Hawkesbury Fest will return to Governor Phillip Park, Windsor, on 9 August 2026 with markets, music, family activities and community celebrations.
On a winter morning in the Hawkesbury, mist often lingers above the river before giving way to clear blue skies. The historic streets of Windsor begin to stir as cafés open their doors, families wander towards the foreshore, and the broad green spaces surrounding Governor Phillip Park gradually fill with conversation. It is a landscape shaped by history, agriculture and community, where the rhythm of everyday life is closely connected to the river that has sustained the region for generations.
On Sunday 9 August 2026, that familiar setting will once again become the heart of Hawkesbury Fest, a free community celebration that has grown into the largest Local Government Week event in New South Wales. Running from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the festival will welcome thousands of visitors for a day that reflects not only the character of the Hawkesbury but also the people, organisations and volunteers who continue to shape it.
Rather than focusing on headline attractions alone, Hawkesbury Fest offers something quieter and perhaps more enduring—a chance to experience a region through the people who call it home.
Hawkesbury Fest Celebrates The Heart Of The Region
Each year, Hawkesbury Fest places local community at its centre.
Throughout Governor Phillip Park, council services, emergency organisations, sporting clubs, community groups and local businesses will come together to create interactive displays and informative stalls. Visitors will be encouraged to explore, ask questions and discover the many organisations that contribute to everyday life across the Hawkesbury.
The festival has become a reflection of Local Government Week itself, highlighting the often unseen work that supports growing communities while creating opportunities for residents to connect with one another in an informal setting.
With approximately 10,000 visitors expected to attend, the event will once again transform Windsor into a gathering place that feels welcoming rather than hurried.
Hawkesbury Fest Brings Families Together
Families have long been at the centre of Hawkesbury Fest, and the 2026 program will continue that tradition with activities designed for every generation.
Local market stalls will offer handmade goods and regional products, while food vendors will showcase familiar festival favourites throughout the park. Live music and entertainment will unfold across the day, creating a relaxed backdrop as visitors move between exhibits, performances and community displays.
Children will discover plenty to enjoy, including a giant slide and interactive attractions, while parents can take time to explore local organisations and speak directly with community representatives.
New for 2026, Hawkesbury Fest will introduce a dedicated sports zone featuring local netball, cricket, AFL, soccer and swimming clubs. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience a new parkour course and enjoy performances on a dedicated community stage, adding fresh energy to an already well-established event.
Hawkesbury Fest Places Accessibility At The Forefront
One of the defining features of Hawkesbury Fest is its thoughtful approach to accessibility.
The festival will begin with a Quiet Sensory Hour from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, creating a calmer environment for visitors who experience sensory sensitivities. During this time, music will be reduced, loud demonstrations will pause and flashing lights will be avoided, allowing families to explore the festival at a gentler pace.
A designated Quiet Space will also be available throughout the event, offering sensory resources, colouring activities, fidget toys and a place to pause when needed.
Communication boards and visual stories have been developed to assist visitors with communication or developmental needs, while staff wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower badge will be available to provide additional support.
Accessible parking, accessible toilets, a change space and a free wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus operating between Windsor Train Station and the festival entrance will further ensure the event remains welcoming to as many people as possible.
Discovering Windsor During Hawkesbury Fest
The setting contributes as much to Hawkesbury Fest as the program itself.
Governor Phillip Park stretches alongside the Hawkesbury River, providing wide open lawns framed by mature trees and historic surroundings. Windsor's colonial streets remain among the oldest in Australia, offering visitors an opportunity to explore heritage buildings, riverside walks and local cafés before or after the festival.
The slower pace of the Hawkesbury has always distinguished it from metropolitan Sydney. Here, community gatherings unfold with space to linger rather than rush, allowing conversations to develop naturally between neighbours, visitors and local organisations.
It is precisely this sense of place that gives Hawkesbury Fest its enduring appeal.
Planning Your Visit To Hawkesbury Fest
Hawkesbury Fest will take place on Sunday 9 August 2026 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Governor Phillip Park, Windsor, NSW.
Entry is free.
Visitors should note that road access to Governor Phillip Park and the nearby boat ramp will be closed between 5:00 am and 6:00 pm on the day of the event to accommodate festival operations.
A free accessible shuttle bus will operate continuously between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm, connecting Windsor Train Station, Kable Street and the festival entrance.
Full event information, accessibility resources and updates are available through the official Hawkesbury City Council website.
Event Details
Sunday 9 August 2026
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Governor Phillip Park, Windsor, NSW
FREE Entry
Look forward to the brand-new sports zone, a parkour course, community performances, interactive stalls, emergency services displays and a welcoming Quiet Sensory Hour from 10:00–11:00 am.
Official event information: https://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/your-council/events/hawkesbury-fest