Celebrating 50 years since the 1973 Aquarius Festival
In collaboration with the Nimbin community, Bundjalung Nation and the Nimbin Aquarius Foundation Incorporated, we celebrate the legacy and philosophy of those who breathed new life into the Rainbow Region. In the spirit of the original 1973 Nimbin Aquarius Festival, we’d love you to join us for Aquarius50.
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Program
Each day explores a theme inspired by the legacy of the 1973 Festival.
Click on the headers below to see each days scheduled events, times and locations.
Every Day – Daily Events
- All Day – Town Hall Cafe
Serving meals throughout Aquarius50; information booth open all weekend - All Day – Town Hall Garden
Chai Tent set up throughout Aquarius50 celebrations (travels to Channon Market on Sunday) - All Day – Various Venues
Fringe events, discussions and conversations happening over the ten days - All Day Nimbin School of Arts
Rainbow Dreaming Photo-documentary Exhibition explores the genesis of the alternative movement in Australia (www.rainbowdreaming.org) - All Day – Exhibition Spaces
Peter Derrett’s 51 Photographs of Aquarius on exhibition throughout Aquarius50 - All Day – World Rainbow Cafe Tent
Set up on the old Rainbow Cafe site for music, storytelling or whatever takes your fancy - All Day – Nimbin Bush Theatre
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as the program (https://nimbinbushtheatre.com/) - 10.00 am – 3.00 pm Comskool Room, Community Centre
Aquarius Archive Central - 8.00 am – 9.00 am Church of Aquarius
Yoga & Meditation - 8.00 am – 9.00 am Church of Aquarius
Benny’s Dance Experience - 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm World Rainbow Cafe
Peter Pedals Truth Tent – questioning genetic modification injections, Smart Cities, central bank digital currency and much more leading to Agenda 2030
Fri 12th May – First Nations Day
- All Day Community Centre
StoryBox – Recording first hand personal accounts from the Aquarius Generations and the generations after that lived and grew the legacy of that iconic Nimbin Festival - 6.00 am Showgrounds
Lighting the Ritual Fire with First Nations People - 9.30 am In front of Town Hall
Street Theatre Workshop with Benny Zable / Zanny Bubbles – Each morning except Sunday 14th - 10.30 am Aquarius/Peace Park @ Showgrounds
Calling Country & Opening Ceremony – First Nations Ceremony of the Wiabal/Widjabal People with Bunjalung Nation: Jingi Walla, Yubrah Gumarh Bulogamanee Yubrah; Hello, Welcome and One Blood coming together - 10.30 am 7 Sibley St, Nimbin Sustainability Hub
Low-tech building workshops – raising a tipi ($20) presented by Amanda King of Electric Tipi - 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Northern Rivers Community Healing Hub
Healing, wellbeing and connection through First Nations ways of being and cultural activities, including ‘Binanggu’ deep listening, yarning, weaving, clay art and bodywork by community healers and weavers - 1.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Aquarius 1973 Consciousness Raising Then and Now – Discussion and Q&A with Robert Swan - 2.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
WATCH The Voice – Discussion on the upcoming referendum to better represent First Nations people; presenters Dudley Leggot, Professor Bob Gordon, Cindy Roberts & Dick Yardley - 3.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Azo Bell – One of the best ukulele players in Australia - 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Town Hall
Telling of Our Past, Projecting the Future – First Nations storytelling with Gilbert Laurie and Judy Atkinson - 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm Town Hall
50 Years “Welcome to Aquarius” – First Welcome to Country at the 1973 Aquarius Festival; First Nations speakers, WATCH Graeme Dunstan, Alethea and others - 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Agnihotra with Carol Reed – Sunset ritual chanting ceremony to enhance health and love - 5.00 pm Showgrounds
Welcome Yarn at Dusk - 5.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Agnihotra with Carol Reed – Sunset ritual chanting ceremony to enhance health and love - 7.30 pm – 10.30 pm Town Hall
Coloured Stone – Indigenous concert with ECB Rap Group and Black Stone Heart - 7.30 pm – 11.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Opening Party with Live Music “The Seeding” supported by Cye Wood and Kaj Totoro; special guest Pete Hunt “Kooii”
Sat 13th May – Spirit, Let There Be Light!
