Blossoms, bonfires — or at least the Brisbane equivalent — are back this May, as old-world Beltane traditions quietly reappear in an unexpected corner of the city.
On Sunday 3 May 2026, the historic Wolston Farmhouse will host a laidback May Day Fair, turning one of Brisbane’s oldest surviving homes into a gathering place for music, dancing and community celebration.
Set across the Labour Day long weekend, the event leans into the spirit of traditional May Day festivities — but without the stiffness. Expect live music, informal dancing, hands-on activities for children, and a relaxed, all-ages atmosphere that invites people to simply turn up and join in.
It will feature Irish music, and our friends Phillip’s Dog will also entertain – those of you who were at Queensland Irish Association’s Bealtaine (May Day) event in 2024 know how talented they are.
Wolston Farmhouse itself has strong Irish history. The Grindle family from County Monaghan in Ireland became the last private owners of Wolston House when they purchased the property in 1907. The Grindles were dairy farmers who worked the surrounding land and made the house a functioning rural homestead rather than the gentleman’s estate it had been. They lived there for decades, raising a family and maintaining the property through the early 20th century. The family remained at Wolston until 1956, when the land was resumed for the expansion of the nearby Goodna Mental Hospital. Their long tenure helped preserve the house itself, which might otherwise have been lost, and today their legacy is closely tied to Wolston House’s survival as one of Brisbane’s oldest standing homes.
What’s On:
Maypole Dancing
Take a ribbon and join the circle as they revive this joyful seasonal custom. Guided dances throughout the day will welcome children and adults alike — no experience needed.
Live Folk Music
Enjoy spirited performances by Tin Whistlin’ Dave, bringing the lively sounds of Irish traditional folk music, and Phillips Dog, the convict-era band re-creating 19th-century bush tunes and ballads. Their toe-tapping melodies and storytelling will transport you to the days of early colonial Australia.
Children’s Activities
Young visitors can craft their own flower crowns and take part in heritage-inspired activities designed to spark imagination and creativity.
Picnic & Local Treats
Bring a picnic rug and settle in on the grounds, or enjoy fresh local coffee and ice-cream available on the day — perfect for a relaxed autumn outing.
For centuries, Beltane marked the arrival of summer in the northern hemisphere. Fires were lit for protection and blessing, communities gathered, and rituals centred on renewal, fertility and connection to the land. While Queensland flips the seasons — and most traditional Beltane celebrations here happen later in the year — May Day events like Wacol’s show how these customs continue to evolve rather than disappear.
There’s something fitting about it taking place at Wolston Farmhouse itself. With its creaking timbers and deep colonial history, the setting bridges past and present — the kind of place where old traditions don’t feel out of place, just reimagined.
Whether you’re dancing around the maypole, singing along to folk tunes, exploring the farmhouse, or enjoying time together on the lawns, the Family May Day Fair is a celebration of connection — to history, to community, and to one another.
Entry is $20 for adults, with discounted tickets available for children, concessions and families.
Get your tickets here.
Irish Queenslander 