COBARGO FOLK FESTIVAL
A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Connection
Our Festival is held on Djiringanj Country, home of the Djiringanj People of the Yuin Nation and we think our festival is very special.
What began as a street festival in 1996 in the historic main street of Cobargo, has grown into a joyful three-day celebration of folk and roots music, arts, dance, and community spirit. Nestled in the stunning Sapphire Coast hinterland of New South Wales, this festival has been held at the Cobargo Showground since 2004—a place where attendees can immerse themselves in culture and nature, only minutes away from historic Cobargo Village and some of Australia’s most breathtaking beaches.
Zena Armstrong, the current Festival Director, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the event, guiding its growth and success over the years. With a deep commitment to community and the arts, since 2016, Zena has played a key role in shaping the festival’s distinctive character—fostering an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates folk and roots music, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Produced and presented by the Yuin Folk Club, a local not-for-profit organisation, Cobargo Folk Festival is volunteer-run and fiercely independent. All proceeds support music, arts, and community initiatives in our region, especially as we rebuild from the 2019-2020 fires.
The festival fosters a welcoming environment where everyone can explore their creative side, whether through music, dance, or art workshops designed for all skill levels. Our spoken word events, jam sessions, and social gatherings bring people together, creating moments of connection that last beyond the festival.
Zero Waste Target
In 2022, Cobargo Folk Festival took a bold step toward sustainability by eliminating all red-lid landfill bins and launching our dedicated Zero Landfill initiative. With the help of our volunteer “Zero Waste Warriors,” festival-goers are guided in sorting waste correctly, ensuring recyclables and compostables go to the right places and that as little as possible ends up in landfill. Our passionate team is here to make sustainable choices easy and accessible, and each year we’re refining our processes to reach our ultimate goal: a zero-landfill festival. Through these efforts, we’re committed to protecting the environment and fostering a culture of sustainability in the festival community.
Discover Our Unique Festival Spaces
Main Stages
Featuring top local, national, and international artists, our main concert stages, Biamange, Gulaga and Wandella, are the showcases of the festival, offering a platform for standout performances and headline acts. With a focus on delivering high-quality music and entertainment and providing an unforgettable experience. The Yuin Folk Club Stage is the heart of our festival where we celebrate the roots of folk music across many different traditions, and where you might find the unexpected craziness of a spontaneous crossover between acts, genres, the old and the new.
First Nations Program
Our First Nations Program is a celebration of Indigenous culture, wisdom, and creativity, with an emphasis on honouring the traditions and stories of the Yuin people and other First Nations communities. This program creates spaces for deep cultural exchange, where attendees can learn from Indigenous artists, musicians, storytellers, and Elders through powerful performances, workshops, and discussions. The Yuin Elders Yarning Tent, a focal point of the program, offers a welcoming space to hear stories passed down through generations, while spotlighting young Indigenous voices and talents. By centering Indigenous perspectives and inviting meaningful connections, the First Nations Program fosters cultural respect, understanding, and community unity within the festival.
The Crossing Youth Stage
The Crossing Youth Stage is a dynamic space at Cobargo Folk Festival dedicated to celebrating young talent and fostering the next generation of musicians. Here, emerging artists take to the stage to share their passion and creativity with an encouraging audience, creating an electrifying and supportive atmosphere. The Crossing offers young performers an invaluable chance to hone their skills, build confidence, and experience the thrill of live performance. Festival-goers are invited to cheer on these budding musicians and be inspired by their talent, enthusiasm, and fresh takes on folk and roots music.
KidBargo!
KidBargo! is a magical space just for kids and families—a place where young imaginations can soar. Filled with creative activities like music-making, singing, storytelling, and hands-on crafts using recycled and natural materials, KidBargo! is all about exploration and fun. Kids can try their hand at juggling, skipping, and hula hoops, dress up in whimsical costumes, get their faces painted, or simply enjoy the performances by talented musicians and storytellers. KidBargo! is designed to be a joyful, family-friendly hub where kids can express themselves, connect with nature, and experience the magic of the festival in their own unique way.
Poetry and Spoken Word
An integral component of the festival’s expanded offerings, the Poetry and Spoken Word ‘festival within a festival’, showcases a dynamic range of voices, perspectives and styles. Celebrating the power of storytelling, poetry, and performance art, inviting audiences to experience thought-provoking and resonant expressions. Through a series of curated performances, workshops, and open mic sessions, both established and emerging spoken word artists connect with audiences, creating an immersive, communal atmosphere that fosters dialogue and inspiration.
Workshops
Workshops are a hands-on opportunity to dive deeper into the world of folk and roots music, dance, and creative arts. With sessions for all skill levels, festival-goers can try their hand at new instruments, improve their vocal skills, explore various dance styles, or even craft unique art pieces. Led by accomplished musicians, artists, and dancers, these workshops emphasise learning, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your musical journey or an experienced artist wanting to refine your craft, our workshops offer something for everyone.