- All Day Community Centre
“Story Box” recording first hand personal accounts from the Aquarius Generations and the generations after that lived and grew the legacy of that iconic Nimbin Festival - 6.30 am Dharmananda
Cheesemaking Dharmananda - 8.00 am – 9.00 am The Church of Aquarius
Yoga with Maz – All levels welcome - 8.30 am – 12.30 pm Blue Knob Hall
Artisan Markets - 9.00 am – 10.00 am The Church of Aquarius
Nataraj Meditation with Shahido – “God is the dance when the dancer disappears” (Osho) - 9.30 am In front of Town Hall
Street Theatre Workshop with Benny Zable / Zanny Bubbles – Each morning except Sunday 14th - 10.00 am Showgrounds
Yarning up the Spirit - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Town Hall
The Dawning of Aquarius – Navigating the threshold between the Age of Pisces and the Age of Aquarius. Welcome by Rhoda Roberts; Megan James (harp/piano), Harry Freeman; Tina Mews astrology; Angel Aunties advice with Mira Stannard, Judy Arpana and Auralia Rose - 10.00 am – 3.00 pm Djanbung Gardens
Djanbung Gardens Open Day – Food security & subtropical gardening - 10.30 am – 12.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Poetry from the Heart
WATCH Video of Poets’ Breakfast - 10.30 am 7 Sibley St., Nimbin Sustainability Hub
Low-tech building workshops – Wattle and daub ($20); earth & sticks insulation technique - 11.00 am – 12.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Being Your Own Doctor with Louise Plant – Learn to tune into your body’s messages instead of relying on compartmentalised experts - 12.00 pm World Rainbow Cafe Tent
Fringe Aquarius Discussions – Dole Bludgers Discussion: spending life on pension vs. saving forests or time with children - 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm Town Hall
First Nations Medicine and Lore with Judy Atkinson and others - 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
The Inner Journey and Nomadism with John Wilson - 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm Town Hall
K’Flunk – Missus Hippy and the Lovehandles live music - 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm Rainbow World Cafe Tent
Be-in Hare Krishna Love Feast – All welcome - 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Kundalini Meditation with Shahido – OSHO four-stage afternoon meditation - 4.30 pm – 5.00 pm Town Hall
Fantuzzi - 5.30 pm Nimbin Town (meet at Basketball Court, 4.45 pm)
Illuminate Nimbin with Lighten Up – Lantern volunteers needed (sponsored by Flo Hive) - 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Free Liquid Lightshow Concert “Healing With Light” #1 – Ellis D Fogg & Friends; MC Edwina Blush; Healing Voices Choir; Pagan Love Cult; Liquidelic; Blak Light Opal Fashion; Mico Sundari; Yao Mikami; Moppy Chiring; Chuden Oshia Drury; films & words by Richard Neville, Adrian Rawlins & others - 7.30 pm – 11.30 pm Town Hall
Aquarius Cabaret – S Sorrenson (MC), David Hallett, Shannon Tait, Heart Collectors, Lonesome Boatmen, Mic Conway, Harry Freeman, Hussy Hicks, Scarlet Ruffles, Andrea Soler, Raha Star, Adrian Thomas
Sun 14th May – Holistic Health, Healing & Homebirth
- All Day Community Centre
“StoryBox” recording first hand personal accounts from the Aquarius Generations and the generations after that lived and grew the legacy of that iconic Nimbin Festival - 8.00 am – 4.00 pm The Channon Market
“Aquarius Festival 50th Anniversary & Mothers Day Rainbow Bridge Celebration” Fun4Kids, Mirth Presents, Mic Conway, Philippe Petit, WATCH Fantuzzi & Friends, Nimbin AllStars, Armando & Rodney, Out of Order, WATCH Orkeztar Lizmore, Spiral Dance, Dances for Universal Peace, Living Peace Mandala, Nadine Smith, Welcome to Country, 50 Drums4Peace & The Rainbow Chai Tent. - 8.00 am – 9.00 am The Church of Aquarius
“Yoga with Maz” All levels welcome - 9.30 am – 10.00 am Town Hall
“Janet Tait on Zoom” on work of Standing Bear Native American Healer - 9.30 am – 11.30 am Dharmananda
“Tours to Dharmananda” Bus will leave from Channon Market (booking required). Tours at 9.30 am, 10.30 am and 11.30 am until 1.00 pm. Veggie gardens, closed loop, adopt a crop, compost, Jersey cows, use of produce, bovine issues. - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Acknowledgement and acceptance to Country by traditional custodians of Wiabal Country to open the program - 10.00 am Showgrounds
Yarning up Healing - 10.00 am – 1.00 pm Town Hall
“Psychedelics & Integrated Healing” Nicolas Scali, John Lee Paddle, Amirah Ahmad Shah, Harry Freeman & Louise Graves followed by Q&A - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
“Dawning of Aquarius” Tina Mews – Navigating the threshold between the Age of Pisces and the Age of Aquarius interactive workshop - 10.00 am – 1.00 pm Birth & Beyond
“Co-Operative Conflict Workshop” & healing perpetrators’ trauma with Saskia Kouwenberg and Judy Atkinson - 11.00 am Channon Market
“Rubbish” Mic Conway - 11.30 am – 1.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
“Nature and Health, A Tight Connection” Dr John Van Der Kallen, Jane Morgan and Jen Parke - 12.00 pm World Rainbow Cafe Tent
