THE Bendigo Bank Falling Leaf Festival is set to enchant Tumut and visitors once again on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025.
This cherished annual event, now in its 71st year, offers a vibrant celebration of Autumn’s beauty, featuring a rich tapestry of music, art, culture, and community spirit.
Kicking off the Falling Leaf Festival festivities, space hero Xander Starbuck returns for captivating radio-style live theatre shows on Thursday 24 April and Saturday 26 April, presented by Tumut’s very own See Me Hear Me Theatre Company.
The markets and main street activities kick off on Saturday 26 April at 10am and the beloved Falling Leaf Street Parade will take place at 1:00 PM, filling Wynyard Street with creative floats, classic vehicles and community groups under this year’s theme, “Golden Era”.
Saturday morning will also see Bollywood Dancing workshops at Tumut River Brewing Co. and Wolgalu Footprints will present a Bush Tucker and Traditional Weaving workshop with Shane Herrington at Franklin Public School.
These workshops provide a great opportunity to get hands on and learn some new skills. Bookings are essential for these and they are filling up fast.
Festival-goers can enjoy free live music performances on the Wynyard Street stage from artists such as national treasures The Bushwackers, plus Great Aunt, Wild Tracks, Tumut High students, Marty’s Music School and the Wagga & District Highland Pipe Band.
Market stalls and food trucks will offer a variety of delicious food, beverages, and unique arts and crafts.
On Saturday night, the RSGx Falling Leaf Comedy Gala at the historic Montreal Community Theatre will bring an evening of laughter, featuring renowned comedians Akmal, Dane Simpson, and members of the Riverina Comedy Club. Tickets are available online.
Chair of the Festival’s volunteer committee Jordan Maki-Richards, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s event, stating, “The Falling Leaf Festival is a testament to Tumut’s vibrant community and the breathtaking beauty of our region during autumn. The vibe around this year’s event feels more exciting than ever!”
“We have a great program planned and we hope the community comes along, and brings plenty of visiting friends and family,” Ms Maki-Richards said.
“We encourage everyone to jump on our website and book, register, buy tickets – for the Comedy Gala, theatre, workshops and Fun Run.
“If they feel like it, they can volunteer for a few hours too.”
For those keen on an active start on Sunday 27 April, the First Super Falling Leaf Family Fun Run will feature 5km and 10km routes along Tumut’s scenic riverfront paths, offering a fantastic way to experience the autumn landscape. Registrations must be done online on the Festival website.
The Fun Run will be followed by a colour run for everyone.
The $5 entry fee is raising money for Tumut Takes Two participants and you can register on the day.
There’ll be a sausage sizzle, live music, coffee van, ice cream truck and The Pretty Amazing Jono will be on deck with his Bubble-Tastic Festival.
This is a great family morning in beautiful Pioneer Park that kicks off around 9am.
For more information, theatre, Fun Run registrations, Comedy Gala and workshop bookings, please visit the official festival website at www.fallingleaffestival.com.au.
All images by Van Der Photography from 2024 Falling Leaf Festival
