SouthFest 2026 Prospectus

About SouthFest 2026

SouthFest is back in 2026 — bringing energy, colour, and connection to the heart of Tuggeranong! Organised by the Tuggeranong Community Council with support from local groups, SouthFest is a vibrant, free-entry festival that showcases the best of Tuggeranong — our people, our passions, and our places. This year's event will feature themed zones that activate the entire precinct, inviting the whole community to celebrate, connect, and enjoy.

📅 Saturday 21 November 2026
🕙 10:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Tuggeranong Town Centre (Anketell St, Laneways, Health Centre Carpark, and Cowlishaw St) Greenway

SouthFest Objectives

•         Celebrate: Highlight life and achievements in the Tuggeranong Valley

•         Showcase: Promote local organisations, businesses, art, and performance

•         Connect: Facilitate connections between individuals, families, and local organisations

•         Invigorate: Breathe new life into the Tuggeranong Town Centre

SouthFest is planning to create zones that will link together to bring the whole event precinct to life. They will include:

●        A Marketplace: Explore a diverse range of stalls offering unique products, local crafts, and delicious treats. 

●        Arts & Crafts: Participate in interactive arts and crafts activities suitable for all ages 

●        Games and Activities: Enjoy a variety of fun games and activities designed for families and children.

●        Sports and Recreation: A selection of Food vendors: Savour delicious food and beverages from local vendors.

●        Community Hub: groups, organisations and agencies that make our community a better place to live.

●        Sustainability area plus workshops: showing ways of managing our resources in a sustainable way.

●        Performances and Live Music: Experience live performances from groups and talented local musicians, adding a festive atmosphere to the event performances.

Participation Categories & Requirements

SouthFest welcomes a wide range of participants to help bring the event to life. Whether you’re a local group, artisan, business, or performer, there’s a space for you to contribute. Please review the following information carefully to understand requirements, responsibilities, and opportunities.

Types of Participation

1. Community Groups & Services

Local not-for-profits, clubs, charities, schools, and service organisations. Primary purpose is to share information and connect with the community. Sales restricted to incidental items such as membership, manuals, and pamphlets.

2. Small Market / Cottage Industry Stalls

Home-based or sole trader businesses selling handmade or niche products. Local not-for-profits, clubs, charities, schools, and service organisations with the primary purpose of sales of goods and services.

3. Commercial Exhibitors and Stalls

Larger businesses promoting and selling goods or services.

4. Food & Beverage Vendors

Must comply with ACT Public Health standards and hold a current Temporary Food Business Registration. Visit www.act.gov.au/health/businesses/licences-permits-and-registration/food-businesses-and-events-registration/selling-food-at-an-event  for full details.

5. Entertainers

Musicians, dancers, roving performers, cultural acts, and workshop hosts.

Stall Space & Infrastructure

• Standard site allocation is 3x3 metres.
• Multiple adjoining sites may be booked (subject to availability).
• Participants must provide their own structures (e.g., marquee, table, signage).
• All structures must be safely secured and weighted to ground – no pegging into pavement.
• No stall may operate without proper safety setup.

• Bump-in: From 7:00am – vehicle access for drop-offs is limited to road and car park sites only. All vehicles must be removed by 9:00am.
• Bump-out: Commences at 4:00pm. Limited vehicle access resumes from 4:15pm subject to safety.

• Stalls shall be operational from 10 am to 4 pm. Early closure and bump-out is not available.

Stages & Performances

●        Laneway Stage and Cowlishaw Street Stage will run performances throughout the day.

●        Equipped with sound systems for live performances and soundtracks.

●        Roving/pop-up performances welcome.

●        Reserve stage access when registering.

Power & Electrical Compliance

●        Limited electrical supply available by request only.

●         No individual generators permitted in the event space.

●         All equipment must be tested and tagged by a licensed technician.

Insurance

All participants must hold public and product liability insurance. Where applicable, worker’s compensation or volunteer insurance is also required. Certificates of Currency must be provided before the event.

Licenses & Permits

All participants must hold relevant licenses and permits. Food and beverage licenses must be submitted to SouthFest at least 15 business days before the event.

Alcoholic beverages served for consumption on site including tastings or bottle sales for later consumption requires a liquor licence or permit issued by Access Canberra. Details can be found at https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/business-and-work/hospitality-liquor-and-gaming/liquor-permits . Please discuss requirements of your permit and risk assessment management plan with the SouthFest team well in advance SouthFest.

Fees & Classifications

Participation fees are based on classification:

Participant Type Per Standard Site

Community Groups & Services $20

Small Market / Cottage Industry Stalls $50

Commercial Exhibitors and Stalls $150

Food & Beverage Vendors $150 (without power) / $250 (with power)

Entertainers Negotiated

SouthFest may vary fees where an activator provides in-kind support or sponsorship valued more than the applicable fees.

Cancellation Policy

• Event Cancellation by Organisers:
  If SouthFest 2026 is cancelled by the organisers within seven (7) days of the event or on the day due to adverse weather conditions, public safety concerns, or government direction (including health-related restrictions), no refunds will be issued.

• Participant Withdrawal:
  If a registered participant (“activator”) withdraws within fourteen (14) days of the event, their participation fee will not be refunded.

• Early Withdrawal:
  Participants who withdraw more than fourteen (14) days prior to the event may request a refund in writing. Approval is at the discretion of the organisers and may be subject to an administrative fee.

Contact & Further Information

For questions, registration forms, or to reserve your space, please contact the SouthFest Team at:

📧 connect@southfest.au

📞 (02) 5110 3103

🌐 southfest.au