WOW! Fest 2026, Walsall Outdoor Wonders - Walsall Arboretum

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at WOW! Fest 2026 - Walsall Outdoor Wonders happening right in the heart of Walsall Arboretum. This free event is all about enjoying nature, fun creative activities, live performances and great vibes under the open sky together. Perfect for friends, families, and anyone up for some outdoor community arts. Don’t miss out on the excitement – come explore, relax, and celebrate the outdoor wonders of Walsall with us!
WOW! Fest is full of wonder: It is a free, community-driven dance and outdoor arts festival in Walsall, produced by Autin Dance Theatre in partnership with Walsall Council and local organisations.
In the spring, our Next Gen Pathway will empower local children and young people to create, move and thrive together. Join us on Friday 3 July & Saturday 4 July 2026 for an accessible and inclusive celebration at Walsall Arboretum - a creative village for you to experience.

Festival-goers can expect performances from young people from local schools, community groups and professional companies, creative workshops, interactive installations, play zones, sensory-friendly spaces and well-being activities. It brings the Arboretum to life with creativity and community spirit.
And last, but by no means least, watch a live mural celebrating stories of the Arboretum over the generations be created, and have your own story shared! (link to fundraising page coming soon!)

To help us ensure WOW! is free, accessible and inclusive for all, we welcome all donations (no matter how small!) on our fundraising page at: (coming soon)
Let's make Walsall WOW! this summer!

PLEASE NOTE: If you are arriving by car please use the following address - The Grange Car Park (Walsall Arboretum), Broadway North, Walsall WS1 2QB.

What3Words: ///town.valid.mole

HOW TO GET THERE

We encourage attendees to make use of public transport where possible when travelling to the Arboretum. What3Words: ///pilots.slide.noses

BY BUS - Nearest Bus Stops are;

• Willows Road (5-min walk) served by buses 674, 77, 77A, 705, 788, 936, 22

• Broadway North (7-min walk)

• The Crescent (9-min walk)

• Lumley Road (10-min)

BY TRAIN - Nearest Train Stations are;

• Walsall Railway Station (15 min walk) on the West Midlands Railway line between Birmingham New Street and WolverhamptonFrom here, walk south-east through town to the Arboretum (about 0.7 mile)

• Bescot Stadium Station: also on the Chase Line (Wolverhampton–Birmingham)WOW!

BY CAR - free audience parking is available at the Broadway North Car Park, WS1 2QB, located directly opposite The Hawbush Centre. What3Words: ///town.valid.mole. If you require a Blue Badge parking space, please contact us in advance at [email protected] so we can accommodate your needs

ACCESS

We will have BSL Interpreters available on both days. There is a quiet space available. There is an accessible portable toilet available.

If you require a Blue Badge parking space, or for any other questions then please contact us in advance at [email protected] so we can try our best to accommodate your needs.

WHAT TO BRING

We encourage all attendees to bring refillable water bottles on the day, something to sit on, and come prepared for the weather (the arboretum event annex doesn’t have much shade or shelter available). Some merch and food/drink will be available to buy, but feel free to bring picnics and snacks.

Terms and Conditions

Family-Friendly Environment

WOW! Fest is a family-friendly festival, and we strive to create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. We kindly ask all attendees to behave respectfully towards one another. Antisocial behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the site by Security or Law Enforcement.

Alcohol and Drugs Policy

WOW! Fest is an alcohol-free and drug-free event. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this policy to ensure the well-being of all attendees. Individuals found violating this rule will be asked to leave the premises.

Glass-Free Site

For the safety of our performers and attendees, WOW! Fest is a glass-free event. We appreciate your understanding and compliance.

Photography and Filming

Please be aware that WOW! Fest will be photographed and recorded for marketing as well as monitoring and evaluation purposes. If you or your children do not wish to be included in any recordings, please inform a member of our staff.

Ticketing and Entry

WOW! Fest is a free but ticketed event. While we will do our best to accommodate walk-ins, please note that entry without a pre-booked ticket may be refused. Tickets will have designated time slots, and attendees may be asked to exit after their allocated time to allow others to enjoy the festival.

Pet Policy

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at WOW! Fest, provided they are on a lead at all times. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of waste in designated bins.

Important Information:

We have dedicated security personnel and numerous staff and volunteers on-site to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you have any concerns or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

As this is the inaugural edition of WOW! Fest, we are committed to making it a memorable experience. Your feedback is invaluable to us; please share any suggestions with our staff during the event or through our evaluation channels for future festivals.

Thank you for joining us on this journey!

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Host or Publisher Autin Dance Theatre