“Fringe Aquarius Discussions” To jab or not to jab, that is the question - 12.30 pm – 1.45 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Sally Gower – Introductory session to Iyengar Yoga - 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
“Past Life Regression Workshop” Auralia Rose interactive workshop - 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm Town Hall
“I Got the Diagnosis” that changed their lives – Harry Freeman and Jacqueline Boustany - 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Djanbung Gardens
“Ancestral Wisdom & Earth Connection” - 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm Blue Knob Hall
“Blue Knob Hall Exhibition Opening” The Young Ones – Rivers and Rainbows with Blue Knob Choir - 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Talking Circle “Homebirth Circle” – reunion of midwives, mothers, helpers and interested people. Film “Birth & Beyond” with Mira Stanard, Jeanette, Avalon, Emma, Sunny & others - 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Sarah Schmiedler – Activating our innate self-healing abilities through rewriting our story, re-aligning with nature and remembering our divine power - 3.00 pm – 4.15 pm The Church of Aquarius
“Astrological Predictions for the Coming Year” Pratima Mumford – four decades of astrology, readings for David Bowie; focuses on planetary influences on global society - 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm Town Hall
“Healing through Pushing the Boundaries” Philippe Petit in discussion with James Ricketson about the 1973 Sydney Harbour Bridge walk - 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm Town Hall
Graeme Sait – Healthy Soils, Hardy People, Happy Planet – the longevity rationale - 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Gigi Indigo – Discussion: Living a High Frequency, Healthy Lifestyle - 4.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
“Sacred Geometry, A.I. and Spirituality” Narada Dan Vantari – patterns that are beautiful, true, good; author/illustrator of Understanding Sacred Geometry and the Flower of Life; exploring AI art and spiritual imagery - 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Shivam Rath – Concert: Shivam Rath Mantra Hop - 7.30 pm – 10.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
“Healing With Light” #2 Ellis D Fogg & Friends Light Show; MC Edwina Blush; includes Grand Fashion Show: “Wrapt in Nimbin” by Claire Larrivee & Gill Jones - 7.30 pm – 8.15 pm Town Hall
Hussy Hicks - 8.30 pm – 9.15 pm Town Hall
Cigany Weaver
Mon 15th May – Alternative Energy, Building and Agriculture
- 8.00 am – 9.00 am The Church of Aquarius
Yoga Together – Move Together, Breath Together, Rest Together… Mark Purser - 9.15 am – 10.30 am The Church of Aquarius
Breath of the Living – Using the power of the natural breath, explore breathwork techniques to vitalise, balance and calm body & mind. Mark Purser - 9.30 am In front of Town Hall
Street Theatre Workshop with Benny Zable / Zanny Bubbles – Each morning except Sunday 14th - 9.30 am – 11.30 am Blue Knob
7 Generations Eco Tour – John Randoff (booking required for bus numbers) - 9.30 am – 3.00 pm Blue Knob Hall
Gallery and Exhibition (café open) http://www.blueknobgallery.com/ - 10.00 am Showgrounds
Culture, Craft and Yarning - 10.00 am – 3.00 pm Rainbow Power Company (Monday – Friday)
Tours and Workshop – Rainbow displays with Max Pike, Jacob Ford, Fabian, Peter Pedals; batteries, electric bikes/cars, electricity for tiny homes and poo solutions
Tent Displays – passive solar systems, renewable technology, affordable refit stages, gifts from nature, workshops, Flo Hive, mushroom growing, Cloud Chaser - 10.00 am – 12.30 pm Town Hall
Agriculture Symposium – Let’s do Something Different: organics, biodynamics, permaculture, seed savers, biochar. Robyn Francis, Dolph Cook, Michele & Jude Fanton, David Trood - 11.00 am – 12.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Being Your Own Doctor – No one knows our bodies like ourselves; learn to tune in to their messages rather than rely on compartmentalised experts - 11.00 am – 1.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
WATCH Alternative Energy Technologies
Past (Peter Pedals and the origins of Rainbow Power Company), Present (Stu Anderson, Paul O’Reilly, Guy Stewart), Future (Zachery Rook) - 11.30 am – 12.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Being Your Own Doctor – Louise Plant: listening to our bodies and their guidance - 12.00 pm World Rainbow Cafe Tent
Fringe Aquarius Discussions – Can Cannabis Save the Planet? “We’ve discovered a plant that can save the planet, the only problem is it’s illegal,” Jack Herer - 1.00 pm – 2.15 pm The Church of Aquarius
Rainbow Kundalini with Mark Purser – Stories of Kundalini; activation practices to awaken the Rainbow Serpent within - 1.30 pm – 5.00 pm Town Hall
The Answer Lies in the Soil – Soil health with Nutri-Tech Solutions. Graeme Sait - 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
