Real Festival

Real Festival is a free-to-attend event held at Tench Reserve on the Nepean River in Penrith. It takes place in 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.

During the event, the riverbank is transformed into a stage that comes alive with impressive performances, spectacular art, and water activities. Several stalls offering crafty activities and workshops encourage you to get creative and learn something new.

Food and Drink

Treat your tastebuds to a flavour-packed journey at Real Festival. Join the feast with exclusive Real Festival dishes and product launches from some of Sydney’s best food trucks! Every dish pairs perfectly with a bespoke cocktail or locally produced beer to be enjoyed with a stunning riverside view at the Festival Bar.

There are loads of food and beverage options onsite, including some of Sydney’s best food trucks, and they 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.

It’s the ultimate foodie experience at Real Festival 2025: A food truck bonanza + special TikTok treats!

If you’re heading to Real Festival for family fun, a romantic date night, or a get-together with friends, there’s something for everyone to satisfy their taste buds!

This year’s Real Festival features a drool-worthy lineup of food trucks and a pop-up Festival bar to wash down all that deliciousness! Some of Sydney’s top food trucks are lined up, ready to serve up mouthwatering dishes, dreamy desserts, and comfort food that hits the spot every time.

It will be a positively palate-pleasing experience you won’t want to miss!

Markets

Stroll through artisan markets and purchase something special made, grown, sewn, picked, crafted or harvested in the local region. Grab a gift for a loved one or treat yourself to something new and unique– we’re telling you, you deserve it!

Workshops and Experiences

Join the riverbank for fun, free workshops, and experiences at the Real Festival! Please note that parents and carers must supervise children at all times, and some workshops require pre-booking as spaces are limited.

Workshops and experiences

Dive into hands-on workshops for all ages, where you can get your hands dirty with a range of drop-in activities. Master a new skill or dabble in creative projects, delivered in partnership with our Council services and local creatives.

Getting There

There is so much happening at Real Festival and large crowds are anticipated throughout the weekend. They suggest you plan your travel ahead of time so you don’t miss a moment of the action.

You’ll find lots of useful information here on public transport options, shuttle buses, parking as well as important road closures to minimise traffic and keep everyone safe. There are also accommodation options so you can make the most of your weekend in Penrith.

Parking
Limited Festival parking is available at:

• Tench Reserve via Jamison Road, near the Eastbank Restaurant precinct.
  A limited number of accessible car spots are available at this location. Keep your eye on Real Festival social channels for ‘car park at capacity’ notifications throughout the Festival. No parking will be available on Factory Road for the duration of the Festival to ensure shuttle bus access, and two way access for residents.
• Alternative car parking is available at the shuttle bus stops of Emu Plains Station and Penrith Station (Belmore St and Jane St car parks are recommended)
• Jamison Park has very limited parking available in the North side car park, which gives easy access to the shuttle bus stop. On Saturday, this location is expected to be very busy until approximately 5pm as there are sporting events at Jamison Park.

Shuttle Buses
Leave the car at home and catch a free shuttle bus! Busways shuttle buses will operate on a continuous loop across Friday and Saturday. The shuttle buses are accessible and can accommodate prams, strollers, wheelchairs and mobility aids.

The drop off and pick up locations are:

• Penrith Train Station (Stand D)
• Emu Plains Train Station (Great Western Highway side)
• Jamison Park (Between York Road and Racecourse Road)
• At the Festival site, Tench Reserve.

Pick up/Drop off
There is a designated passenger drop off and pick up area located at the northern end of Tench Avenue, accessible from Jamison Rd. This drop off area is for cars, Taxis and Ubers.

Public Transport
There are public transport options to get you to Real Festival at Tench Reserve. Public transport is a quick and effective option, but best of all by catching public transport you’re thinking sustainably and we really like that. The closest railway stations are Penrith or Emu Plains, both offering free shuttle buses on a continuous loop, thanks to the proud sponsor, Busways

The real-time trip planner at transportnsw.info can help you plan your travel to Tench Reserve by train, bus and on foot using the most up-to-date service information.

Walk or Cycle
Live locally or prefer to get your steps up? Real Festival welcomes walkers and cyclists to the Festival site. Please check distance and route options via your preferred map provider. We recommend allowing plenty of time and taking the scenic route crossing the Yandhai bridge from Emu Plains station, or the M4 bridge to take in the gorgeous views of the Nepean River.