What's on Festivals
We don't only do the small stuff - we run festivals too
Currently the Dunedin Folk Club runs two festivals on the New Zealand folk calendar, the Whare Flat Folk Festival over New Year and the Waimate Folk Festival over Queen's Birthday weekend.
Whare Flat Folk Festival
Run annually by the New Edinburgh Folk Club since 1975, the Whare Flat Folk Festival brings you four days of concerts, workshops, entertainment and relaxation in the superb Waiora Scout Camp in the Whare Flat valley just outside of Dunedin. You couldn't choose a better place to chill out after Christmas and welcome in the New Year!
The Whare Flat Festival is unique, as anyone who's been will attest; it's a small (around 500 participants), intimate, interactive gathering of international, national and local guests all mixed up with festival-goers from around New Zealand and the world; where the accent is on getting involved. We provide as much opportunity as possible for your participation in workshops, performances and dance. However, if you want to just sit back and take in the talent, there are concerts running all day and every evening.
This year's festival will run from 30 Dec 2024 to 3 Jan 2025.
Waimate Winter Folk Festival
King's Birthday Weekend
Formerly the Whitestone Winter Festival, the Waimate Winter Folk Festival is held every King’s Birthday Weekend (to include the first Monday in June) at Gunns Camp near Waimate, South Canterbury. Although small, the festival has been steadily growing in popularity since it began in 1994. Whitestone is a great occasion for performers of all ages and skills, from the beginner to the seasoned professional.
Performers are drawn from those attending, creating the special ambience of this unique event. The friendliness and fun experienced by all of the 120 or so maximum participants is valued by many who return year after year.
Registration includes three nights accommodation (or camping, for the hardy) and continuous entertainment and workshops from Saturday morning to Sunday evening (and the wee hours of Monday).
