Picnic on the Birrarung: Launch of Riverfest 2026

Celebrate the opening of Birrarung Riverfest 2026 and World Rivers Day with Yarra Riverkeeper Association beside the beautiful upper reaches of the Birrarung in Warburton. 

Join us by the river behind Redwood Community Centre for an afternoon of connection, culture, storytelling and riverside celebration as we commence three inspiring weeks of events honouring the Birrarung from source to sea.

Program:

From 12pm: Arrival and set up your picnic

12.30pm: Welcome by Janet Bolitho, President, Yarra Riverkeeper Association

12.35pm: Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and yarning/conversation  with Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Dave Wandin.

Then relax and chat for the afternoon or...

Join the Birrarung Bathers, a local group of experienced river swimmers and learn about river safety.

Or join eco-inking artist, Annie Bolitho and get creative with nature-based art activities. Uncover the wonder of nature's colours by the river. Play play play! For children and adults alike.

Pack a picnic, bring your chairs or a picnic rug, and join us by the river with family, friends and fellow river lovers.

Note: There is a short walk to the picnic place, look out for the Riverfest banners. Parking and toilets are available at the Redwood Community Centre. Overflow parking is behind the Mitre 10 Hardware store a little walk away.

Join us after the picnic at River Rhythms with Sammy J

Bring the family along to the River Rhythms, singer/songwriter competition grand finale with Sammy J at Warburton Arts Centre.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS

Come celebrate the first day of Birrarung Riverfest 2026 and the extraordinary river that brings us all together.

• Most Riverfest events are free, and many have limited places with long waitlists. Please only book if you're confident you can attend, so others don't miss out. Bookings are limited to 2 tickets for smaller events and 4 tickets for larger events.
  

• Can't make it? Please cancel your ticket by opening your Humanitix confirmation email and selecting 'Manage Order'. Your place will then be released to someone on the waitlist. If you need assistance, contact us by email: riverfest@yarrariver.org.au
  

• Events will proceed unless severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances require a change. If this happens, registered participants will be notified by email.

This event is not wheelchair accessible due to the terrain and venue. Parking and toilets are available at the Redwood Community Centre. Overflow parking is behind the Mitre 10 Hardware store.

We welcome people of all abilities. If you have any accessibility requirements or need assistance to participate, please contact us before the event so we can discuss how we can support your attendance.

Celebrate the Yarra, Birrarung at one of 70+ events hosted over three weeks from 27 September to 18 October. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops, wildlife spotting or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest. Riverfest is presented by Yarra Riverkeeper Association with thanks to our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Water4Good. Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Yarra Riverkeeper Association acknowledges that the lands and waterways of the Yarra, Birrarung catchment, are the unceded territories of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Bunurong Boonwurrung peoples. We pay respect to Traditional Owners, who have, and continue, to care for Country. We acknowledge that the river now called Yarra has always been known as the Birrarung by its custodians.