The Grafton Jacaranda Festival is Australia’s oldest floral festival, starting in 1934. It is held annually over 10 days in late October/early November to celebrate the city’s blooming jacaranda trees. It offers a massive regional tourism experience featuring cultural performances, parades, market stalls, and illuminated tree displays, blending tradition with modern, inclusive entertainment.
The Grafton Jacaranda Festival offers an immersive experiences through events such as Illuminate, walking tours and the hop on hop off bus. It encourages communities participation and engagement through decorated windows, business costume competitions, float competitions and the Spot It competition which allows children of all ages to visit businesses and participate to win a prize; as well as bringing in local and international tourists to boost the Grafton economy.
Each year, a committee of eight volunteers is elected and works tirelessly to bring the festival together. As a committee, they ensure the festival maintains some of its traditions such as the dance performed by the candidates at the ball and the homage to the crown while bringing in new traditions. In recent years, the festival has also become more inclusive, by opening the Royal Party to not only male candidates but candidates from all gender identities.
