TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

Forest Festival, Kuitpo Wirra inparri 15th & 16th April 2026

Forest Festival is a celebration of children, nature, Aboriginal culture and the changing seasons.

Families are invited to slow down and reconnect as they wander beneath the trees, breathe the crisp forest air and follow their child’s curiosity through 20+ nature-based activities and stage entertainment, creating a day filled with wonder, creativity and joyful discovery.

The ElectraNet stage will be the central entertainment hub, with crowd favourite, The Amazing Drumming Monkeys, on the lineup again.

Enjoy live performances throughout the day, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere for families to gather, relax and connect.

Set up your picnic rug and chairs, with food and drinks available for purchase within easy walking distance. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy.

Enjoy 5 hours in the forest with 20+ hands-on nature activities designed for curious kids and families. From nature crowns, wand making and cubby building to potions, storytime, yoga, Evelyn Roth’s Nylon Zoo, kite flying* and guided nature walks – there’s something around every corner.

Your ticket includes every activity, so children can roam freely, discover new experiences and join in wherever their curiosity leads.

You’ll be able to step away from the buzz and recharge at the Health Partners Wellbeing Hub – a calming, low-stimulation sanctuary where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and mindfully explore creative loose-parts play while soaking in the beauty of the forest around you. Or wander onto the Health Partners Wellness Trail, an enchanting forest path filled with hidden characters and delightful wellness activities waiting to be discovered along the way.

As thousands come together for our ninth annual Forest Festival, we invite you to immerse yourself in nature and take time to observe, listen, learn and connect with family and friends — both old and new.

Forest Festival runs across two days, with single-day tickets available. The program is the same on both Wednesday 15 April and Thursday 16 April, so you can choose the day that suits you best.

This year’s Forest Festival has been made possible through the support of Forestry SA, ElectraNet and Green Adelaide.

*Bring your own kite or purchase on the day

This year's Forest Festival has been made possible through the support of:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the date of the event?

Forest Festival is held over two days, with single-day tickets available. The program is the same for Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16.

What time does the event start and end?

Forest Festival will start at 10am and finish at 3pm both days. You’re welcome to arrive anytime.

What is the Location of the Event?

Rocky Creek Hut, Razorback Rd, Meadows SA 5201

Where can I park?

Upon arrival, you will be directed to where to park. We suggest carpooling, if possible, to support parking management and minimise environmental impact. There may be a moderate walk. A drop-off zone will be available. If you have a disabled parking permit or special rights, you will be supported with appropriate parking arrangements. If you have any other parking queries, please contact us at [email protected]

Is there public transportation access to the event location?

Unfortunately, there is no public transport to the event.

Is there an admission fee?

Yes.

Early Bird Tickets are now available from 11 March – 31 March:

Child: $39.90

Adult: $19.90
(Save 5% off standard prices!)

Standard Tickets (from 1 April):

Child: $42.00

Adult: $21.00
(Prices include GST and Humanitix fees.)

Children under 12 months are free, but they will also require a ticket.

Ticket prices have been updated to reflect increases in event and supplier costs.

We understand cost is a big consideration for families.

As a not-for-profit, Forest Festival is one of our few ticketed events and helps us deliver large-scale programming including 5 hours of interactive experiences, a live stage program (including the amazing Drumming Monkeys) and 20+ fully facilitated activity stations.
We also offer many free events throughout the year – you can find them anytime on the What’s On page of our website.

Can we purchase tickets at the event?

Tickets must be purchased before the event—no tickets will be available on the day. Please bring your tickets with you. Entry to the Festival will only be granted to those holding valid entry passes.

Is my ticket refundable?

Tickets are non-refundable.

Do you accept Companion Cards?

Yes! Please contact Nature Play SA at [email protected] for more information. We’d be happy to assist!

Where can I find the ticket I have purchased?

Your ticket will be sent to your email from Humanatix. If you are unable to find it, it may have gone to your junk/spam folder.

What should we bring with us?

We suggest dressing for autumn weather and playing outdoors. Clothing that offers unrestricted movement and layers work well. Sturdy footwear is recommended, along with a hat and sunscreen. Our waterproof onesies will be available for purchase on the day to protect from rain, dirt, paint, etc.

We also suggest bringing picnic rugs, warm blankets or camp chairs.

You’re welcome to bring food and drinks, refillable water bottles and keep cups for hot drinks.

Whilst there will be EFTPOS facilities, the signal can be patchy in the forest, so we suggest also bringing cash.

What should we leave at home?

Forest Festival is an alcohol and smoke-free event. Please also leave pets at home. Implements for cutting trees or branches aren’t permitted.

Is the event suitable for all ages?

Forest Festival is designed for families with children aged 0–12. However, older kids are welcome, too. There will be many activities for a broad range of ages and abilities.

