Knox Fest brings live music, local arts, community groups and activities for different ages together at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully. It is a free community festival where you can move between watching a performance, trying an activity and browsing the stalls, rather than following one seated show.
The 2027 event is on Saturday, 27 February, from 10am to 9pm. The reserve is on Brenock Park Drive, with the Dandenong Ranges providing the broader setting for a day centred on Knox’s local community.
Stages and community performances
Live music and community entertainment are part of the announced event mix. The community stage gives local schools, choirs, cultural groups and other performers a place in the programme, linking the festival with activities that continue around Knox throughout the year.
For visitors, that means a chance to see different kinds of local talent in one outing. Choose a performance to stop for, then leave time to explore another part of the reserve. The detailed 2027 lineup and stage times are still to be announced.
Activities beyond the stage
The announced activity areas include arts and outdoor play, children’s activities, a youth hub and an active hub. These create different reasons to visit: younger children may want hands-on play, teenagers may prefer the youth activities, and other visitors can look for a workshop or a chance to try something new.
Community stalls help connect those festival experiences with local groups and services. Take time to ask about an activity that interests you rather than assuming every stall is retail. The programme also includes market stalls and amusement rides.
Entry being free does not mean every ride, purchase or optional activity is included. Check signs and prices at the activity itself, and agree on a spending plan with children before joining a queue.
Food and a flexible visit
Food trucks provide a way to build a meal into the day. Allow separately for food and drinks, and ask individual vendors about ingredients or dietary needs. A festival with many food outlets does not establish that every dietary requirement can be accommodated.
The long opening period allows a shorter visit as well as a full day out. Pick a few priorities for your group, leave time for a break and use the final programme to decide whether the morning, afternoon or evening suits you best.
What the 2027 announcement confirms
The advertised finish is 9pm. A fireworks display has not been announced as part of the 2027 programme, so an old 9:45pm fireworks time should not shape your travel plans.
Knox Fest is an all-ages event that is alcohol, drug, smoke and vape free. Pets should stay at home; assistance dogs are welcome. These conditions apply across the festival setting, including visits made primarily for the music or food.
Arrival and access at Wally Tew Reserve
Use Wally Tew Reserve on Brenock Park Drive as the destination. Event entrances, accessible parking, shuttle services and any road restrictions need to be checked against the 2027 visitor information once released, rather than an earlier year’s map.
If an access arrangement is essential, contact the council’s events team before choosing your arrival plan. Ask about the surfaces and distances between the activities you want to use, as well as parking or drop-off. An outdoor reserve can include grass, busy paths and temporary infrastructure.
For any visit, plan the return journey as carefully as the arrival. Wear comfortable shoes, allow for sun or rain and agree on a meeting point with your group. Leave paths and entrances clear while stopping for a performance or waiting for food.
Knox Fest FAQs
When is Knox Fest in 2027?
It is Saturday, 27 February, from 10am to 9pm at Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully.
Is entry free?
Festival entry is free. Food, market purchases, rides or other optional paid activities should be checked separately.
Will there be fireworks?
No fireworks programme has been announced for 2027. The confirmed event finish is 9pm; do not rely on a previous 9:45pm display time.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not permitted, while assistance dogs are welcome. Arrange care for a pet before travelling to the event.
Are the old shuttle and parking instructions still valid?
Use the 2027 travel information when released. Earlier shuttle loops, pickup times and parking layouts should not be assumed to apply.
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