Your ticket to Camp Creative isn’t JUST for your course.
It also gains you FREE entry to all of our evening events.
When the sun winds down, Camp Creative keeps buzzing!
Each night brings something different, giving everyone a chance to unwind, catch up with new mates and enjoy a bit of local talent.
You don’t need to book, your Camp Creative name sticker is your ticket – just wander in and enjoy.
Long-term Camp Creative students know that the day doesn’t end when your course finishes at 4pm!
There are 4 fantastic events that you can attend during the week.
It’s our 40th anniversary…
this is going to be huge!
Bellingen Music Experience
Tuesday 13th January, 2026
7pm - 9pm
Bellingen Memorial Hall
Entry by gold coin donation
Get ready for a night that shows off just how much talent calls Bellingen home. This year’s Bellingen Music Experience brings together a gorgeous mix of musicians, singers and performers, including past and present Bill Lockley recipients, local favourites, youth talent and a few surprise guests.
Expect everything from soaring vocals to woodwind magic, cabaret flair, Celtic tunes and standout moments from our young Sinfonia players. It’s one of those evenings that leaves you smiling all the way home.
Join us and soak up a lineup that only Bellingen could create.
NOTE: While David Helfgott has been our main performer at this event for many years, he will not be performing this time.
Inspire Songwriting
Wednesday 14th January, 2026
4pm - 6pm
Bellingen Brewery
Come along and cheer on our Inspire Songwriting crew as they take the brave step of sharing their work live.
This is a relaxed, feel-good chance to hear original songs that have been written, or are still taking shape, during the course.
The group will be supported on stage by their tutor Tony Rowley, making it a really welcoming first performance space.
Expect honest lyrics, plenty of heart, and a great snapshot of the creative process in action.
A great way to spend an hour and support these Camp Creative students giving it a go.
Grab a local brew and a fantastic Bello Brewery pizza while you’re there!
Hang out at the Brewery to enjoy the Roger Burke Quartet from 6pm!
The Bash: Open Mic Night
Wednesday 14th January, 2026
7pm - 9.30pm
The Federal Hotel
The Bash is our relaxed open mic night where anything can happen and usually does.
Students, tutors, first-timers, seasoned performers — everyone’s welcome to jump up and share a song, a story, comedy or something completely unexpected.
It’s always a fun mix of nerves, big laughs and those magic moments you can’t plan. Come along, cheer people on and enjoy a night that really captures the spirit of Camp Creative.
Join us for a fun evening and have a bash!
Due to renovations, our usual venue at the Bellingen Golf Club is unavailable.
Please be aware that while the The Federal Hotel is a large venue, it has a completely different layout to the Golf Club and in most cases, you won’t be able to see the stage if you are having dinner.
Tables will be set up around the stage area, but these will be limited due to the layout.
If you wish to watch the show while having dinner it is suggested that when booking a table using the button below, you add notes at checkout to say you want to be seated inside near the stage. This option will be first in, first served.
Are you attending Camp Creative 2026 and want to lock in your act for The Bash?
Click the button below to fill in the application form!
Party in the Park
Thursday 15th January, 2026
5pm - 9.30pm
Bellingen Memorial Hall
32 Hyde Street
Party in the Park is our big outdoor celebration in the heart of town — a late-arvo gathering where students get to jump on stage with their tutors and share what they’ve been working on, right alongside some favourite local acts.
Expect a lot of fun and laughs, local food trucks and a big crowd. Bring a picnic rug and your family and friends, and settle in for a feel-good night out.
You’ll catch everything from the youth hip hop crew to harmonicas, uke groups, body percussion with Greg Sheehan, Titan Sky, African Drumming, plus Hot Mess, Kinfolk Orkestar, and the Versace Boys.
And that’s only a slice of what’s lined up…
Since it’s our 40th, you can bet there’ll be a few surprises tucked in as well!
Kids Showcase
Friday 16th January, 2026
Approx. 1pm - 3pm
Bellingen High School Hall
The Kids Showcase is one of the best moments of the whole week. It’s when our young crew take over the stage and show everyone what they’ve been cooking up at camp.
First up is Spaghetti Circus — our biggest kids group — with a colourful jumble of flips, trapeze and circus tricks that always gets the crowd smiling. After that, the youth hip hop dancers roll out a high-energy routine, followed by the drama group with a mini musical they’ve created from scratch in just a few days.
It’s crazy, loud, a bit chaotic and completely awesome. A perfect way to wrap up the week.
Grand Finale Concert
Friday 16th January, 2026
6pm - 9pm
Bellingen High School Hall
The Grand Finale Concert brings the whole week together in one big celebration. It’s where you’ll see standout moments from across our courses – the pieces everyone’s been working on, polished up and ready for the spotlight.
We’ll also draw the raffle and introduce you to the crew of staff and volunteers who pour their hearts into making Camp Creative happen each year.
With this being our 40th anniversary, the night has a bit of extra sparkle. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the week and share one last feel-good moment before we all head home.
Don’t miss it!
