The Festival of Fisher’s Ghost takes place every November in Campbelltown to commemorate Frederick Fisher, one of Australia’s most famous ghosts.
The historic event dates back to 1956, and today is an important community affair for the residents.
Festival of Fisher’s Ghost 2024 Dates, Events Program, Fireworks & Times
This year’s festival features a fresh and vibrant program, with new and much-loved events popping up across the city. Up to 250,000 locals and visitors experience the festival each year and explore many different events across the community.
Originally conceived in 1956 as an annual celebration to raise funds for new facilities and services, the festival went through several names. That year it was named the Campbelltown Commemorative Festival.
During that same period, the legend of Fisher’s Ghost experienced an unexpected rise in popularity, fuelled by Sydney radio stations and crowds gathered at Fisher’s Ghost Creek hoping to spot the famous Ghost. Around 1500 Sydneysiders showed up to wait for the ghost’s appearance. This ‘ghost watch’ continued throughout the late 50s.
Fisher’s Ghost Art Award 2024
The Fisher’s Ghost Art Award is an annual art award and exhibition. Now in its 62nd year, over $60,000 in prize money is available across the categories. In 2024, the celebrated Open Award, acquisitive to the Campbelltown City Council Art Collection, will be valued at $50,000.
Over the years, the Open Award has been awarded to some of Australia’s most respected contemporary artists, including Elisabeth Cummings, Khaled Sabsabi, Justene Williams, David Bromley, Marion Borgelt, Raquel Ormella, Tina Havelock Stevens, Kuba Dorabialski, Robert Fielding and most recently, Angela Tiatia.
The Fisher’s Ghost Art Award coincides with Campbelltown’s annual Festival of Fisher’s Ghost. Held over ten days, the Festival dates back to 1956 and celebrates Australia’s most famous ghost – Frederick Fisher.
All finalist works selected for inclusion in the exhibition will be available for purchase.
Key Dates:
Award Announcement – Friday 1 November
Exhibition Open to the Public – Saturday 26 October – Friday 6 December
Collection of Artwork – Saturday 7 – Monday 9 December
Fisher’s Ghost Carnival
Prepare for spine-chilling thrills and hair-raising excitement at this year’s Fisher’s Ghost Carnival! The Campbelltown Showground will transform into a haunted fun park, where ghoulish delights and ghostly surprises await. You may even catch a glimpse of Campbelltown’s resident ghost, Fred Fisher.
From Thursday, 31 October, to Sunday, 10 November, join us at this eerie thrill-seekers’ paradise and family fun zone as the Carnival returns to Fisher’s Ghost 2024.
Bring your family and brave friends for spine-tingling rides and spooky activities. Don’t miss the bewitching fireworks display at 9 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, and Saturday, November 9, during the carnival. Prepare for a hauntingly good time!
Quiet / Low Sensory Session
In partnership with Joylands, Campbelltown City Council is hosting our popular two-hour Fisher’s Ghost Carnival quiet session again this year.
This session is for adults, young people, and children with disabilities who want to enjoy the event with their family and/or carer.
Numbers are limited for this session, and bookings are required. Bookings are now open, and those who are successful in gaining a booking will be notified by 16 October.
This session includes:
- $20 unlimited rides pass (Only a selection of rides will operate during this session)
- Limited attendees, short wait lines for rides
- People with a Companion Card ride for free to accompany another attendee
- No PA announcements
- No spruiking
- No music or flashing lights
- Council staff onsite to assist.
Opening Night – Fred’s Fright Night
Halloween, 31st October, 6pm to 10pm ‼ The carnival is back in Campbelltown and will turn into a spooky walk-through with roaming Halloween Characters, Spooky Facepainting, Trick or Treat Rides, and lots of Carnival Theming and Treasure Hunt.
The Carnival Canteen will even serve blood bank slushies! Come dressed in your best Halloween costume—prizes will be won.
Fisher’s Ghost Twilight Fair
On Saturday, November 2nd, from 4pm to 10pm, Queen Street (between Cordeaux Street and Dumaresq Street) and Lithgow Street will transform into two exciting zones with something for everyone.
From 4pm to 10pm, explore the lively Market Zone on Queen Street! Enjoy browsing through a great selection of handmade creations and artisan goods. There’s something for everyone to discover!
Experience an exciting lineup of stage entertainment featuring talented local performers at the entrance of Lithgow Street.
Sunset Sounds at Festival of Fisher’s Ghost
Australian rock band Thirsty Merc is set to headline a full line-up of rock and country acts at this year’s Sunset Sounds.
This exciting event, presented in collaboration with The Beer Shed Brewing Co, will run from 3 pm to 10 pm and feature the following artists:
- Thirsty Merc
- Kingswood
- The Wet Whistles
- Ella Powell
- Brother Hollow
Parking is available in the Leumeah Commuter Carpark, adjacent to Wests League and the Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
The closest Train Station is Leumeah Station –followed by an approximate 2-minute walk to the event site.
As we expect large crowds at our events, we also encourage festival goers to catch public transport to this event.
Marsdens Law Group Fisher’s Ghost Fun Run
Are you a competitive runner or want to enjoy a fun jog with family and friends?
Sign up for the casual 5km course – the minimum age is seven.
For the more competitive runners, the 10km course is the one for you—you’ll need to be 12 years or above on race day.
Walkers and prams are welcome to participate over either distance.
Dogs in the Park at Festival of Fisher’s Ghost
Presented in partnership with Dogs in the Park NSW as part of the Festival of Fisher’s Ghost.
Event highlights
- Charity Walk: A walk around Milton Park to raise funds for charity – further details to come
- Dog Competitions: Categories include Cutest Puppy, Cutest Dog, Doggie Dash, and “Strike a Paws Fancy Dress”
- Free Photo Booth: Capture a special moment with your furry friends
- Flyball Demonstrations: Watch exciting flyball performances
- Market Stalls: A variety of stalls with everything your furry friends need
- Food and Coffee Vendors: Enjoy various food and drinks throughout the event.
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