Our local volunteers have been busy putting together everything you’ll need to enjoy your stay — from the best walking trails and late-night bites to coffee gems and transport tips.
Festival website updates are rolling out soon, including maps, visitor tips, and a few scenic highlights. (Shoutout to Graeme Clarke for sharing this stunning photo from one of our favourite local walks — just a stone’s throw from the contest venue.)
Booking is now open for Chorus Rehearsal Rooms on Friday the 6th of September – please let us know your preference for time/s as soon as possible so we can help you lock in the best possible slot. Rehearsal Rooms are located at the QT Hotel and cost will be $150 per hour.
The booking form is here.
Do you have something special to showcase or sell? We're inviting creators in our community to let us know if you’d be interested in having a market stand at a Harmony Marketplace during the Festival. More details to come!
To express interest, contact VP Events: Richard Wadick – events@barbershop.org.au
Do you — or someone you know — represent a business that shares our passion for music, wellbeing, and community?
Sponsorship packages for the Barbershop Harmony National Festival 2025 are now available. This is a unique opportunity to align your brand with this vibrant event - and support the life-changing power of singing together.
Some sponsorship tiers are limited, so we encourage early enquiries.
To receive the Sponsorship Information Pack or learn more, please contact Richard Wadick, VP Events – events@barbershop.org.au
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We've received some very good questions regarding this year's Barbershop Harmony Festival in Canberra, and the likelihood is that if one person has asked, more of you might be wondering too!
So we've picked a couple of the most common questions so far to answer for you below:
Q: What’s included in Harmony Academy this year? It looks like accommodation isn’t part of the package. What about meals? This is my first time attending, and I thought it used to be all-inclusive. How will it work if attendees are staying in different places?
A: Great question! Harmony Academy is not a live-in event this year. Since we’re based right in Canberra city, there’s no need for long bus rides, and you’re free to book accommodation that suits your preferences and budget.
We’ve arranged discounted accommodation options, which you can view on the Accommodation page!
Some options include breakfast:
For meals during the day, the National Film and Sound Archive—our main venue—has an on-site cafĂ© and bar, and we’re planning to bring in food trucks for additional variety. So you’ll be well taken care of!
Q: I saw that Harmony Academy now ends on 9 September, but the original info said 10 September. Is there anything happening on the 10th? I’ve booked my flight for late that day.
A: You're right—we’ve updated the schedule. Harmony Academy will now wrap up on the evening of Tuesday, 9 September. There will be no formal programming on Wednesday, 10 September.
If you’ve already booked a flight for the 10th, we suggest:
Q: What options are there for getting around Canberra?
A: Canberra is a compact, well-planned city that’s easy to navigate—whether you’re on foot, using public transport, or hopping into a rideshare. Many key venues and attractions are within walking distance of QT Canberra, but if you’re keen to explore a bit further, there are plenty of convenient options. Check out the Canberra Info page for heaps more info!