This June long weekend, travellers are invited to discover the charm of Grenfell as the 2026 Henry Lawson Festival of Arts returns from 4–8 June 2026 with its new theme, Larrikins and Legends.
Held in the birthplace of Henry Lawson, the festival offers the perfect excuse to plan a regional NSW getaway filled with creativity, heritage, entertainment and authentic country hospitality. Set in the beautiful Weddin region, Grenfell comes alive across the June long weekend with a program that celebrates storytelling, community and the enduring spirit of country Australia.
The 2026 theme, Larrikins and Legends, captures the humour, resilience and larger-than-life character that runs through Lawson’s writing and remains deeply woven into Australian life. It is a fitting invitation to experience a festival that is as much about place as it is about performance. It is a true celebration of literature and the arts set within one of Country NSW’s most welcoming towns.
For visitors, the Henry Lawson Festival is more than an event. It is a chance to slow down, hit the road and enjoy a long weekend in a town rich with character and history. From heritage streetscapes and local shops to galleries, museums and the famous Grenfell silo art, the festival provides the perfect anchor for a regional escape.
Visitors can spend the day soaking up the festival atmosphere, then linger longer to enjoy Grenfell’s cafes, pubs and genuine country hospitality. Beyond the town centre, the wider Weddin region offers scenic drives, open landscapes and local attractions that make the journey even more rewarding. Nearby historic gems such as Iandra Castle add another dimension to the visitor experience, while the surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities to unwind and explore.
The festival itself is a celebration of the creative heart of regional Australia. Each year, the Henry Lawson Festival brings together a vibrant mix of arts, culture and community pride, drawing locals, returning visitors and first-time guests to Grenfell over the long weekend. It is this blend of tradition, creativity and welcome that makes the event such a memorable part of the regional NSW calendar.
Festival organisers say the 2026 theme reflects both the legacy of Henry Lawson and the personality of Grenfell itself.
“Larrikins and Legends is a theme that feels instantly Australian,” a festival president Belinda Power said. “It captures the humour, heart and resilience of Lawson’s writing, but it also reflects the people, stories and country spirit that make Grenfell such a wonderful place to visit.”
The festival also continues its long tradition of celebrating artistic endeavour through national competitions in verse, short story, painting and photography, inviting people from across Australia to be part of the experience.
Whether visitors are drawn by the festival atmosphere, a love of Australian literature, or simply the chance to enjoy a country weekend away, Grenfell offers a memorable June long weekend destination with substance, story and plenty of heart.
Festival dates: 4–8 June 2026
More information: henrylawsonfestival.com.au
More information…
Enter competitions via the festival web page at – https://henrylawsonfestival.com.au/events-entertainment/competitions/
A full festival itinerary will be available as the festival organisation finalises. Food and market stallholder applications are also available on the website for those wanting to be part of this iconic festival – www.henrylawsonfestival.com.au
Media Contact: Natalie Middleton | 0407 159 975
