Bellingen • 30 October/1 November 2026

Bellingen Taranta Festival 2026

Join Us For 3 Immersive Days of Music, Art and Community

A festival where mediterranean and global cultures come alive through music, movement, colour and shared stories.

2025 Program

THURSDAY

30/10

Gala Night (Coffs Harbour)

An opening night of cultural fire and musical mastery. Ali Shkaki leads an extraordinary ensemble of Kurdish, Iraqi and Indian virtuosos, with Italian-style aperitivo and traditional Greek music to begin the evening.

Ali Shkaki Band • Metin Yilmaz • Nawres Al-Freh • Bobby Singh • Greek traditional set • Aperitivo by Osteria Stef & Co

FRIDAY

31/10

Día de los Muertos (Bellingen)

A vibrant day honouring ancestors through music, altars, dance and community ritual. From all-female mariachi to Italian folk dance to late-night DJ energy.

Queen of Hearts (Mariachi) • Zumpa & Anna Cerreto • Altar-making • Dress-up party • DJ Andre Meyer • Surprise acts

SATURDAY

1/11

The World Stage

Global folk traditions collide in a deeply immersive day across Bellingen. Workshops, poetry, movement, and powerful night concerts in Memorial Hall.

Badieh (Iran/Spain) • Sarita McHarg • Huda the Goddess • Sunseeds • Trio Petra • Ali Shkaki Band feat. Nawres & Metin • Community Art • Roaming performances

SUNDAY

2/11

Italian Festa

A joyful finale of food, dance and collective celebration. Pasta workshops, long-table lunch, and an explosive closing night of Southern Italian rhythms.

The Rustica Project • Zumpa • Scupriri • Santa Taranta • Playback Theatre • Ancestral Voices • Laura Targett album launch

A Festival of Ancestry, Culture and Connection

For four transformative days, Bellingen becomes a meeting place for memory, movement and music.
Workshops, installations, parades, food, and performances from across the Mediterranean and the world.