Festivalgoers are advised to get their ducks in a row ahead of the big race at this year’s Tumbafest. Photo: Tumbafest.
The Snowy Valleys’ premier festival of food, wine, music, art and community – Tumbafest – returns on 21 and 22 February.
Set along the shady banks of Tumbarumba’s Creekscape, this two‑day celebration has earned a stellar reputation, winning gold at the NSW Tourism Awards in 2022 and 2023, silver at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2022 and 2023 and silver again at the NSW Tourism Awards in 2024.
These accolades underscore how Tumbafest has grown into one of the region’s most respected and unmissable annual events.
Music remains at the heart of Tumbafest, and the full 2026 line-up promises a weekend of live performances that will fill the mountains with sound.
Headlining across the two days are Australian party band Furnace and the Fundamentals, whose blend of rock and soul has become a festival favourite, and the iconic new wave outfit Pseudo Echo, whose 80s hits included Funky Town and Listening.
Supporting performers include Ben Lee, the indie-pop icon whose introspective lyrics and genre‑blending sound have earned him a devoted following; Jem Cassar-Daley, a rising star in country and roots music, whose heartfelt storytelling and soulful vocals capture the essence of rural Australia and Denvah and Iilysh, innovative contemporary artists whose fresh, genre-defying styles will bring energy and a modern edge to the festival.
Completing the musical line-up are Jenny Mitchell and Ally Row, both celebrated for their commanding vocal power and emotive songwriting that leave audiences spellbound, plus Jungle Jim Smith, Zac Henderson and The Blues Factory, who deliver high-octane blues, rock, and roots performances guaranteed to get the crowd moving.
Beyond the main stage, the festival’s markets and food and wine experiences are a major draw.
The Drinks Courtyard at Tumbafest is essentially the festival’s wine and beverage hub, set up as a dedicated area where festivalgoers can take a seat in the shade to taste, sip and buy local wines, beers, ciders, and sometimes spirits amid live acoustic music.
Local producers of the Snowy Valleys’ acclaimed cool‑climate wines will be on hand to share the stories behind each bottle, offering visitors a deeper connection to the region’s boutique wine culture, renowned for its sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir.
It’s the perfect place to slow down, sip and savour the festival vibe.
When hunger strikes, the festival Food Alley offers a world of flavours to satisfy every craving, from wood-fired pizzas and smoky grills to globally-inspired street food and sweet treats.
At the Community Markets, local artisans and makers line the Creekscape with handcrafted wares, boutique gifts and regional delicacies.
Festivalgoers can hunt for treasures — from jewellery and artwork to gourmet treats — all while celebrating and supporting the region’s thriving creative community.
Adding a festival-first twist, Tumbafest 2026 is launching the ‘loud shirt’.
Bold, bright, and bursting with festival energy, this $55 limited-edition shirt is designed to capture the full Tumbafest vibe.
Shirts are festival pick-up only, available for collection across the weekend, making them a playful keepsake for attendees.
One of Tumbafest’s most beloved traditions is the Duck Race, taking place late Sunday morning.
Hundreds of numbered plastic ducks are released into Tumbarumba Creek, racing downstream as cheering crowds line the banks.
The event doubles as a popular fundraiser, with ducks often selling out well before the start – so festivalgoers are advised to get their ducks in a row early.
Families are well catered for with a youth precinct offering workshops, face painting, puppet shows, dress-ups, lawn games and carnival rides, ensuring children have as much fun as their parents.
Art lovers can also get a taste of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail at Tumbafest.
This permanent public art collection stretches roughly 150 km across the region, with several striking works installed right within the Tumbarumba Creekscape festival grounds. Visitors can wander between performances, discovering sculptures that enhance the natural beauty of the site while offering a glimpse of the wider trail.
With nearly 60 installations across the Snowy Valleys, festivalgoers may be inspired to explore the full collection long after the festival ends.
Tumbafest 2026 is on 21 and 22 Febraury. The festival site opens at 10 am Saturday and runs through to 6:30 pm Sunday. Tickets available at Tumbafest, with options for general admission weekend and day passes and pensioner tickets. Entry is free for those aged 17 and under, but a ticket is required. Camping and caravan sites are also available nearby, and early booking is recommended.
