29–30 August 2026 | Junee, NSW
Canola GatewayFestival
A golden weekend of country music, Riverina produce, local makers, family activities and canola-season celebrations in the heart of Junee.
Start your Canola Trail weekend with live music at the historic Athenium Theatre, then return for a vibrant Sunday festival precinct in Memorial Park.
Why Canola Gateway Festival
A New Festival at the Gateway to Canola Country
Canola Gateway Festival celebrates Junee’s place at the start of the Canola Trail, bringing together the region’s golden landscapes, railway heritage, food culture and country music into one memorable weekend. The Canola Trail takes in Junee, Coolamon and Temora, making Junee a natural starting point for a Riverina spring road trip. (NSW Government)
.png)
Golden Canola Season
Visit Junee as the region begins to bloom, with a festival timed to celebrate the colour, energy and beauty of canola season.
.png)
Live Country Music
Enjoy a Saturday night concert at the Athenium Theatre, featuring country and acoustic artists in one of Junee’s most loved heritage venues.
.png)
Riverina Food & Wine
Taste the region through local produce, wine, grazing experiences, market stalls and the Yellow Luncheon.
.png)
Memorial Park Harvest Day
Spend Sunday exploring markets, family activities, community performances, rural displays and festival favourites in the Memorial Park.
Line-up & Activities
Music, Markets & Country Festival Favourites
Across the weekend, Canola Gateway Festival will bring together live music, local produce, family-friendly activities and rural entertainment. More artists and activities will be announced as the program is finalised.
The artist/activity detail is based on the planning notes that list Nathan Lamont and band, Dallas and Kayla Richards, acoustic acts, woodchoppers and lamb racing as key program elements.
.png)
Nathan Lamont & Band
Saturday night headline country performance at the Golden Gateway Concert.
.png)
Hedland Diddle Fiddle
A lively opening act to get the Athenium Theatre warmed up.
Note: confirm spelling before publishing.
.png)
Dallas & Kayla Richards
Country and acoustic sounds as part of the festival music program.
Acoustic Sessions
Relaxed live music across the weekend, including acoustic performances during key festival moments.
Memorial Park Harvest Markets
Regional producers, artisan food, local makers and market stalls bringing Memorial Park to life.
.png)
Yellow Luncheon
A premium Sunday dining experience showcasing Riverina produce, including Junee Lamb.
.png)
Woodchopping Display
A classic rural crowd favourite planned for Sunday’s daytime program.
.png)
Lamb Race Calcutta
A fun, community-focused Sunday highlight to close out Memorial Park Harvest Day.
Program
A Two-Day Festival Weekend
From Saturday’s Golden Gateway Concert to Sunday’s Memorial Park Harvest Day, the festival is designed as a full weekend experience that encourages visitors to stay, explore Junee and enjoy the region.
1
​
10:00 AM
Festival Opens
Markets, producers, displays and family-friendly activities begin.
2
11:00 AM
Live Music & Community Performances
Acoustic sets, local performances and community entertainment.
3
11:45 AM
Yellow Luncheon
A premium long-lunch style dining experience celebrating Riverina produce.
4
12:00 PM
Woodchopping Display
A rural showcase planned as part of the Sunday festival program.
5
1:30 PM
Lamb Race Calcutta
A fun community race event to wrap up the festival day.
6
2:00 PM
Festival Close
Visitors are encouraged to continue exploring Junee, the Canola Trail and local attractions.
Tickets
Book Your Festival Weekend
Tickets for Canola Gateway Festival will be available through TryBooking. Choose the experience that suits your weekend, from the Saturday night Golden Gateway Concert to Sunday’s Yellow Luncheon and festival package options.
​
Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the markets or a full weekend in canola country, booking early is the best way to secure your place.
.jpg)
Note
Ticket options, pricing and package details will be confirmed soon.
Partners
Festival Partners & Supporters
Canola Gateway Festival is made possible through the support of local businesses, producers, tourism operators, community organisations and event partners who help bring Junee’s first festival weekend to life.
​
Interested in partnering with the festival? Get in touch to explore sponsorship, supplier and local tourism opportunities.
New in 2026
Be Part of the First Canola Gateway Festival
This is the beginning of a new annual festival for Junee — created to celebrate canola season, showcase local talent and give visitors a reason to spend the weekend in the Riverina.
A Festival for Junee
Built around local pride, regional produce, rural stories and the community spirit that makes Junee unique.
A Reason to Stay the Weekend
With Saturday night entertainment and Sunday festival experiences, visitors can make Canola Gateway Festival a full weekend getaway.
A Gateway to the Trail
Start in Junee, then explore the wider Canola Trail through golden fields, country towns and local attractions.
Venue
Athenium Theatre & Memorial Park Junee
The festival is centred around the historic Athenium Theatre and Memorial Park in Junee. Saturday’s concert will bring live music into the Athenium Theatre, while Sunday’s Memorial Park will transform the surrounding precinct into a lively celebration of markets, food, music and rural culture.
Athenium Theatre
89 Broadway Street, Junee NSW 2663. (The Athenium Theatre)
Memorial Park Junee
Markets, food, festival activities and community entertainment in the heart of Junee.
Plan Your Weekend
Book accommodation early and make time to explore Junee, the Canola Trail and local visitor attractions.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your Canola Gateway Festival weekend? Here are the key details to know before you book.
The festival will be held on Saturday 29 August and Sunday 30 August 2026.
The festival is centred around the Athenium Theatre and Memorial Park in Junee, NSW.
Saturday features the Golden Gateway Concert, including pre-concert food, drink and live acoustic entertainment before the main ticketed performance.
Sunday is Memorial Park Harvest Day, with markets, local producers, food, live entertainment, the Yellow Luncheon, rural displays and family-friendly activities.
Some festival experiences will be ticketed, including the Golden Gateway Concert and Yellow Luncheon. Ticket options will be available through TryBooking.
Yes. The festival program includes regional food, producer experiences, grazing options, wine and brewery pop-ups, food vendors and the Yellow Luncheon.
Yes. Sunday’s Memorial Park Harvest Day is designed as a community festival experience with markets, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Yes. Visitors will be able to choose the ticket or package that best suits their weekend plans.
Expressions of interest will be invited from selected stallholders, food vendors, producers and local businesses. Contact the festival team for details.
Dress for a relaxed country festival weekend. Comfortable shoes, sun protection and a warm layer for the evening are recommended.
Some festival elements are outdoors, so updates will be shared through the festival website and social media channels if weather affects the program.
Visitors are encouraged to book accommodation in and around Junee early, especially if attending both the Saturday concert and Sunday festival.
