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REAL Festival 2026

The REAL Festival 2026, presented by Penrith City Council, transformed Tench Reserve in Penrith into a vibrant festival destination from September 25 to 27, 2026. Attracting over 50,000 attendees, the three-day event along the Nepean River featured immersive art, live entertainment, markets, food, and various on-water activities.

Date
Sep 25-27, 2026
Location
Penrith
Status
Recently ended
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REAL Festival 2026

Event summary

Highlights

  • 'Flight' themed immersive art
  • Busways Riverside Laser Show
  • On-water activities on the Nepean River
  • Free rides on the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler
Penrith City Council’s REAL Festival 2026 was held over three days, from September 25 to 27, drawing more than 50,000 people to Tench Reserve in Penrith. The event cemented its status as one of Western Sydney’s premier community celebrations, with the banks of the Nepean River coming alive with diverse attractions.

The festival offered a range of experiences, including 'flight' themed immersive art, live entertainment, creative experiences, markets, and food vendors. A highlight for many was the spectacular Busways Riverside Laser Show, which illuminated the night sky on Friday and Saturday evenings, providing a stunning backdrop to the festivities.

Sunday's program focused on the Nepean River, offering popular on-water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Chiliboats water bikes, and dragon boat experiences. The iconic Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler was a major drawcard, providing free rides every 20 minutes throughout Sunday.

Practical details

Location described by the source
Tench Reserve
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Area for browsing nearby events
Penrith
Organizer — source statement
REAL Festival 2026 was proudly delivered by Penrith City Council
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Before attending

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Sources and further information

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Location map

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