Celebrate Nature: A Family Festival of Fun, Music, and Conservation
Get ready for an unforgettable day of family fun, connection, and inspiration at the Festival of Nature, held at The Camp Lake Hāwea! This lively celebration invites people of all ages to reconnect with nature through a rich mix of experiences—from live music and storytelling to hands-on workshops and thought-provoking films. With free entry for kids, it’s the perfect way to spend a meaningful afternoon with your family while supporting local biodiversity efforts.
Supporting Local Conservation
The Festival of Nature is not only about enjoyment—it’s about giving back. All profits from the event will support our local biodiversity champions, including the Our Place Collective and the Hāwea Food Forest. Your participation directly contributes to protecting and nurturing the environment we all love.
Festival Vibes & Family Fun
Picture this: the majestic views of Lake Hāwea, the crisp mountain air, and a vibrant festival atmosphere alive with music, laughter, and the hum of excitement. The Festival of Nature is not just an event, but an experience that brings together the community for a day of learning, creativity, and inspiration. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this festival offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while exploring how we can all do our part to care for it.
From 2PM, the festival kicks off with a range of interactive workshops and stalls hosted by local businesses and biodiversity groups. Engage your kids in fun activities like building bug hotels with Wastebusters or learning about the wonders of seed saving with the Hāwea Food Forest. For the eco-conscious adventurer, stop by Protect Our Winters Aotearoa’s gear repair station, participate in a foraging walk with Wise Moon Wellness or learn how to make biochar with Ben Elms. . There’s something for everyone, and the interactive nature of the festival ensures it’s not just a day of observation—but a chance to get involved.
Films and Stories to Inspire
Inside the magical Beehive Dome, you’ll experience the transformative power of storytelling through a series of inspiring short documentaries that will leave you feeling empowered to take action in your community. The series, titled SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR THE WORLD, has been crafted by three extraordinary filmmakers: Happen Films, Reflections of Life, and Campfire Stories. Find a comfy spot, settle in, and immerse yourself in these beautiful narratives of individuals working to create a more ecological and resilient future.
Music, Storytelling, and a Stunning Finale
As the afternoon winds down, get ready for an epic finale from 4-6 PM with Nature’s Symphony. Set against the backdrop of Lake Hāwea’s stunning landscapes, this outdoor concert blends live music with storytelling and poetry. Featuring the incredible talents of Johnny Scott, Carlos Reigel, world-renowned harpist Kate Targett-Adams, and Eco Somatic movement facilitator Sierra Espinal, Nature’s Symphony offers a soul-stirring sound journey that’s both meditative and uplifting. Gather around the campfire and enjoy local stories led by Ron Bull, Tumuaki Whakaako at Otago Polytechnic, and spoken word peices by Zoe Hawkins, as we honor the deep connection between land, culture, and people.
So, pack a picnic, bring your family, and join us for a magical day celebrating nature, community, and creativity! This festival is your opportunity to reconnect with the land, learn new skills, and help foster a more sustainable future—all while enjoying a day of music, films, and fun. We can’t wait to see you there!
