FAQ
What is the Big Chill Festival?
It’s a celebration of Armidale’s vibrant local culture, showcasing award-winning craft beers, local distilleries, wineries, and gourmet food trucks. Located in Australia’s highest city of Armidale, attendees will experience the city’s booming creative culture front and centre, in a go-to cool climate destination.
Where is the festival located?
Conditions of Entry
Conditions of Entry to the Big Chill Festival can be viewed here. (PDF document).
Age of ticket holders
Children under 1 are free. Children between the ages of 0-17 must have a ticket to enter and be accompanied by a responsible adult as outlined in NSW Liquor Laws. Alcohol is only permitted to those 18+ with valid photo ID.
Accessibility
The Big Chill Festival is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive festival experience. We recognise that barriers can exist in environments, systems and communication, and we work to reduce these so people with disability can access information, attend the festival and participate in ways that work for them.
Accessible parking
Vehicles with a Mobility Parking Permit can enter via Gate B on Canambe Street, and Security will direct you to parking near the festival entrance.
Viewing platform
A viewing platform for people with a disability is available onsite under the Big Top tent. During busy periods priority is given to patrons in wheelchairs.
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets are located throughout the festival. For locations see the festival map.
Chillout Zone (low sensory space)
The festival’s Chillout Zone is a calm environment where you can retreat from loud music, lights, and crowds. Patrons can relax on bean bags, cushions, rugs, and soft flooring.
Companion Card Program
The Big Chill Festival supports the Companion Card program.
Companion Card holders qualify for a second ticket at no cost for their companion. Please contact Oztix at info@oztix.com.au to assist with your booking. Companion Card tickets are unable to be issued on the day of the event.
Event HQ
Ready to assist with all your festival enquiries, the Big Chill Event Information Tent is located near the Merchandise stand.
Merchandise
Grab your iconic Big Chill Festival merch on site during the Festival. No cash sales.
Pass Outs
Patrons are free to come in and out of the festival at any time. Do not remove your wristband during the festival.
Fold up camping chairs & picnic rugs & kids' trolleys
Attendees are welcome to bring fold-up camping chairs & picnic rugs and kids’ trolleys.
First Aid
Our emergency medical team are always onsite. They are located across from Event Information / HQ.
Pick up / Drop Off
A pick up / drop off area is located on Kennedy St (cnr Dumaresq St). This is for Uber, Taxi and private drop offs. A separate drop off area within the festival site is designated for disabled persons.
The main entry point to the Festival will be at the Showground gates on the corner of Kennedy and Dumaresq Streets.
Please check the Festival map for details.
Recycling
Refuse, Reuse, Reduce and Recycle.
We have effective bin systems throughout the site and ask that you put all rubbish in its place. Chat to our Sustainability Monitors for help about how to reduce your rubbish.
We thank you for keeping The Big Chill beautiful. It’s a team effort!
Water
Bring an empty, re-usable water bottle to fill up while onsite at one of our re-fill stations or FREE water stations. See map for details and remember to stay hydrated!
Little Chillers
Thats right, The Big Chill is an all-ages event. Little Chillers is a zone for the little ones that’s big on fun, keeping hands busy and hearts full with:
- Bluey show
- Live music
- Face painting
- Arts and crafts
- Interactive experiences
- Giant games.
Check out Little Chillers line up on our website.
Live and Local stage
This year the beloved Live and Local stage will be sitting pretty inside the Main Pavillion at the Armidale Showground. We are talking cozy vibes, comfy seats and damn good tunes. Check out our website for the 2026 Line up!
Volunteer
Volunteer applications are closed for 2026.
Smoking
In accordance with NSW smoking laws, cigarettes/vapes will not be sold inside the festival. Smoking is prohibited inside the tents and structures. There is a dedicated smoking area at the festival.
Please bin your butts!
Socials links
Festival Contacts
The Big Chill Festival is managed by Armidale Regional Council. Please direct enquiries to events@armidale.nsw.gov.au
Event Hashtag
#bigchillarmidale