Dance
Get ready to move at Cobargo Folk Festival’s dance sessions, where everyone—from beginners to experienced dancers—can enjoy a wide range of dance traditions. Kick off your festival experience with the lively Friday night Bush Dance and let the rhythm set the tone for the weekend! From lively Celtic jigs and reels to folk-inspired circle dances and more, these sessions are designed to be inclusive, energetic, and loads of fun. Join talented musicians and dance leaders who guide you through each step, whether it’s learning something new or perfecting familiar moves. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, our dance sessions invite all ages to connect, celebrate, and share in the joy of dance.
Ideas from the Edge
Engaging conversations with Ideas from the Edge, sit for an hour and enjoy an interesting conversation about varied topics.
Sessions & Blackboard Stage
Throughout the festival weekend, join music sessions and picks at the Bob McInnes Session Shed, located opposite the Bar and Shop. Look out for programmed sessions and picks, and informal get-togethers across the festival site. Whether you’re sharing your musical talents or just enjoying the tunes from the back, we encourage players of all abilities to get in and participate. Check the program for Blackboard Stage times. Come and enjoy a variety of performers or add your name to the whiteboard to join in.
Adding to the Experience
MARKETS & FOOD STALLS
Experience the best of Sapphire Coast produce at our festival food stalls and explore local art and crafts at our markets. Recharge with a range of delicious and nutritious options, or grab a bite on the go from our food stalls while you enjoy concerts, dances, workshops, and sessions. Sip a coffee, cold drink, or a beverage from Spooners Bar, and explore a variety of clothing, leather goods, and handcrafted items, all supporting our local community and vendors.
FESTIVAL SHOP
Don’t forget to visit our festival shop! Grab a t-shirt or a CD to remember the wonderful moments from the festival. It’s a great way to take a piece of the Cobargo Folk Festival home with you and support our artists and community at the same time.
FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
We’re grateful to have a team of talented photographers who capture the magic of our Festival each year, this includes the skilled Sabine Friedrich and Matt Nettheim. If you spot them around, be sure to say hello and thank them for their incredible work in preserving the special moments of our event.
RAFFLE
Don’t miss your chance to win! Look out for our raffle ticket sellers for a chance to win a wonderful prize. All proceeds support The Crossing Land Education Centre and the Yuin Folk Club, helping to encourage young performers.
YUIN FOLK CLUB
Who we are
Yuin Folk Club Inc. (YFC), a not-for-profit, community-led organisation based in Cobargo, a rural village in the Bega Valley on the Sapphire Coast of NSW. The YFC’s primary objective is to foster a thriving, independent, folk and roots music community in our region and beyond.
Founded in 1995, the Yuin Folk Club is a community-led, charitable organisation, YFC supports the arts in our region by hosting concerts, educational events, and our annual Cobargo Folk Festival. With funds raised, we support independent musicians, enhance local music venues, and contribute to local infrastructure, fostering a vibrant cultural sector.
Yuin Elder Auntie Eileen Morgan was a strong supporter of the Club. Auntie Eileen obtained permission from the local Yuin elders to use the Yuin name and to use the Yuin painting in our logo.
Membership
Become a member to support the Yuin Folk Club. Individual memberships are $10, and family memberships are $15. Benefits include newsletters and discounts on YFC events. To join, email us at info@cobargofolkfestival.com.
Join us for an unforgettable experience of music, arts, and community in the beautiful Bega Valley. Whether you come for a day or camp for the weekend, the Cobargo Folk Festival offers a warm, welcoming space to reconnect, relax, and create memories.
Committee
The Yuin Folk Club Committee has 12 volunteer members and a Public Officer drawn from the Cobargo region.
2025 Committee
President Peter Logue, Coolagolite
Public Officer Helen Stafford, Cobargo
Secretary Chris Walters, Cobargo
Treasurer Peter Shears, Brogo
Vice-President Coral Vorbach, Coolagolite
Director (Cobargo Folk Festival) Zena Armstrong, Coolagolite
Committee:
Alfredo LaCaprara, Cobargo
Catherine McEwen, Wallaga Lake
Carolyn Griffin, Eden
Gray Eggleston, Cobargo
Harry Binnendijk, Wandella
Samantha Fenton, Verona
Shirleyanne Myers, Wandella
The YFC Committee is supported by the dedicated Cobargo Folk Festival Organising Team, along with over 300 volunteers from across the country. We are deeply grateful to all those who generously give their time and energy, helping to create and maintain the festival space for everyone to enjoy.
Objectives
- To connect individuals and community through folk music and the arts;
- To encourage, support and promote established and emerging folk and roots artists;
- To produce an annual high quality folk and roots festival, the Cobargo Folk Festival and an annual concert series;
- To contribute to local economic development through regenerative cultural activities and tourism;
- To respect our environment and minimise our environmental impact
- To encourage and support volunteerism, share skills. build local capacity and social capital.
