Telopea Park School’s La Grande Fête returns this Saturday, bringing French food, live music, carnival rides and a Halloween twist to Barton. 

More than 40 stalls will take over the school grounds from 10am, with everything from baguettes and crêpes to French cars, books, embassy stalls and plenty to keep the kids busy.

 

A taste of France comes to Barton 

Telopea Park School has been part of Canberra since 1923 and has operated as a French-Australian binational school since the 1980s. 

La Grande Fête is a chance for the school to open its gates and share that heritage with the wider Canberra community through food, music and plenty of activities.

 

French Feasts, Cars and Embassy Stalls  

Come hungry, because there’ll be everything from fresh baguettes and flaky croissants to sweet crêpes, melted raclette, saucisson, French wine and cheese, and plenty more to work your way through. 

More than 40 stalls will be spread across the grounds, including second-hand French books, a display of classic French cars and cultural stalls from the embassies of France, Switzerland, Belgium, Mauritius and Morocco. 

You can also stock up on imported French products at the France at Home pop-up supermarket before heading home. 

 

Rides, Costumes, and Halloween fun 

With the fête falling on Halloween this year, there’s an extra reason to dress up. 

Kids and adults can join the Halloween costume parade at 1.30pm, while a scavenger hunt will send families following clues around the grounds for the chance to win prizes. 

There’ll also be carnival rides, face painting, games and live entertainment running throughout the day. 

All funds raised from La Grande Fête go back to Telopea Park School, supporting learning programs, improvements to outdoor spaces and other school community projects. 

 

EVENT INFORMATION: 

Location: Telopea Park School, 25 New South Wales Crescent, Barton. Pedestrian entrances are on both sides of New South Wales Crescent and Telopea Park. 

When: Saturday 31 October 2026, 10am–3pm
Parking: Available at Montgomery Oval from 9.30am–4pm, with entry via Fitzroy Street. 

ENTRY FEES: Entry is free, while all-day carnival ride passes are $30 if purchased before 7pm Thursday 28 October, or $40 on the day.