Thinking about a quick dash up the highway for Childers Festival? Cute idea … but let’s upgrade that to a proper weekend escape! This isn’t just a one-day street party (although, fair warning, it does shut down the highway in the best possible way). It’s a multi-day, good-times-heavy, “why didn’t we stay longer?” kind of experience.

Here’s how to do it right.

Start Early: The Good Times Don’t Wait for Sunday

Locals know the secret: Childers Festival is a slow burn into something magic. From Thursday, the town starts to hum with pop-up performances, local eats and flavours and unexpected street-side surprises.

It’s your cue to roll in early, grab a drink, and ease into festival mode like a pro.

Thursday Night: Long Tables & Local Legends

Kick things off with something a little fancy (but still very Childers).

Hill of Promise Long Table Dinner

Think seasonal local produce, award-winning wines and big Italian family energy, all served inside a working winery with a story that stretches back generations.

Translation: loosen the belt, stay the night. Want to secure your seat? Read more.

Friday: Cane Fires, Vines & Chill Times

This is where things get uniquely Bundaberg.

Sugar Mill + Cane Fire Tours

It’s not every day you see a cane fire up close and get walked through how that turns into the sugar in your coffee. With guided local insights and a BBQ dinner to finish, this is proper paddock-to-plate storytelling. Lock in your spot!

Picnic in the Vines

Prefer something a little slower? Head to Vintner’s Secret Vineyard – bring your picnic rug (and your pooch if he’s keen!), grab a drink at the bar and chillax to live flamenco music in the scenic surrounds of the vines. It’s relaxed, it’s scenic, and you’ll want to linger longer than planned.

Saturday: Culture, Creativity & One Big Street Party

Saturday is your “wander and discover” day.

You’ll get a feel for the place, not just the party, when you start your day with Arts in the Park, a hands-on, family-friendly creativity bubble, or jump in the Historic Bus Tour to soak in proper storytelling with deep local roots.

And then, there is Opera by the Lake. World-class opera in the sunshine by the water – with your picnic at the ready and sunset vibes, goosebumps are guaranteed.

Crescent Street Birthday Bash

And when you’re ready to dial it back up again, Crescent Street delivers (for FREE!)

Live music (hello, Sneaky Sound System), roving performers bringing the hype, and plenty of dance, colour, and just the right amount of chaos.

It’s a full-blown street party celebrating 30 years of festival magic – loud, lively, and no holding back.

Sunday: The Main Event (and It Goes Off)

This is the one you’ve seen everywhere and yep it delivers.

The Bruce Highway shuts down, 300+ stalls take over the streets, and every turn hits you with live music, rides, food and performers.

It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s unapologetically fun.

Pro tip: arrive early. Pace yourself. Bring stretchy pants.

But Here’s the Real Trick… Stay Longer

You’ve come this far — don’t bail after the festival. Turn your trip into a Bundaberg Region escape with these showstoppers:

🐢 Reef & Island Experiences

• Day trip to Lady Elliot or Lady Musgrave Islands
• Not a fan of getting wet? That’s alright, Monsoon Aquatics will sort you out with guided tours of their Coral Farm.

🥃 Iconic Bundaberg Experiences

• Bundaberg Rum Distillery
• Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel

(Tough gig, but someone’s gotta do it.)

🌿 Nature & Easy Adventures

• Mon Repos Turtle Centre
• Head west to Monto for captivating murals on towering silo’s
• National parks and walks

🍽️ Eat & Drink Your Way Around

• Farm gates – Check out; Macadamias Australia, Bargara Berries, and Tinaberries just to name a few
• Local cafes and pubs
• More cellar doors like 384 North Brewing for the craft beer lovers and Hill of Promise Winery

The Verdict

You could do Childers Festival as a quick day trip. But honestly? That’s like ordering one prawn at a seafood platter.

Come for the festival. Stay for the stories, the flavours, the unexpected moments. Make it a weekend. Or better yet… make it longer. Check out the full program here.