By Hollie Harris
If you are looking for a unique, wholesome family experience this weekend, look no further than the Pengari Children’s Festival on Sunday 27 August. `This event is always strikingly beautiful and a wonderful reflection of the connected community of Noosa Pengari Steiner School.
In a world that is high on stimulation and low on quality family engagement, this festival provides a rare opportunity to slow down and share the simple things.
Little ones will be totally engrossed by free Pre-school puppet shows in the morning, the ever popular gem hunt and a new ‘river run’ activity where children build little origami boats and then float them down a beautiful water feature.
For those feeling a little crafty, you can make nature garlands, weave dream catchers or create your own tie-dye garment (all natural dyes and byo clothes if you like or we’ll have basic items available). Young ones will even be able to make their own medieval swords.
Older kids will have a low ropes course, climbing wall and Surf Volley to keep them busy as well as having their own special ‘hang out space’ complete with entertainment from student musicians at the Chai Cafe.
Grown-ups are also catered for with pre-loved clothing and books plus local produce for sale. Be sure to explore the Treasure House for amazing hand crafted natural toys and craft supplies.
Garden Talks and Inspiring Stories are a new feature this year for the grown ups and will provide insights into the uniqueness of Steiner education as well as a special talk on an introduction to biodynamic gardening practices.
The Pengari Children’s Festival is becoming famous for its wholesome delicious foods. People come just for the curry from the Curry House and Pizza Fusion wood fired pizzas (complete with GF options) and oh my word – you must indulge at the Cake House!
You’ll be entertained by local bands Fusion and Thump as well as Pengari musicians young and old. There really is something for everyone.
The festival goes from 10am-3pm on Sunday 27 August. Parking is at the House With No Steps – off Fellowship Drive, and you’ll be able to walk or take a free shuttle bus to the school.
There will be activities and food for all kids – big and small, including:
Entertainment: Band of Frequencies, Fusion and NPSS musicians young and old.
Craft: dream catchers, sword making, tie-dye.
Shopping: pre-loved clothing and books, produce stall, treasure house
Little ones: free puppet show, merry go round, gem hunt, garland making, river run
Older Ones: low ropes course, climbing wall, surfvolley, poi and juggling making and lessons
Teens: Chai Cafe with open mic and poetry slam
Adults: free ‘garden talks’ including biodynamics and inspiring people panel
Food: famous curry, wood fired pizza (GF options), barbecue, cake house, children’s cafe, coffee and ayurvedic chai, kombucha, coconut water
Sustainability: great efforts going to create a totally sustainable event. Please byo drink bottle – water fill available.
Getting there: park at House With No Steps – off Fellowship Drive. Shuttle buses available or a short bush walk to the school on Nyells Road.
