The program brings together artists, musicians, performers, makers, schools, community groups, businesses and cultural organisations to present experiences that encourage people to explore the city in new ways and engage with the creative life of the New England region.
Creative Streets Festival is Armidale's celebration of creativity, culture and community.
Running from Opening Night on Saturday 17 October through to 8 November 2026, the festival transforms Armidale's streets, laneways, venues and public spaces into places of discovery, connection and creative expression.
Across three weeks, Creative Streets showcases the talent, stories and ideas that make our region unique.
FUNding & Partners
Creative Streets Festival is supported by the NSW Government's Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. Funding from the Open Streets Program assists Armidale Regional Council to deliver a vibrant program of events and activations that encourage people to connect with their community, support local businesses and experience the region's creative culture.
The festival is also made possible through the support of participating businesses, community organisations, cultural institutions, artists, volunteers and event partners who contribute to the program each year.
Together, these partnerships help create opportunities for creative expression, economic activation and community connection across Armidale and the wider region.
Music programming is being developed in partnership with NECOM and Musicians of Armidale, creating opportunities for local performers to share their talent and helping ensure the festival reflects the rich musical life of the region. The festival will also extend into the Armidale Mall, bringing creative activity to new spaces and creating stronger connections across the CBD.
Working alongside the Armidale Folk Museum and the Armidale historical society, the festival will uncover and share stories from Armidale's past, inviting audiences to experience local history through fresh eyes and discover the people, places and events that have shaped our community.
Community collaboration sits at the heart of Creative Streets Festival.
In 2026, Armidale Secondary College students will work alongside professional artists to create a major public mural, contributing their ideas and creativity to a lasting artwork in the city's public spaces. Preschool children from across the region are collaborating with NERAM on a large-scale installation in Hanna's Arcade, creating a colourful and imaginative work that reflects the perspectives of our youngest residents.
Working with Arts North West, Creative Streets creates opportunities for local First Nations artists, makers and storytellers to share culture, creativity and knowledge. In 2026, Opening Night will feature the Gather and Trade market, creating a platform for Aboriginal artists and makers to connect with audiences and celebrate Indigenous creativity.
The festival also proudly partners with Mosaic Multicultural Connections and Armidale's diverse cultural communities, creating opportunities for people to share traditions, stories, music, dance, food and cultural practices that contribute to the richness of life in our region. The return of cultural performances and community activations ensures that Creative Streets reflects the many voices and perspectives that make Armidale unique.
By bringing together artists, schools, businesses, community groups, cultural organisations and residents, Creative Streets Festival celebrates creativity as a powerful tool for connection, belonging and community pride. It is a celebration of the many perspectives that shape our region and a chance to experience Armidale in a way you may never have seen before.