Leeton SunRice Festival
The Leeton SunRice Festival is the Riverina’s flagship festival and one of NSW’s most unique celebrations. Over five days every second Easter, the Leeton SunRice Festival transforms Leeton with a colourful celebration designed to recognise the important role the rice industry plays within the region.
Each festival brings an exceptional line up of talent to Leeton. In all, the program comprises around 20 events and attracts crowds of more than 10,000 people. Our major events include:
- Leeton’s Longest Lunch
- Street Parade
- Skate Championships
- Balloon Glow
- Ambassador Competition
- Festival on Mountford
 Long-term crowd favourites include the Balloon Glow, Leeton’s Longest Lunch and Festival on Mountford.
An inclusive program, event diversity and a whole lot of fun; the Leeton SunRice Festival offers the best possible experience to individuals and families alike. We proudly offer a wide variety of ticketed and free events.
Run by a committee of dedicated volunteers the Leeton SunRice Festival is an important part of our town’s cultural heritage. The 2023 Leeton SunRice Festival will run between 28th March and 1st April.
Festival History
First staged in 1959 as the Irrigana Festival to celebrate the rice harvest, local agriculture and raise awareness of the rice industry. The Festival continued to grow and eventually changed its name to the Rice Bowl Festival. In 2000 the Festival evolved into the Leeton SunRice Festival and remains one of NSW’s leading regional festivals.