The Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts is one of Australia’s longest-running community arts festivals, proudly celebrating creativity, performance and local talent for over a century.

Founded in 1923, the Festival began as a traditional musical eisteddfod, bringing together performers and audiences from across the Tweed Valley and beyond. Over the decades, it has grown into a vibrant, multi-disciplinary celebration of the performing arts, while remaining deeply rooted in its community origins. 

Today, the Festival runs annually across several weeks in June and July, featuring a diverse program of speech and drama, music, and dance. It provides a welcoming and supportive platform for performers of all ages and experience levels—from first-time entrants to seasoned artists—to develop their skills, gain confidence, and share their passion with an audience. 

At its heart, the Festival is about opportunity. Opportunity for young performers to step onto the stage, for teachers and mentors to inspire, and for the community to come together and celebrate the performing arts. Generations of participants have taken part in the Festival, with many continuing their artistic journeys well beyond the Tweed.

The Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts is proudly run by a dedicated volunteer committee, supported by local sponsors, families, and the wider community. Their ongoing commitment ensures the Festival remains one of the most respected—and friendliest—events of its kind in regional Australia. 

With a rich history and a forward-looking spirit, the Festival continues to play an important role in nurturing creativity, building confidence, and enriching the cultural life of the Tweed Valley.