness” invites people to “Make Kindness Your Superpower”. People are encouraged to add to the festival atmosphere and dress as a Superhero to be playful, creative, reflective, or symbolic in interpreting, in their own fashion.
Applications to enter a float are due by 6th June 2025. It’s free to enter and parade participants are in the running to win first prize of $300, second prize of $200 and third prize of $100. Register a float via the official website – Street Entertainment page.
HENRY LAWSON FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS – BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR 67 YEARS!
