Community
3 July, 2026
KidFest returns this weekend
AFTER a huge first year, KidFEST Warrnambool is returning to Lake Pertobe this July school holidays.
Organised by local mums Emma Moloney and Tina Atkinson, this special three-day children’s event will kick off tomorrow (Saturday) and run through until Monday at Lake Pertobe.
Now in its second year, the festival has grown significantly in both scale and ambition.
Eight hands-on workshops will run across all three days, covering science experiments, woodwork, dance, music and movement, drama and improv, nature craft, visual art and live animal encounters.
All workshops are delivered by local and regional facilitators.
One of the things that makes KidFEST special is that parents are encouraged to get involved too.
Parents can join their children for some fun science experiments, help them build their woodwork creation, or simply sit alongside them as they explore.
This is not just an activity day, it’s also a chance for families to connect and for community to gather.
Each workshop runs four times a day across two age groups (ages 2-5 and 6-10) so there’s plenty of time to get to each activity throughout the day.
Most sessions are capped at around 20 children, keeping things enjoyable for both kids and parents.
Age groups are a guide rather than a rule.
“If children of different ages want to participate together, that’s absolutely fine,” Emma said.
“Parents/carers may need to give the younger child a helping hand as the facilitators will have pitched the activity to the older age group.”
Last year’s inaugural event attracted close to 700 people and this year that number is expected to be even bigger.
Entry includes all workshops, professional face painting, a giant sandpit, a soft play area for children under two, and lunchtime performances by De Silva Dance Company.
Ticket holders can also enjoy some special offers at various local businesses.
