DadFest 2026

DadFest is the only festival in the country just for father figures and their children. All children (boys/girls/NB) of all ages and all dads and father figures welcome (male carers, uncles, step-dads, grandads, etc). DadFest won 'Best Small Event in the UK' in 2015 and in 2025. We started in 2014, so twelve years of amazing, memorable fun.

There are four DadFests confirmed for 2026 - DadFest Yorkshire in Bridlington in May, DadFest North West near Stockport in July, DadFest Sussex in East Grinstead in early August and in DadFest Devon, near Kingsbridge, in September.

There’s something for everyone at DadFest. Check out each festival as each one is a little different.... but you are likely to be enjoying campfire cooking, archery, bat walks, star-gazing, wood-carving, kids disco, Forest School, arts & crafts, storytelling, music, a children's entertainer, playing out in nature, good food, local beers & more… The ticket price includes all activities, parking and a camping spot, so your ticket includes everything for the whole weekend: nothing extra to pay for activities (but food is not included - you need to buy a weekend food ticket too or self-cater). DadFest is not a noisy music festival - it is a very relaxed event for dads and children to play, bond, make memories and meet new friends.

DadFest North West, DadFest Sussex and DadFest Devon have an all-inclusive food ticket option, so you can buy a food ticket and just get whatever food and drinks you and the children need for the weekend (within reason). For dads it's £40 (so £6.50 a meal) and children £30 (£5 for a meal), and whatever drinks you want too all weekend (except alcohol, cans and bottles - these are not included). We have not increased our food ticket prices for several years so it is very good value. Otherwise, you can buy food & drink with the 'pay as you go' option from our caterers if you do not want an all-inclusive food & drinks ticket (you will need to bring your cooking stove, food and cutlery, and cook your own meals by your tent). At DadFest Yorkshire there are plenty of catering options on site - so there you'll need to buy or cook your own meals.

And of course DadFest is home to the Dad Dancing Championships 2026 – come and show us your moves and go home a Champ!

Tickets on sale now - limited to 80 dads at each DadFest! 

Book early as DadFest always sells out. 

Cancellation Policy:

• If the organisers cancel DadFest, you will receive a full refund for your tickets. We will endeavour to give as much notice as possible. DadFest will go ahead if it rains but if it is stormy we may have to cancel with limited notice. The organisers will not refund any other costs you may have incurred, such as travel or equipment costs.
• If you need to cancel your ticket:
• up to 30 days prior DadFest we will reimburse you 100%
• up to 15 days prior to DadFest we will reimburse you 50%
• sorry but we will not reimburse you if you cancel within two weeks of DadFest

DadFest has been running since 2014 so we have over ten years' experience of running these fun community festivals. All activities are run by experienced and qualified leaders and facilitators, and we have insurance, risk assessments, first aiders, and wellbeing and chill-out areas at each event. 

“Had an amazing time. Loved all the different activities on offer. Don’t change anything. Looking forward to coming back next year for more fun. Thanks to everyone in the organisation.”

“The Dads Network are amazing people and DadFest is the best event of the year. The children feel so comfortable that they can wander around with their new friends. Thank you all so much! We will be back”.