John Button – Regeneration: The Greening of Sacred Arunachala - 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm Birth & Beyond
Three Generations – Lineage of being on country: Nicholsons, Ces Roberts, Pat O’Brien - 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
WATCH Energy Symposium
Dr Richard Corkish (UNSW), Professor Ian Lowe, Sebastian Crangle (home energy advisor) - 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
Herbs and Food as Medicine – Louise Plant: using plants and food for wellbeing and vitality - 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm Birth & Beyond
Australian Cannabis University – Dolph Cook: research and outcomes; over 40,000 members - 4.00 pm – 6.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Karina Miotto – Workshop: Ecological Responsibility as a Spiritual Path - 4.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
The Mystic Minstrels with Gerad Lyneham – five-piece acoustic ensemble playing sacred music from diverse traditions for world peace - 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Aquarius Women in the Counter Culture – preview of documentary “Aquarius” with forum led by Wendy Champagne - 6.45 pm – 10.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
The Giants – film about Bob Brown; songs by Sophia Fletcher on entry; Q&A with Ian Cohen (www.madman.com.au/the-giants/) - 7.00 pm – 9.45 pm Town Hall
Lonesome Boatmen and Cigany Weaver
Tue 16th May – Politics, Activism and The Environment
- 8.00 am – 9.30 am The Church of Aquarius
Tai Chi with Sue Gumley – All levels welcome - 9.30 am In front of Town Hall
Street Theatre Workshop with Benny Zable / Zanny Bubbles – Each morning except Sunday 14th - 9.30 am – 3.30 pm Misty Mountain
Tour Cannabis Farm ACU – How to make Biochar Workshop - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Rich Latimer – Talk and workshop: Responding to Disasters and Building Community Resilience - 10.00 am Showgrounds
Culture, Craft and Yarning - 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Rainbow Power Company (Monday – Friday)
Tours and Workshop – Rainbow displays with Max Pike, Jacob Ford, Fabian, Peter Pedals; batteries, electric bikes/cars, electricity for tiny homes and poo solutions; Tent displays – passive solar systems, renewable technology, affordable refit stages, gifts from nature, workshops, Flo Hive, mushroom growing and Cloud Chaser - 10.00 am – 11.30 am Nimbin Bush Theatre
Activism through Images with photographer Glen Lockitch - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
The Emotional Basis of Disease – Experiential workshop with Dr Jacqueline Boustany on mental, emotional and spiritual issues contributing to health - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Town Hall
Direct Action “Is it necessary?” – Dailan Pugh, Sean O’Shannessy (NEFA), Ian Gaillard, Sledge & Daniele, Eddie Lloyd, Michael & Victoria Murphy, Annie Kia, Sue Higginson, Valerie Thompson, Aidan Ricketts, Annie McGovern (Roxby), Hugh & Nan Nicholson, Neil Pike - 10.00 am – 1.00 pm Nimbin Bowlo
Nimbin Storytelling Workshop – Creative non-fiction with Graeme Gibson; $15/person, bring materials and lunch; morning tea provided; book via nimbinstorytellers@gmail.com - 10.00 am – 5.30 pm Birth and Beyond
Environmental Films – Today only - 10.30 am 7 Sibley St, Nimbin Sustainability Hub
Low-tech Building Workshop: Weedcrete with Martin – $30, using woody weeds and magnesium-based binder for insulated walls - 12.00 pm World Rainbow Cafe Tent
Fringe Aquarius Discussions – Veganism or not? Will we still have cows and sheep if we stop eating them? - 12.00 pm – 1.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Assange – Actions to Free Julian Assange with John Jiggens, John Shipton, Graeme Dunstan - 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Julian Robinson – Talk and Discussion: Applying Spiritual Principles in Community Development Projects in South East Asia: A Socially Engaged Buddhist Approach - 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm Town Hall
What are the Greatest Environmental Issues Now? – Nimbin Environment Centre, Prof Ian Lowe, Dailan Pugh, Annie Kia, Valerie Thompson, Sue Higginson, Aidan Ricketts, Annie McGovern (Roxby), Nan Nicholson, Graeme Sait - 1.15 pm – 3.15 pm The Church of Aquarius
Sound Healing Experience – Siri Shakti; high vibrational sounds for deep healing - 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
History MardiGrass, Law Reform & Medicinal Cannabis – Michael Balderstone, Caroline Nature, Chibo & Neil Pike - 2.20 pm – 3.30 pm Town Hall
Geoff Cousins in Conversation about his life and activism - 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm Dance Studio
Frank Scarf – Earth Repair Foundation - 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm Town Hall
Earth First – Northern Rivers History to Save Mother Earth: John Seed RIC, Dailan Pugh, Ian Gaillard, Ian Cohen, Richard Jones, Sue Higginson, Elsebeth Nielsen, Greg & Susie Russel - 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Gary Dozier and Kathryn Riding – Radiance, uplifting warming mantra music; singing love for life and divine energies - 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
