Find an event to suit you or get involved in all 10 days!
The Forbes Shire is set to burst into colour, rhythm, and song this August as the volunteer-led Galari River Arts Festival announces its biggest program yet.
Spanning ten spectacular days from Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 9 August 2026, this year’s expanded festival promises an unforgettable celebration of art, music, wellness, and community connection.
The festivities kick off on Friday, 31 July at Forbes Music Academy with the official Festival Launch and a bespoke Youth Art Exhibition led by Kathy Patterson. The Launch will also offer attendees a first look at the beginnings of a giant lantern goanna, destined to lead the festival’s signature lantern parade.
In a major coup for the region, renowned master lantern maker Phil Relf joins the festival team this year to facilitate the construction of this unique community asset. Phil will host a free, four-day community workshop at Forbes Music Academy from Friday, 31 July to Monday, 3 August. Members of the public are invited to drop in – whether for five minutes or five hours – come help bring the giant goanna to life.
“This is a totally free workshop designed for the whole community to take ownership of,” says Festival Director Monica Wren.
“We need everyone’s hands and hearts to bring this incredible creature to life, and no prior experience is necessary.”
Monica is deeply passionate about upskilling our region and creating opportunities for people to come together. To bring this vision to life, the festival features a packed lineup of workshops throughout the week. Attendees will have the unique chance to engage directly with artists and hosts, offering a forum for open conversation, meaningful networking, and hands-on skill-building.
The 2026 festival boasts an impressive lineup of visiting artists and workshop facilitators and the Galari River Arts Forbes Inc volunteer committee have been working hard to deliver this event to the community for free.