Bellingen Taranta Festival 2026

The Bellingen Taranta Festival returns from 30 October to 1 November 2026 for three days of Mediterranean and global music, dance, art, food and community celebration.

Across Bellingen and Coffs Harbour, the festival brings together concerts, workshops, conversations, poetry, storytelling, movement, community art, folk sessions, roaming performances and shared meals.

2026 Theme: Identity

This year’s festival explores identity through music, movement, memory and shared stories. Artists and communities from different cultures and traditions come together to celebrate what shapes us, what connects us and how culture is carried forward.

Friday 30 October

Opening Day: Bellingen

The festival begins with a day of music, dance, workshops, talks and community ritual across Bellingen.

Daytime events will take place at:

• 5 Church Street

• The Bellingen Brewery

• Bellingen Memorial Hall

Full daytime programme coming soon.

Gala Night: Coffs Harbour

The celebration continues at the Coffs Harbour Conservatorium with a special Gala Night.

Featuring Hyperbaroq from Melbourne and the Santa Taranta Orchestra from Bellingen and Melbourne, including the Santa Taranta Orchestra album launch.

Places for the Gala Night are limited.

Saturday 31 October: The World Stage

Global folk traditions meet in a full day of performances and activities across Bellingen. Morning and lunchtime sessions will take place around town, followed by workshops, poetry, movement and evening concerts at the Memorial Hall.

Featuring:

Ginkgobiloba • Alessandro Santacaterina • Transatlantico • Hyperbaroq • Wombatuque • Ars Nova Napoli • The Bellingen Singers

Plus free jams, community art, roaming performances, conversations, workshops and folk music sessions.

More artists to be announced.

Sunday 1 November: Celebrating Our Diversity

The festival closes with Italian food, dance and a collective celebration of diversity. The day includes morning and lunchtime sessions around town, workshops, a long-table lunch and a final night of soulful music and global rhythms.

Featuring:

Playback Theatre • LOOM • Diego Jascalevich • BYO Sinfonia Ensemble accompanying festival artists • Greek Dance Party with Trio Petra • Farhan Shah & SUFI OZ • Santa Taranta Orchestra with Ars Nova Napoli

Plus free and ticketed performances, community art, folk music sessions, roaming performances, conversations and workshops.

More artists to be announced!

Tickets

Secure your tickets early to ensure your place and help support the festival to continue each year.

The full 2026 programme and further festival updates will be announced at tarantafestival.com.au.

Taranta Festival takes place on Gumbaynggirr Country. We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging.