George is the festival mascot and he is the face of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle – a species recently classified as critically endangered and which urgently needs assistance.

Turtlefest is an eco-conscious, family friendly festival, coinciding with the school holidays and October long weekend with serviced camping available on site in the picturesque Bellingen Showground.

Arena Stage: main concert stage featuring headliners, unique collaborations and closing ceremony unforgettable. Inclusive with All weather/shaded areas, limited seating, ample dancing and picnicking areas.

Live Stage: featuring an intimate stage setting – showcasing regional, touring and crowd favourites. Any age access. 

Turtle Dome: by day this will play host to a range of informative Turtle Facts, informative presentations and special performances, and in the evening transforms into a dynamic any ages space with exclusive sets, mix-ups and artists. Come along and dance the night away.  

Barn Lounge: almost all weather, possibly, a 100-year-old ‘barn out the back’ barn… relaxed atmosphere and small dancing area. Limited billed performances and chalkboard jam sessions.

With thanks and support from the regional creatives community and some incredible artistic talents from our guests Jim Frazier (Academy award winning cinematographer) and crew from Lightnup you will find throughout the festival various major artworks and installations depicting the theme of turtles, river health and the environment. 

Our festival “Eat Street” promises to offer a selection of delicious local, fresh, organic and international flavours and foods to keep you replenished throughout your festival weekend. Shop for a beautiful handcrafted treasure in one of the selective artisan and craft stalls.

Turtlefest promises to have something for the whole family: workshops, a healing space, artisan markets, eat street, side show alley, hatchlings kids zone, education hub, guest speakers and much more.

Tickets from bellingenturtlefest.com.au