Festival of Fisher❜s Ghost 2026: Campbelltown❜s Spookiest Family Festival

Something spooky is stirring in Campbelltown as the Festival of Fisher's Ghost returns in October 2026, and this year there are two rather impressive milestones to celebrate.

The much-loved community festival turns 70, and 2026 also marks 200 years since the legendary sighting of Fred Fisher's ghost.

What's On at This Year's Festival of Fisher's Ghost

Inspired by one of Australia's most famous ghost stories, the Festival of Fisher's Ghost has been bringing Campbelltown together since 1956. The 2026 program spreads across the city with the return of the colourful street parade, two huge nights of Fisher's Twilight Streets, live music from young local performers, Fisher's Ghost Carnival and the popular Fisher's Ghost Fun Run. 

Fisher's Ghost Carnival

Thursday 29 October to Sunday 1 November and Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November | Campbelltown Showground | Free Entry

Campbelltown Showground will come alive with a vibrant mix of thrilling rides, lively entertainment, and loads of surprises as it transforms into Fred Fisher’s fun-filled carnival playground. Experience the magic of the spectacular celebration with exciting attractions and fun activities, and don't miss the dazzling fireworks on Saturday 31 October and Saturday 7 November.

Be mesmerised by a stunning display of drone lights in the sky above the carnival on Saturday 7 November. It starts at 8 pm and runs for about 15 minutes. 

Fisher's Ghost Scavenger Hunt

A spooktacular afternoon of family fun is coming to Campbelltown Billabong Parklands! Follow the clues, uncover hidden surprises, and win prizes on an exciting scavenger hunt, plus there's face painting, a spooky jumping castle, and access to the pool, splash park and brand-new café.

Friday, 30 October 2026, 4-6 pm | Campbelltown Billabong Parklands | Free

Fisher's Ghost Parade

Saturday, 31 October 2026, 2-4 pm | Queen Street, Campbelltown | Free

One of the festival's most-loved traditions is making a comeback for the 70th anniversary celebrations. The Fisher's Ghost Parade will send Queen Street into party mode with colourful floats, performers, community organisations and local groups making their way through the heart of Campbelltown.

Fisher's Twilight Streets

Saturday, 31 October, 4-10 pm and Sunday, 1 November, 3-9 pm | Mawson Park and Queen Street | Free

The centrepiece of the 2026 celebrations is Fisher's Twilight Streets, a two-day street festival filling Mawson Park and Queen Street with music, food and after-dark atmosphere. Across the weekend, there will be live stage entertainment, activities and a spectacular lighting installation transforming Mawson Park with colour and illuminated art.

 Saturday has a youth and teen focus with live music, stage performances and a basketball tournament. Plus, there will be a spectacular drone show that will light up the sky as part of Twilight Streets. It starts at 8 pm and runs for about 15 minutes. 

Sunday switches gears for a family-friendly afternoon and evening, and Queen Street will also fill with market and artisan stalls selling handmade goods, tasty treats and other locally produced finds. 

Marsdens Law Group Fisher's Ghost Fun Run

Sunday, 8 November 2026 | Western Sydney University Campbelltown and TAFE NSW Campbelltown

Lace up the runners for one final festival tradition. The Fisher's Ghost Fun Run returns on Sunday 8 November with 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre courses for all levels.

The route takes runners and walkers through the combined Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW Campbelltown campuses. Children aged seven and over can enter the 5-kilometre event, while runners need to be at least 12 for the 10-kilometre course. Prams and strollers are also welcome in the designated starting area, making the shorter event an option for active families. Registrations are now open.

Fisher's Ghost Art Award

26 September to 4 December 2026 | Campbelltown Arts Centre | Free

The spooky celebrations also have a creative side. Now in its 64th year, the Fisher's Ghost Art Award brings an impressive exhibition of finalist works to Campbelltown Arts Centre, with more than $60,000 in prize money across the 2026 awards.

The prestigious Open Award is worth $50,000, while categories also recognise contemporary and traditional art, Aboriginal artists, artists living with disability and primary and secondary school students. The exhibition is free to visit from 26 September to 4 December, with the winners announced on Friday 30 October to coincide with the festival.

Fisher's Ghost Writing Prize

Campbelltown's famous ghost story has been inspiring storytellers for two centuries, so budding writers are getting their chance to add to the tradition too. The Fisher's Ghost Writing Prize 2026 invites local writers from Year 4 upwards to submit short stories, narrative nonfiction, memoir or poetry inspired by this year's theme, Years in the Making.

The competition forms part of the wider festival celebrations and shines a spotlight on emerging writers who live, work or study in the Campbelltown area.

For more information and the full program, check out the Festival of Fisher's Ghost.

Where:  Various venues including Campbelltown Showground, Campbelltown City Centre and Campbelltown Arts Centre
When:   Thursday 29 October to Sunday 8 November 2026
Cost:     General admission is FREE for all events; rides, sideshows and dining are at a cost; Fisher's Ghost Fun Run registration fees apply

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