Music with Lachlan James Mitchel - 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
Music - 5.00 pm – 10.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Women’s Gathering and Dinner – Honouring women and talk of many things; good food, conversation, live music, jam sessions, comedy and dancing with Disco Sista; tickets $25 at www.nimbinbushtheatre.com - 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm Town Hall
Deep Ecology – Songs for Mother Gaia: Neil Pike, John Seed, Phil Levy, Steve, Mark Eliott, Sophia Fletcher, Andrea Soler, Shannon Tait, Terri Nicholson, Fantuzzi, Jack Thompson and others - 8.00 pm – 9.00 pm Town Hall
Give Trees A Chance – Film (48 minutes) presented by Jack Thompson
Wed 17th May – Art & Artists, Life is Art
- 8.00 am – 9.00 am The Church of Aquarius
Yoga & Meditation with Maz - 9.00 am – 9.30 am Flourish Sanctuary
Matarishvan (from Yoga Ecology Centre) – ½ hour meditation on creativity and inspiration - 9.30 am In front of Town Hall
Street Theatre Workshop with Benny Zable / Zanny Bubbles – Each morning except Sunday 14th - 10.00 am – 11.30 am Flourish Sanctuary
Mac McGauley – Bringing meaning and depth to your environment and life through pottery, stained glass, architecture and building - 10.00 am Showgrounds
Culture, Craft and Yarning - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Aquarius Women Rising with Jenna Laird – Circle to honour, release and heal; guided meditation, sharing circle, drum medicine, intentional ritual, crafting, tears and laughter; all women welcome - 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Rainbow Power Company (Monday – Friday)
Tours and Workshop – rainbow displays with Max Pike, Jacob Ford, Fabian, Peter Pedals; batteries, electric bikes/cars, electricity for tiny homes and poo solutions; tent displays of passive solar systems, renewable technology, affordable refit stages, gifts from nature, workshops, Flo Hive, mushroom growing and Cloud Chaser - 10.00 am – 2.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Lunch by Invitation Only – After the Deluge with Janelle Saffin, a story in photos, words, poetry & music about the Lismore 2022 flood featuring Jacqlyn Wagner, Jennie Dell, Rebecca Rushbrook, Luke Vassella, Isaac & Judy Apana; lunch & buses sponsored by Sonic Health - 10.00 am – 3.00 pm Birth & Beyond
Weave & Mend Circle - 10.30 am 7 Sibley St., Nimbin Sustainability Hub
Weaving Circle – banana mats (by donation) for insulated & fire-proof walls, floors or placemats - 12.00 pm – 1.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Matarishvan (from Yoga Ecology Centre) – Workshop on creating mandalas and other sacred art forms - 12.00 pm World Rainbow Cafe Tent
Fringe Aquarius Discussions – On the art of living with little: how to stay healthy cheaply and where to sleep if you’re homeless - 12.00 pm – 1.30 pm Town Hall
Morning Concert of Local Music – Missus Hippy and the Lovehandles; K’Flunk! “Big Smoke” Rob Scott - 12.30 pm 7 Sibley St., Nimbin Sustainability Hub
Reciprocal Roof – $15 workshop on spanning large diameters without a central supporting pole - 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Alcy Infinity – Upgraded LETS system empowering communities to take full control of their resources - 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
Building an Embassy for Extra-Terrestrials – ETembassy.org with Peter Heaven - 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm Town Hall
Life is Art Symposium – Gerard on piano, Linda Jackson, Philippe Petit, Benny Zable, Fantuzzi, Claire L’Arrive, David Hallett, FN Francisco, Mark Eliott & Lae Oldmeadow - 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm Nimbin Farmers Market
Special market with extra produce & stalls; Flo Hives, Friends of Fungi, talks, music and Andre Kaori - 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
NIA Dance Class with Christine Chouquet – blending body, mind, science and ancient wisdom - 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Documentary “Step into Paradise” – guest Linda Jackson - 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Blue Knob Hall
Artists Social – for artists to meet, share knowledge and skills - 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
Azo Bell and Neighbours from Hell – live performance in the Church of Aquarius - 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Mark Robertson – The Power of Sound (film presentation & Q&A) - 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Matarishvan (from Yoga Ecology Centre) – Havan and Kirtan: healing meditation practice with Vedic mantra followed by a sacred music concert of devotional songs - 7.30 pm – 10.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
The Last Violin – film about Harry Vatiliotis introduced by Carla Thackrah, followed by music from Carla & Romano Crivici (and guest Linsey Pollak)
Thu 18th May 2023 – Community, Let’s Live Together
