Leeton is a charming Riverina town known for its rich agricultural heritage, striking Art Deco architecture, and strong community spirit.
As well as boasting a wide range of art, nature and gourmet experiences, it is also the home of the biggest art deco festival in the country. Travel back to the golden age of art deco and immerse yourself in a world of early-1900s fashion at this unmissable event.
Fabulous Friday
The Leeton Art Deco Festival is an annual event featuring a program of exhibitions, markets, music, performances and workshops celebrating all things 1910-1940.
Friday sets the tone for a weekend of vintage charm and cultural discovery. Get into the spirit of the era with a fascinating presentation by the Walter Burley Griffin Society on how the Griffin Family helped to usher in the art deco age in Australia through their creative architectural style.
Sign up for High Rollers at the Hydro for a night of casino games, canapes, and music that will transport you back to the era of flappers and speakeasies. Upon entering, you will be presented with Hydro Money to participate in all the games and activities, including an opportunity to spend your “winnings” at auction. High Rollers is the perfect place to dress up in your best period clothes, mingle with other guests, and dance the night away on the dance floor.
There will also be a pre-High Rollers dinner at Pages on Pine, a restaurant and grill serving up authentic French flavours. If you’re looking to keep the good times rolling, make sure to join the Circa 21 after party for vintage inspired cocktails and velvet lounges.
Swinging Saturday
The next morning, head into Chelmsford Place for a hub of free activities, including live music, market stalls and a vintage car display.
Of course, the morning wouldn’t be complete without the highly anticipated soapbox derby. Watch as entrants launch their homemade vehicles down the hill, racing for the glory of being the Art Deco Festival racing champion.
In the evening, it’s all about the Gatsby Gala, a night of fine dining, jazz music, and live entertainment. Head to the newly refurbished Roxy Theatre, which oozes art deco charm with its heritage-listed facade, red velvet curtains and gold details.
If an intimate cabaret is more your style, check out the immersive theatre experience presented by RARE BIRD ensemble. This sell-out show from the Melbourne Fringe is a mix of song, story and memory, accompanied by flowing cocktails. Listen to the real (and sometimes unreal) stories of a young mixer while you lounge on bar stools in the Hydro Hotel and sip on a delicious Old Fashioned. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Exciting extras
All weekend long, attendants can enjoy workshops and exhibitions celebrating Australia’s art deco past.
Learn some new moves at a dance workshop, where experts break down foundational swing steps to the best big-band swing music around. No partner is required, making it a great place to meet some new friends.
Those travelling with kids should check out the circus workshop, where children can learn all the basics of circus performing to dazzle loved ones at home. From juggling to plate spinning and more, they’ll be ready to take their skills on the road before the day ends.
Head back to the Hydro Hotel to learn the secret of expert cocktail making in an hour-long workshop. From the 1920s Bee’s Knees to the 30s Daiquiri, you will be guided through all the shaking, stirring and mixing skills you need to become a master mixologist. Plus, you’ll enjoy a variety of delicious cocktails along the way.
Make sure to join a Heritage Walking Tour to learn all about Leeton’s unique past, or see Henry Lawson in residence as Geoffrey Graham brings the poet to life, reciting his poems and offering lyrical wisdom all weekend long.
Celebrating the creative spirit of the region, the festival offers arts and cultural experiences for all – including a Life Drawing workshop over coffee and cake with a local artist.
Aspiring actors should visit the recreation hall at the Yanco Agricultural Institute for a theatrical high tea combining delicious scones and cakes with engaging performances from some of Leeton’s amateur thespians.
What are you waiting for?
If you’re looking for something fun to do this winter school holidays, there’s no better place than Leeton.
The town bursts with cosy cafes, green parks and historic buildings guaranteed to keep you entertained all day long.
This year, the Leeton Art Deco Festival returns from 11–13 July with a rich and engaging program that celebrates the elegance and energy of the 1910s to 1940s. Dust off your finest Gatsby-inspired attire and enjoy a weekend of workshops, performances, displays, and re-enactments that bring the Deco era to life in the heart of Leeton.
To learn all about the captivating history of Leeton, click here.
