Tumut’s beloved Falling Leaf Festival celebrates its 71st year this weekend with a vibrant showcase of autumnal beauty, community spirit and cultural festivities.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Snowy Valleys, the festival will take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April, with additional events on Thursday 24 April.

First held in 1954, the festival began as a local celebration of the town’s spectacular autumn colours.

It was the idea of Tumut Intermediate School headmaster Alf Wood, who, alongside the local Rotary Club, organised the original event to highlight the unique charm of the town’s deciduous trees and to bring the community together at the turn of the season.

What started as a modest local tradition has grown over the decades into a major regional event, drawing thousands of visitors and showcasing the best of Tumut’s creative and cultural life.

The 2025 edition kicks off on Thursday with theatre performances at the Montreal Theatre, setting the stage for a packed weekend. Saturday is the main day of the festival, featuring the iconic street parade that winds its way through Wynyard Street and ends in Richmond Park.

This year’s theme, “Golden Era” will see local schools, businesses, clubs, and performers bring retro-inspired floats and costumes to life, offering a colourful tribute to bygone decades.

Throughout Saturday, the heart of town will transform into a lively festival precinct.

Market stalls will line the streets, food trucks will serve up local fare, and live music will be heard across several stages.

This year’s line-up includes folk-rock favourites The Bushwackers, singer-songwriter Rory Phillips, acoustic duo Great Aunt and other regional acts, including the always-popular Wagga and District Highland Pipe Band.

Adding to the festival atmosphere will be roving performers, community acts, and street entertainers bringing energy and personality to every corner of town.

A major drawcard this year is the Tumut Rodeo, running from 1 pm Saturday at the Tumut Showground.

Expect heart-pounding, teeth-gritting action with barrel racing, steer wrestling, the Extreme Broncs ‘Blondie Challenge’ alongside the invitational Mini Bull Ride — a crowd favourite featuring some of Australia’s top up-and-coming riders.

Saturday evening offers something a little different, as the Montreal Theatre hosts the RSGx Comedy Gala.

Featuring well-known comedians Akmal and Dane Simpson, along with performers from the Riverina Comedy Club, the show is expected to sell out and promises a fun, laid-back end to the day’s excitement.

For those looking for hands-on experiences, a range of cultural workshops will run across the weekend.

Highlights include a Bollywood dance session and a traditional Aboriginal weaving workshop, both offering the chance to learn from experienced artists and performers while celebrating the cultural diversity of the region.

Also on Saturday, bringing a splash of quirky, local theatre to the program, See Me Hear Me Theatre will present Xander Starbuck – Space Cowboy Part II at Tumut River Brewing Co.

Sunday’s program shifts to a slower pace with a strong family focus. Pioneer Park will host “Sunday Morning in the Park”, supported by the Tumut Community Preschool.

The program includes the debut of the Super Family Fun Run, with both five- and 10-kilometre distances, and a vibrant colour run for all ages.

Families can settle in with live music, enjoy a picnic or grab food from local vendors and catch The Pretty Amazing Jono’s Incredi-Bubble Festival — a returning favourite filled with giant bubbles, laughter, and entertainment for the little ones.

Visitors can also explore creative and cultural stalls, including Indigenous arts and crafts, and enjoy live acoustic performances throughout the park.

A hallmark of the Falling Leaf Festival – that extends beyond the celebration of the season – is its strong community involvement, with many of the events free to attend, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, sponsors and organisers who ensure it remains accessible to all.

With weather forecasts predicting mild, pleasant conditions — ranging from 9 to 26 degrees Celsius — it’s shaping up to be an ideal weekend for both locals and tourists to enjoy all that Tumut and the Snowy Valleys have to offer.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, as accommodation in and around Tumut fills quickly during the festival period.

For more details and a festival program visit the Falling Leaf Festival website.

Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.