Crows Nest Fest 2026

Clear the calendar and bring your appetite because Crows Nest Fest returns in October 2026 for another enormous day on the Lower North Shore.

Now entering its 35th year, the free street festival has grown into one of Sydney's biggest community celebrations, drawing an estimated 50,000 visitors across the day. 

Crows Nest Fest is Taking Over the Village Again in 2026

Crows Nest has earned a loyal following for its dining scene, so food remains firmly at the heart of the festival.

Gourmet Food Alley will bring together street food and dishes from local operators, with flavours drawn from across the globe. Food trucks and pop-up vendors will add even more choice, while nearby cafes and restaurants provide a handy backup plan.

Adults can also visit the festival's licensed area, where approved producers will offer refreshments and tastings. 

Children will have their own lively corner of Crows Nest Fest, and it promises far more action than a standard stroll through the markets.

The Kids Entertainment Alley is set to feature pony rides and a petting zoo, along with circus workshops where young visitors can test their balance or learn a new trick. The festival's family program is designed to keep different ages involved, which should make it easier to coax everyone away from the stalls when little legs begin to protest.

The 2026 festival is expected to feature two or three stages presenting live music and dance throughout the day.

Young local performers will share the program with established community groups, while roving entertainers bring unexpected moments to the streets between the main stages.

We recommend arriving early for a calmer look around the stalls, then leave time for the Kids Entertainment Alley and live stages. The event runs until 5 pm, so there is room to pause for lunch before diving back into the crowd!

Visit Crows Nest Fest for more details.

Where:   Willoughby Road, Crows Nest
When:    Sunday, 18 October 2026  from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost:      FREE

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