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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Gem Fairs
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260729
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260802
DTSTAMP:20260728T065331Z
CREATED:20260728T043109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T065331Z
UID:2349-1785283200-1785628799@gemfairs.com
SUMMARY:Lightning Ridge Opal & Gem Festival (2026)
DESCRIPTION:The Opal & Gem Festival Committee presents the annual Lightning Ridge Opal & Gem Festival\, held at multiple locations including Agate Street (behind the chemist and racecourse carpark) and the Lightning Ridge Multipurpose Centre within the Lightning Ridge Race Club grounds in Lightning Ridge\, New South Wales. The four-day festival runs from Wednesday\, 29th July to Saturday\, 1st August 2026. Main festival stall hours are Wednesday to Friday\, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM\, and Saturday\, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Admission is free for indoor and outdoor general market stalls. \nAs a prominent annual celebration of the region’s luminous opal industry\, the festival brings together jewellers\, buyers\, wholesalers\, miners\, rock hounds\, lapidary enthusiasts\, and tourists from across Australia to celebrate the culture and character of outback opal mining. \nFeaturing: \n\nOver 180 indoor and outdoor stalls are situated along Agate Street (between Morilla and Kaolin Streets)\, nearby vacant blocks\, and within the racecourse marquee. They feature rough and polished opals\, gemstones\, tools\, lapidary supplies\, and lifestyle products.\nThe concurrent Australian Opal Awards Trade Show and Exhibition is housed in the racecourse carpark building. It showcases high-grade black opals and fine jewellery creations. It is open Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM\, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.\nSocial highlights and community events including the traditional Opal Queen Ball and biennial jewellery design showcases.\n\nLocal Attractions: \n\nSoak in the natural\, mineral-rich waters of the famous Lightning Ridge Artesian Bore Baths.\nExplore local underground opal mines and heritage mine tours such as the Bald Standard Open Cut Mine or Fassifern Underground Mine.\nDrive the unique\, self-drive Car Door Trail marked by decorated old car doors pointing the way through the outback landscape.\nVisit the Australian Opal Centre to view world-class opalised fossils\, rare specimens\, and exhibits celebrating outback history.\n\nTransport and Facilities: \n\nPublic Transport & Travel: Visitors planning travel across New South Wales can check regional transport connections and coach services using the official Transport for NSW Trip Planner.\nAmenities & Parking: On-site parking is available at the racecourse carpark and surrounding streets. Overnight marquee security is provided for participating stallholders\, and local amenities are within easy reach of the main festival strip.\n\nAccessibility:  The Lightning Ridge Multipurpose Centre has access and amenities for the disbaled. Please contact the festival organisers directly prior to attending via email at events.manager@lightningridgeopalfestival.com.au to confirm specific accessibility arrangements and the suitability of the venue layout across the multi-site grounds. \nDisclaimer: This entry is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on data verified as of the date of publication. Events are subject to cancellation or change by the organisers without notice. Contact the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival committee directly to confirm the latest event details before planning your visit. Please check our Terms of Use.
URL:https://gemfairs.com/event/lightning-ridge-opal-gem-festival/
LOCATION:Lightning Ridge Multipurpose Centre\, 1 Agate Street\, Lightning Ridge\, New South Wales\, 2834\, Australia
CATEGORIES:August,Australia,Gem Fairs,Jewellery Shows,July
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gemfairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/lightning-ridge-dusk-lightning-stylised.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="The Opal & Gem Festival Committee":MAILTO:events.manager@lightningridgeopalfestival.com.au
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