It's no wonder the National Folk Festival has a well-earned reputation as one of Australia's most loved and family-friendly music festivals. Over the Easter weekend there's plenty to keep the little ones entertained: from learning about dancing, playing unusual musical instruments and more circus activities than you can juggle.
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Entry to the festival is free for children under seven (accompanied by an adult) and on Family Day (Easter Monday), entry is free for children under 15 (accompanied by an adult).
Here's some family highlights.
Amazing drumming monkeys
The monkeys Bongo and Congo combine a unique blend of puppetry, live music, comedy, and heart-warming themes to deliver a fun filled interactive show for the whole family. A big hit in 2017, we dare you to stand still.
Daily 11am and 1.30pm on the Central Park stage.
Pirateman Michael
"ARRR" is for adventure in this fun show. A mix of circus, puppetry and mime, Pirateman brings a treasure trove of talent sure to leave land-lubbers bewildered with delight. There are shows more suitable to kids, but he's busy all weekend with an adults only show late Saturday night.
Shows suitable for kids on Friday at 2.30pm and Saturday at 11.30am on the Carnival stage
Circus Death Match
Always a favourite with the kids given the hands on experience in the Training Ground. Spend the weekend learning skills, whether it be hoop combat, juggling, or pyramid races. And then on Monday watch the professionals battle for audience approval, and even join in the circus inspired games and contests.
Training Ground daily at 10am in the Village Green Arena and then the Death Match on Monday at 1.30pm on the Majestic stage.
Gobsmacked
The Gobsmacked boys blow the lid on what makes the world go round, and squeeze as many zany songs into half an hour as possible. All about the bizarre, the weird and wonderful, the strange-but-true. Science with a soundtrack.
Friday 10.30am, Saturday 2.30pm, Sunday 11.30am, Monday 3.30pm on the Carnival stage.
Ukulele fun
Liam Gerner teaches songs from his book Ukulele Songs By Kids For Kids and creates songs on the spot with the kids. All ages welcome, bring your uke along.
Monday 1.30pm on the Carnival stage.
Madhouse Circus
"I'll Cry If I Want To" is the latest work from young Australian company Madhouse Circus. Join a children's surprise birthday party, the place for glitter, tantrums, and laughs. It's not the place for reserve or embarrassment! Games will be played and champions will be made but most of all there'll be celebrating.
Friday 4.10pm, Saturday 6.10pm and Sunday 11am on the Majestic stage.
The National Folk Festival runs at Epic from March 29 to April 2, 2018.
Details
The National Folk Festival aims to provide a safe environment for families. The KidzFest is located in the Entertainment Zone near the Coorong Gate (look for the Carnival Stage on the Festival map).
Festival goers are advised:
1 Parents/guardians are responsible for their child(ren) at all times while onsite.
2 Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible carer.
3. The KidzFest is an entertainment venue and NOT a child-minding facility.
4. Children are expected to behave in a manner that is not threatening or disruptive to other participants.
5. A child whose behaviour is considered to be anti-social will be asked to leave the KidzFest.
6. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted in the KidzFest area.