- 8.00 am – 9.30 am The Church of Aquarius
Yoga and Meditation - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Julian Robinson – Talk and workshop: Mindful Communication & Conscious Community Development - 10.00 am Showgrounds
Culture, Craft and Yarning - 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Rainbow Power Company (Monday – Friday)
Tours and Workshop – Rainbow Displays with Max Pike, Jacob Ford, Fabian, Peter Pedals; batteries, electric bikes/cars, electricity for tiny homes and poo solutions; Tent displays – passive solar systems, renewable technology, affordable refit stages, gifts from nature, workshops, Flo Hive, mushroom growing and Cloud Chaser - 10.00 am – 11.30 am Nimbin Bush Theatre
Building now! – New materials and ways: straw bale, hemp, tiny houses, mud brick; good insulation, compost loos, new design - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm Town Hall
From Individual to Communitarian? – Communication: how important is that? Workshop with Carol Perry - 10.00 am – 11.00 am The Church of Aquarius
NIA Dance – Christine Chouquet blending body, mind, science with ancient wisdom - 10.30 am 7 Sibley St., Nimbin Sustainability Hub
Build a split bamboo Star Dome – $30 using renewable bamboo; simple 2v geodesic dome design with mini-kits available - 11.45 am – 1.15 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Visions for Nimbin & Region – Food growing, community infrastructure, development, green enterprises, regional economy, education, resilience, transport, environmental and community design - 12.00 pm World Rainbow Cafe Tent
Fringe Aquarius Discussions – Were the hippies right? Did we shoot the messenger? - 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm Birth & Beyond
Longtime Living on Community – Leigh Davison on life at Dharmananda: community, projects, agriculture, sanitation, wastewater management & regeneration - 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Toni, Steve, Taliesin & Jordan Hackett – Talk & workshop: Family Life Partnering, a conversation with community and the Hackett family - 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm Blue Knob Hall
Artists and Friends Lunch - 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm Town Hall
Intentional Communities – Regional and international; Dharmanhur Italy, Geoffrey Colwell & daughter Sophie Preston, Gai Longmuir, Kath Fisher, Megan James, Ian Jen Ireland, Carol Perry, S. Sorrenson, Lae Oldmeadow, Bob Tissott & Di, Gerry Mews, Karl Baumgarner (Findhorn) - 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Blue Knob Assembly – Citizen action group with Louise Plant on creating community education, empowerment and outcomes since March 2022 - 2.00 pm – 3.15 pm The Church of Aquarius
Sure fire ways to ditch Overthinking – Shakti (joyfulmind.net.au) - 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Djanbung Gardens
Survival in the Anthropocene – Robyn Francis - 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Housing Forum – Social housing approaches, shared equity, diversity & sustainability with Terry McGee; film “Jason From Nimbin–Housing Affordability” by Leif - 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
Australian Marijuana Party Stories – Jim Billington’s grassroots party, “Plant a Dope in Canberra” campaign, Royal Commissions, political intrigue - 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm Town Hall
Holding Land Together – Original shares, MOs, legalities, rules; community history, titles, resale, succession with Annie McGovern, Margaret O’Sullivan, Neil Williams, Mary McBride, John Seed, Greta Seed & Warwick Fisher (Zoom) - 4.30 pm – 6.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Architects/Designers – Then & Now: “Not Quite Square” film by Sharon Shostak; presentations by Erwin & Adrienne Weber, Joanna & Pete; Mark Baxter; Mandie Hale on Nimbin houses - 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
John Seed Ecology Workshop – Learn masterful connection within the forest and within ourselves (bookings essential: https://events.humanitix.com/aquarius-50-deep-ecology-workshop) - 6.30 pm – 2.00 am Flourish Sanctuary
Jazmin – Biodanza: a profound, uplifting system of movement and music ($20) - 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Senses of Cinema – Film & live Q&A with Tom Zubrycki on Filmmakers Co‐Op (1966–86) - 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm Town Hall
A Potted History – Comedy and storytelling with MC S. Sorrensen - 8.30 pm – 10.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Man on Wire (90 min) – Documentary introduced by Philippe Petit about his extraordinary life
Fri 19th May – Honouring Elders and Remembrance
- 8.00 am – 9.00 am The Church of Aquarius
Yoga & Meditation - 9.00 am – 12.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Morning Temple for Women – Sacred women’s circle with Jacqui Van Heerden; armband entry or $25–$50; guided meditation and processes to gently transform and return to your essence (light breakfast recommended; no coffee) - 9.30 am In front of Town Hall
