Celebrate Mooroolbark brings local performers, community groups, stallholders and families together for an autumn festival centred on Hookey Park. Its appeal is the mix of things to watch and take part in: a stage performance can be followed by browsing the community bazaar, trying an activity or seeing the work of a local group. The day offers a snapshot of Mooroolbark’s creative and community life within easy reach of its railway station.
The 2027 date, hours and programme are still to be announced. The festival’s established autumn format provides plenty of reasons for a family outing, from local performances to hands-on activities. The examples below describe previous editions while the new line-up is being prepared.
Performance and participation around Hookey Park
Music, dance and family entertainment
The festival’s established entertainment mix draws on local musicians, dance schools and community performers, with family acts alongside the stage programme. This makes it worth looking beyond one headline performance: the interest comes from the range of people and traditions represented during the day.
The 2025 programme included street dance, Irish dancing, ballet and the Chin Community Dancers, alongside live bands, a magician and giant bubbles. These are historical examples rather than bookings for 2027. Once the new running order is available, choose the performances you most want to see and leave time between them for the rest of the festival.
Hands-on activities and community discovery
Previous programmes have spread participation beyond the main performance area. The 2025 edition listed an Active Living Hub with sports and lawn games, a children’s activity area and a discovery zone at the library. That variety can help a mixed-age family balance watching with doing, rather than expecting children to sit through an entire stage programme.
Check the coming activity list for ages, supervision, session limits and any charges. A festival promoted as free can still include paid attractions: face painting and go-karts were identified as paid activities in the 2025 programme. The distinction is useful when setting a family budget, even though those particular attractions are not confirmed for the next edition.
Stalls, food and the car display
Market stalls and food provide another reason to spend time at the festival. Browse with room in the day to stop and talk to local groups or makers, and budget for purchases independently of entry. If an advertised activity is important to your visit, find its location on the current festival map rather than assuming everything is beside the rotunda.
A car Show & Shine has featured in past editions, giving visitors another focus beyond the stage and children’s activities. Its vehicles, location and hours depend on the coming programme. People wishing to display a car or trade at a stall should follow the organiser’s application arrangements; visitor entry is a different matter from registering as a participant.
A family visit at your own pace
Once dates and hours are confirmed, plan around a few priorities and a break for food. A compact visit can centre on a chosen performance and a look at the stalls, while a longer stay leaves room for activities and community displays. Allow flexibility for queues or a child wanting to linger at something unexpected.
Bring suitable sun protection and an extra layer for changing conditions. If step-free access, accessible toilets, seating or a quieter place to pause is essential, ask the organiser about the coming layout before attending. An outdoor park setting does not establish the surface or access arrangements of every activity area.
Getting to the festival
Hookey Park is on Charles Street in Mooroolbark, a short walk from Mooroolbark station on the Lilydale line. The train is a practical option if you want to avoid searching for parking during the festival. Check the timetable and any planned works for the announced date, then use the current event map for the final approach.
Drivers should follow the new traffic and parking instructions when available. Station parking may be an option, but its existence is not a guarantee of a free space close to the activities. Keep access clear for residents and businesses, and allow time to walk from wherever you park.
The separate wool and handicrafts show
The Yarra Valley Wool & Handicrafts Show has a connection with the festival organisation, but it is a separate event. Its 2026 listing was for 3 May at Mooroolbark Community Centre on Brice Avenue, rather than the March festival at Hookey Park. Visitors interested in fibre arts should check that show’s own next date and venue instead of assuming it is included in the park programme.
Celebrate Mooroolbark FAQs
When is Celebrate Mooroolbark in 2027?
The date and festival hours are still TBA. The organiser’s previous March edition provides background, but an annual autumn pattern is not confirmation of a particular 2027 weekend.
Where is the festival held?
Its established setting is Hookey Park on Charles Street, close to Mooroolbark station. Check the new festival map for entrances and any activities spread into surrounding spaces.
Is Celebrate Mooroolbark free?
Previous editions have offered free entry and entertainment, while 2027 access details remain to be confirmed. Food, market purchases and some individual activities can cost extra, so check the next programme’s inclusions.
What is there for children?
Past editions have combined entertainment with activity areas and opportunities to try sports or creative activities. Use the coming list to check ages, supervision and which activities are included, rather than promising a previous attraction will return.
Can I travel by public transport?
Mooroolbark station is on the Lilydale line and a short walk from Hookey Park. Check services and any planned disruptions for the announced date, including the return journey after the activities you intend to see.
Is the wool show part of the same day?
Do not assume so. The Yarra Valley Wool & Handicrafts Show was separately scheduled at the community centre in 2026, and its next date and arrangements need to be checked independently.
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