Real Festival

Overview

Rabbits: not traditionally a symbol of environmental responsibility or sustainability. Nevertheless, two blindingly white critters, looking like they've barely escaped an evil magician's clutches, have been chosen as the mascots of Penrith City Council's inaugural health and environment festival. But we digress.

Real Festival is kicking off in Penrith this weekend at the Tench Reserve on the banks of the Nepean River. It's a night and day of workshops, food, music and art to promote sustainability and healthy living. Activities range from ornithology to kayaking (with ornithayaking for the experienced).

Gardening Australia's Costa Georgiadis will be doling out gardening tips, while Black Pebble and Charlie Darling will be running classes on how to resurrect busted up furniture and how to become an eco-aware kid, respectively. Some of Sydney's most popular food trucks, like Knafeh Bakery, will also be on hand to make sure getting closer to nature doesn't become a Lord of the Flies situation.

The festival is free, but a lot of the activities require bookings. All you need to do is hop onto the Council's website and follow the white rabbits.