Street Theatre Workshop with Benny Zable / Zanny Bubbles – Each morning except Sunday 14th - 9.30 am – 3.00 pm Blue Knob Hall
Café and Exhibition - 10.00 am Showgrounds
Honouring the Elders - 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Rainbow Power Company (Monday – Friday)
Tours and Workshop – rainbow displays with Max Pike, Jacob Ford, Fabian, Peter Pedals; batteries, electric bikes/cars, electricity for tiny homes and poo solutions; tent displays of passive solar systems, renewable technology, affordable refit stages, gifts from nature, workshops, Flo Hive, mushroom growing and Cloud Chaser - 10.00 am – 11.00 am Venue TBA
Circle of Lament – Gilbert Smoking and circle of lament to sing, celebrate lives and remember Aboriginal lives lost (Gilbert, Mark Roberts & Graeme Dunstan) - 10.00 am – 11.00 am Town Hall
Be the Ocean – Excerpts from the Tibetan Book of the Dead with Tenzin Choegal and Cye - 10.30 am 7 Sibley St., Nimbin Sustainability Hub
Cement Fabric Workshop – $25; waterproof burlap or finer fabric for any shape shelter - 11.00 am – 11.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Liquorice Allsorts - 11.00 am – 6.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
LGBTIQ+ Family Gathering - 6.00 pm – 11.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Dance Party (18+ only) with DJs and live performances; entry not included with festival pass; tickets available at www.nimbinbushtheatre.com ($40/35/30) - 11.30 am – 1.00 pm Town Hall
Death & Dying – Jeni & Paul, Mira Stannard, Judy Arpana, Zenith Virago, Gai Longmuir, Mimi Zenzmaier & Saskia Kouwenberg on choices, support and those we love - 12.00 pm World Rainbow Cafe Tent
Fringe Aquarius Discussions – How long till the Apocalypse and is there life after death? - 1.00 pm – 2.45 pm The Church of Aquarius
Dr Gary Wohlman – “The Presentation Doctor”: unlock your true self and speak from the heart - 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm Town Hall
Deeper Ways of Death – Judy Arpana, Khandro Tindley Chodren, Mira, Mimi Zenzmaier & Meredith Dennis on palliative care and volunteer-led end-of-life support - 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Music with 24 Gramophone Gods and Gutter Gods - 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Buy Back Nimbin – Michael Balderstone on democratically obtaining, restoring & protecting land for community use - 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Tim Wu – Taoist Perspectives on the Cycles of Life & Death - 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Panel Discussion on the Intersection of Death, Spirituality & Social Change - 4.00 pm Outside Town Hall on footpath
The Great Beard Gathering – world record attempt for bearded persons - 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Nimbin Bowlo
Nimbin Storytelling Event – personal true stories inspired by the Spirit of Aquarius; email nimbinstorytellers@gmail.com to participate - 6.00 pm – 11.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Liquorice Allsorts Dance Party (18+ only) – live performances; tickets at www.nimbinbushtheatre.com - 7.00 pm Veranda Cafe
Poetry and Music Night – Gail and Vince - 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Shunya & Friends – original live music and chants at the pop end of the mantra rainbow - 7.30 pm – 10.00 pm Town Hall
Aquarius Elders Dinner – Graeme Dunstan and Johnny Allen share Nimbin stories; Rob Scott Band 9.30–10.30 pm; three-course BYO dinner; tickets $30 (+ fees) at Eventbrite (booking essential)
Sat 20th May – The Young and the Young at Heart
- 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Nimbin Skate Park
Skate demo and workshop with Mitch – free to learn with music & rap; street art for the young; walls erected for guided works; Michael Strum video artist & art; Safe Haven Tent and BBQ lunch; community support and wellbeing hub; free BBQ by Lions Club - 8.00 am – 9.45 am The Church of Aquarius
Chakra Breathing with Jacqueline van Heerden – active meditation using deep, rapid breathing and body movement to open each of the seven chakras; accompanying music; best on an empty stomach - 8.30 am – 12.30 pm Blue Knob Hall
Family fete and Backyarders market – The Young Ones: Rivers and Rainbows with Blue Knob Choir; exhibition prize giving; fun fete games; CWA stall; local produce; coffee, cake and lunch - 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Tuntable Falls
Open Day including Grand Fashion Show “Wrapt in Nimbin” (details at aquarius50.com.au) - 9.30 am In front of Town Hall
Street Theatre Workshop with Benny Zable / Zanny Bubbles – each morning except Sunday 14th - 10.00 am Showgrounds
Jarjum Day - 10.00 am – 1.00 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Taliesin Hackett – Growing up and being empowered through change - 10.00 am – 11.30 am The Church of Aquarius
Qigong and Meditation with Shirsha Marie – 40 years’ experience in body and mind fitness - 10.00 am – 3.00 pm Djanbung Gardens
