The Minns Labor Government will deliver a world class NSW Seniors Festival in 2027 to celebrate the contributions of older people in New South Wales and support them to build stronger community connections.
Applications are now open for the 2027 NSW Seniors Festival Program with a share of $200,000 in grants available for councils and community organisations to host festival events statewide.
These initiatives will build on festival events earlier this year which encompassed a diversity of themes including art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation.
'Discover, Connect, Celebrate' will be the theme for the festival set to run from 1 March to 14 March.
This year, NSW Seniors Festival Grants program funding supported 38 events across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW attended by more than 8,500 people.
Successful 2026 NSW Seniors Festival featured events included:
- Penrith City Council's Seniors Service Expo.
- Cessnock City Council's 'Live Life in Colour' in the Five Ways to Wellbeing for Seniors Festival in Cessnock initiative .
- Glen Innes Severn Council's " Re-Wired: Connection, Creativity & Curiosity for Seniors event.
The NSW Government hosts four key NSW Seniors Festival events annually including the Premier's Gala Concerts, NSW Seniors Festival Expo, Comedy Shows and Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts.
Applications for the Seniors Festival Grants close on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
For more information, including examples of previous successful events, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-seniors-festival-grant-program-2027.
Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:
"The NSW Seniors Festival is a highlight on our state's annual events calendar and we want to see older people from all corners of the state enjoy the benefits.
"That's why the Minns Labor Government is investing in the NSW Seniors Festival Grants program to empower councils and community organisations to run high quality events and boost social participation in the communities they know best.
"The NSW Seniors Festival represents an annual celebration of older people in our state who deserve to feel valued for their incredible contribution to our collective wellbeing."
