Grit & Resilience Festival returns with music, movement, and community
Published on 23 September 2026
Wangaratta’s free Grit & Resilience Festival will return to King George Gardens on Saturday 10 October, with live music, cultural performances, activities, and information from local support services.
The fifth annual festival will run from 4pm to 6.30pm at King George Gardens, Ovens Street, Wangaratta.
The festival held on World Mental Health Day will focus on this year’s theme, Together We Thrive, and the role of connection, inclusion and belonging in supporting wellbeing.
Diaspora Performance will present a Latin American stilt performance featuring music and movement.
A Latin dance workshop will follow, giving people of all ages an opportunity to take part.
The Wangaratta performance comes one day before Diaspora Performance stilt-walker Santiago’s Guinness World Records attempt to complete the Melbourne Marathon on stilts.
Bek Nash-Webster, Grit & Resilience Program Coordinator“Connection is an important part of wellbeing, and the festival gives people a relaxed way to spend time together and take part.”
“This year’s theme, Together We Thrive, is a reminder that none of us thrive alone. When we create opportunities for people to connect, participate, feel included and have fun, we help build a stronger and more resilient community.”
The program also includes a diverse lineup of performances and activities, including Galen College music students, Sri Lankan dance from Aussie Narns Dance, Welcome to Country dancers from Barunjuk Footprints, and community drumming led by In The Groove.
The event is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone.
Community members are encouraged to bring their friends, family and neighbours, enjoy the entertainment, take part in activities and discover the many local supports and groups available across the Rural City of Wangaratta.
Bek Nash-Webster,Grit & Resilience Program Coordinator“The festival is a chance to show up as you are, enjoy the afternoon and leave feeling a little more connected than when you arrived. It is about belonging and reminding people that community wellbeing is something we all contribute to.”
Event details:
Grit & Resilience Festival 2026
Date: Saturday 10 October 2026
Time: 4:00pm to 6:30pm
Location: King George Gardens, Ovens Street, Wangaratta
Cost: Free entry
For more information, visit the Rural City of Wangaratta website or follow the Grit & Resilience Program on social media