Homesteading & Survival Skills workshops and demos on dome building, fire craft, off-grid van life, scythes & trad tools, knotting, bamboo, home retrofit; survival in the Anthropocene (by donation) - 11.00 am – 12.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Something Personal – Honouring Indigenous custodians in Nimbin: Land Rights Workshop in Nimbin 1973–1983 with Juno Gemes - 11.00 am – 2.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Youth Fun Day Activities – live music, storytime, leaf-boats, face painting, colouring in, photo booth, kids tarot, crossword competition - 10.30 am – 4.30 pm Town Hall
Workshops all day: Body Percussion with Greg Sheehan (10.30 am), Bollywood Dancing (11.30 am), Ukulele with Andre Soler (12.30 pm, BYO uke), Lunch Break (1.30 pm), Taiko Drums with Peter Jaggle (2.30 pm), Art with Marta making groovy fridge magnets (3.30 pm) - 12.00 pm World Rainbow Cafe Tent
Fringe Aquarius Discussions – The Psychedelic Gospels: did Jesus eat magic mushrooms? How mushrooms changed my life - 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm Nimbin Skate Park
Kids in Safe Haven Tent with Elders - 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Living a Life of Self Ascension with Carol Reed – non-dogmatic practice to ascend out of victim–abuser–rescuer consciousness - 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Blue Knob Hall
Heart Collectors, Greg Sheehan, Tenzin Choegyal performances - 3.15 pm – 4.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
Aquarius ’73 talk and images with John Jefferies; 1970s music with Samir - 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm The Church of Aquarius
CREDO with Yantra De Vilder and the Ephemera Choir – premiere of rock musical “CREDO” (Watch trailer here) - 6.00 pm – 11.00 pm Town Hall
Nimbin Rox Youth Concert – live bands including Mecha Mecha, Ratmongers, Super Orbit, Plywood, The Mia French Band, Flying Dirt Monkeys; gold coin entry; dinner available; chai tent & photo booth - 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
In Concert with Tenzin, The Heart Collectors & Greg Sheehan
Sun 21st May – Renewal, Naming and Peace
- 8.00 am – 9.00 am The Church of Aquarius
Qigong and Meditation with Shirsha Marie (40 years’ experience with body and mind fitness) - 9.30 am – 10.15 am Flourish Sanctuary
Haqiqa and Huseyn of the Nur Aski Jerrahi Sufi Tariqat – service from the Islamic tradition with Adhan (call to prayer), Ayat al-Kursi chant and spiritual prayer of protection - 9.30 am – 3.00 pm Blue Knob Hall
Café and Exhibition - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm The Church of Aquarius
Through the Heart of Prayer with Carmelia Baynie – songs of love, gratitude and devotion in sacred languages - 11.00 am – 1.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Money and War – is Bitcoin our Saviour? Discussion on fractional reserve banking and the impact of surveillance through digital currency - 11.00 am – 1.00 pm Showground
Children’s Naming Day – babies and children named by elders with music by Fantuzzi, Andrea Soler, Winiata and Adrian Thomas; sing “May the Circle Be Unbroken” - 11.00 am – 1.00 pm & 1.30 pm – 4.00 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
ArtWomb – Politics and Art - 12.00 pm – 1.30 pm Flourish Sanctuary
Haqiqa and Huseyn of the Nur Aski Jerrahi Sufi Tariqat – Zhikrullah ceremony of divine remembrance with candlelit walk - 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm Aquarius/Peace Park
Tug of Peace directed by Benny Zable – human peace sign and spiral dance concluding with Widjabal dancers and Vocal Minority closing ceremony - 4.00 pm Showgrounds
Dancestry - 7.00 pm – 11.30 pm Nimbin Bush Theatre
Closing Party & Aquarius50 Grand Finale with live music by Kooii and Empress Katia (complimentary with festival pass; tickets $30 at nimbinbushtheatre.com)
Videos
Watch inspiring talks and performances from Aquarius50.
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Graeme Dunstan Interview
A key producer of the original Aquarius Festival in 1973, Graham Dunstan speaks about how the Aquarius Festival came into existence.
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Community Housing
A discussion about the community housing evolution and options in Nimbin
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Vision for Nimbin and Region
An open Q&A about the reality of living in the Nimbin community
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Watch Protest Photography at AQ50
Glenn Lockitch takes us on a journey though his photographic record of social protest.
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Alternative Energy Technologies
A detailed discussion about alternative energy available in the Nimbin area
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Energy Symposium
Dr Richard Corkish (UNSW), Professor Ian Lowe, and home energy advisor Sebastian Crangle talk at Aquarius50
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Watch Steve Didge perform at AQ50
Nimbin’s Steve Didge tells stories and sings in Language
AQ50 Video