Are there quiet areas for attendees needing a break from the excitement?

Yes, there will be specific quiet areas, including a sensory tent, and beautiful parts of the forest where children and adults can escape and take a peaceful break from the excitement.

Is there food available at the event?

Yes! Coffee and food vans will be on site. Whilst there will be EFTPOS facilities, the signal can be patchy in the forest, so we suggest also bringing cash if you plan to buy food and drinks.

Is the event pet-friendly?

Please leave pets at home for this event.

Is the event pram friendly?

Yes. There are walking trails around the event site and some light off-road terrain to access several activities. A parent’s room and a pram-accessible toilet will be available.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

The main trails at the event site are accessible for wheelchairs and there is some light off-road terrain to access several activities. If you have a disabled parking permit or special rights you will be supported with appropriate parking. A wheelchair-accessible toilet will be available.

What happens in case of bad weather?

We’re all about outdoor play in all weather! Our events go ahead with a forecast of rain and cold weather. We would only consider cancelling with severe weather warnings or if a Total Fire Ban is declared for Kuitpo Forest (in line with ForestrySA regulations). If circumstances do require us to cancel, we’ll advise ticket holders via email, social media and our website. Refunds will be issued under these circumstances.

What happens if I lose my child at the event?

Please be aware that while there will be trained event and support staff on-site, children remain the responsibility of parents and/or carers. Wristbands for children will be available at the entry gate—we recommend writing your phone number and attaching it to your child’s wrist.

If you need assistance, visit the large green Nature Play SA info marquee or see one of our friendly event staff in high-vis vests. Please also make your children aware they can go to the info marquee or ask our event staff for assistance if they become separated from you.

Are there first aid facilities available?

Yes.

Is there anything else I should be aware of?

As stewards of this beautiful environment, we kindly request your help in caring for it. Let’s respect nature by using only fallen natural materials in play and giving space to wildlife.

Please bring minimal waste to the event and dispose of any rubbish responsibly using the provided bin systems.

We have noticed some fungi popping up in the forest. Please refrain from touching or consuming any fungi. Some varieties can be harmful.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on support from caring individuals like you. Please leave event materials such as hessian, ropes, and activity materials behind so other families can enjoy them at future events.

Fires are not permitted.

Please note that, for safety reasons, the dam on site is closed during the Forest Festival. Please refrain from entering this fenced-off area.

Thank you for your cooperation!

My question was not answered. Who do I contact?

You can contact the Event Team at [email protected]

Forest Festival Event Potion Making

It’s so easy to get caught up in the electronic world we now live in. This connected me and made me feel so wholesome again. We wish we could do this every weekend!

2024, Forest Festival participant - Kuitpo Forest

One of the highlights of our school holidays! My kids love to attend the forest festival, connect with nature (disconnect from technology) and make lifelong memories.

Forest Festival attendee

In the forest! The relaxed atmosphere and connecting the kids with nature with likeminded people. It’s so easy to get caught up in the electronic world we now live in. This connected me and made me feel so wholesome again- we wish we could do this every weekend!

Forest Festival attendee

There was so much for all children to do! My son is neurodiverse and this is the first event he’s been able to attend from start to finish. He strengthened his understanding of nature and Aboriginal culture which was amazing!! He was so engaged, and we had heaps of fun.

Forest Festival attendee

This is one of the most well-thought-out events we have attended. The open areas allow space to breath, the kids get to run and immerse themselves wholeheartedly. Activity wait times are never too long. We just wished this was done in spring too.

Forest Festival attendee

I went with my daughter and her partner and my two grandsons. We had the best day out full of fun and learning. We loved it.

Forest Festival attendee

We spent much longer building cubbies in the forest than I ever would have expected to and it was a lot of fun and peaceful for everyone in our group.

Forest Festival attendee

The enthusiastic staff and the gentle respectful way the children were taught about nature as well as the opportunity to use their imaginations. Thank you for creating Forest Festival!

Forest Festival attendee

Our Partners

Green Adelaide

Green Adelaide is a South Australian Government supported organisation that is working towards a vision of a cooler, greener, wilder and climate-resilient metropolitan South Australia. The Green Adelaide area spans from the hills to the sea, encompassing 17 metropolitan council areas and about 1.3 million South Australians. Nature Play SA is funded by Green Adelaide and contributes to Adelaide National Park City.

Our Partners

Department for Education

The Department for Education aims to ensure South Australia’s public education system can unlock every child’s potential now and in the future. Educators and staff work in partnership with families and communities to empower all children and young people with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they need to become fulfilled individuals, active, compassionate citizens, and lifelong learners.

Our Partners

The Department for Environment and Water

The Department for Environment and Water aims to help South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper. Their work in managing, conserving, and sustaining our environment and cultural resources is vital for the wellbeing of all South Australians.

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