Real Festival FAQs

What is REAL Festival?

REAL Festival is a free event held at Tench Reserve on the Nepean River in Penrith. It takes place 11, 12 & 13 September and features a huge program of activities and entertainment for all ages.

What sets REAL Festival apart from other events is all the interactive elements. This is your opportunity to be active, crafty, creative, and inspired at every corner of the riverbank.

REAL’s program of amazing performances, activities, entertainment and experiences takes place over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Where can I find out what’s happening at REAL Festival?

You’re in the right place! The program page of this website has everything you need to know about what’s happening at REAL Festival. We are also spilling the REAL Festival tea on our socials, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest festival news and up-to-date information.

Where is REAL Festival held?

REAL Festival is held at Tench Reserve, Penrith at the Nepean River. For details on how to get there and public transport options, check out the Plan Your Trip page on this website.

What date/time is REAL Festival?

Mark these dates and times in your calendar.

• Friday 11 September: 4pm – 10pm
• Saturday 12 September: 4pm – 10pm
• Sunday 13 September: 10am – 4pm

Can I still access Tench Reserve as normal in the lead up to REAL Festival?

Tench Reserve car park and some parking along Tench Avenue will be closed to the public from 6am Monday 7 September to 5pm Tuesday 15 September.

Can I still access Tench Reserve as normal in the lead up to REAL Festival?

There will be limited pedestrian access to certain areas of Tench Reserve from Monday 7 September. This is to keep everyone safe as we prepare for REAL Festival. There will be lots of trucks and people coming and going, so please be mindful of them.\

Will the Great River Walk be open as normal in the lead up to REAL Festival?

Yes. You can still access the River Walk path which loops around the Nepean River and crosses both bridges at all times in the lead up to the Festival and throughout the event.

Will the boat ramp at Tench Reserve be closed?

To support event setup and ensure public safety, the boat ramp at Tench Reserve will be closed from 6am Tuesday 8 September to 5pm Tuesday 15 September. During this time, the ramp will not be accessible to the public.

How do residents of Tench Avenue access their properties during REAL Festival?

Tench Reserve car park and some parking along Tench Avenue will be closed to the public from 6am Thursday 1 September to 6am Monday 14 September.

There will be limited pedestrian access to certain areas of Tench Reserve from Monday 7 September.

If you're a resident of Tench Avenue and you would like to talk to someone about access during REAL Festival, please call the Events Team on 4732 7777

Will there be any road closures during REAL Festival?

During festival hours, there will be a northbound lane closure along Tench Avenue, closest to the event site. Please follow the directions of Traffic Controllers for safe access.

Please note, there will be no festival access via Factory Road/Spencer Street. To prevent congestion, we recommend heading to Tench Reserve via Jamison Road. Factory Road access will only be permitted for passholders and residents (local traffic only). Please note, Council will also be enforcing a No Stopping zone along Factory Road between Loftus Street and Bundarra Road. Fines will apply.

How do I get to REAL Festival?

To help get you to REAL Festival check out the Plan Your Trip page. You can drive, catch public transport, car pool, get dropped off and there’s also the free park and ride shuttle bus service from Penrith,Emu Plains train stations and Jamison Park, operated by Busways. The options are endless!

What happens if it rains?

Fingers crossed it doesn’t but if it does, make sure you’re connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for all the up-to-date information about the event. We’ll also update this website as soon as we can if REAL Festival has to be cancelled. Please note if the event is cancelled, it won’t be rescheduled.

Do I need to purchase tickets to attend REAL Festival?

No. REAL Festival is a FREE to attend event with no entry ticket required! Though note some activities may require tickets to participate – so keep an eye on our program.

Is this a cashless event?

Eftpos is the preferred way to pay. Please note there won't be any ATMs at this event.

Can I bring my own picnic blanket?

Absolutely! We have lots of space at REAL Festival and while there is seating and tables throughout the event, if you feel like bringing your picnic blanket, cushions or rugs, please feel free to do so. There will be live music and entertainment so we want you to be comfortable. No chairs or marquees are permitted for safety reasons.

Can I purchase food and drinks?

There are loads of food and beverage options onsite including some of Sydney’s best food trucks and we know you’re going to LOVE the amazing dishes available. You are welcome to bring food in and picnic at the event, though please respect the venue by bringing reusable plastic bottles and cans. Glass is strictly prohibited.

What can’t I bring?

Alcohol and illicit drugs are not permitted to be brought into the venue or car parks. Security has the right to conduct bag and pram checks as required. Intoxicated persons will be refused entry. No glass or weapons will be permitted. Alcohol can be purchased from the bar, so leave your drinks at home and head to the bar if you’re thirsty.

Where can I stay during REAL Festival?

There are lots of places to stay in Penrith close to REAL Festival. Check out Visit Penrith for a variety of accommodation options and what else to see, do and enjoy while you are here. There’s somewhere to suit all budgets, but we suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

What happens to lost property?

Lost property can be taken to the Festival Information Booth at the event. Items will be returned to their owners who are able to correctly identify the items. Any items that are not claimed will be taken back to Penrith City Council Civic Centre.

What is the procedure for lost children/persons?

Let’s hope this doesn’t happen but if you do find a lost child or lose your child, contact the Festival Information Booth or Events Staff immediately. Events staff will work with security and the police to reunite lost children with their carers as soon as possible.

There are wristbands available at the Festival Information Booth for you to write your contact details on and secure on your child’s wrist.

Large crowds are expected – we also recommend you plan a meeting point with your children in case they become separated from you.

Penrith City Council is proud to lead the way in prioritising child safety for those that live, visit, learn and play in Penrith. Protecting and enhancing the wellbeing of children and young people in our community is of paramount importance to us. We embed child-safe practices into our leadership, governance and organisational culture as part of our unwavering commitment to being a child safe organisation.

What should I wear for on-water activities?

A hat and suncream during the day, and we recommend wearing clothes you can move easily in and that can get wet. Consider bringing a change of clothes just in case and for evening activities, it may get cool so bring a jacket.
Will there be fireworks?

There won't be a firework display at REAL Festival 2026, however the program incorporates many visual and illuminated attractions including an on-water laser show.

Is REAL Festival accessible?

The Penrith REAL Festival welcomes all members of our community, including patrons with disability and with mobility support requirements. Every effort has been made to ensure all aspects of the Festival are inclusive and accessible and can be enjoyed by all.

Some areas of Tench Reserve are quite steep, with uneven terrain. If you require assistance navigating the site, please find a Council Staff Member (yellow hi-visibility vest or at the Information Booth)/Accessibility Event Guide (pink hi-visibility vest), or our Public Safety Team (Police, Security or First Aid) – who will be patrolling the site. Our team is happy to assist you with movement from zone to zone.

Accessible amenities are available across the site, including existing facilities at Tench Reserve, the new amenities block (M-LAK fitted) and Portaloos. Please refer to the accessibility map for locations.

Our Busways Free Shuttle Bus Services are accessible services.

Limited accessible parking spaces will also be available at the Festival Site. Please ensure you have a valid permit.

If you would like further information on accessibility and inclusion considerations for the Festival please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Can I bring my dog?

REAL Festival is proudly dog-friendly and we’d love to meet your furry friend!

Our friendly Ranger and Animal Services team will be there to help you check your pet’s microchip details and lifetime registration status.

If you live in the Penrith Local Government Area, you can also grab a free pet tag to help make sure your pet gets home safely if they ever wander off.

Please ensure your furry friends are leashed at all times and please take care of them in the expected large crowds.