Australian festivals are under pressure as climate change and extreme weather impact audience attendance and increase costs. This report examines the climate challenges of two nonprofit community festivals, and their adaptation strategies.

Festivals are an integral part of the Australian cultural landscape. Yet in recent years, many have suffered from the impacts of climate change, ranging from uncomfortable heat, wind, hail and heavy rain through to floods, bushfires and forced cancellations. 

Climate Resilience and Australian Festivals examines the impact of climate change on two nonticketed festivals: the African Music and Cultural Festival and the Moomba Festival. Both are annual, not-for-profit, community festivals held in Melbourne. 

The report was produced by Dr Todd Denham, A/Prof Catherine Strong, Dr Ben Green (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) and Prof Lauren Rickards (La Trobe University).

https://creative.gov.au/research/climate-resilience-and-australian-festivals