Published on Friday, 16 October 2026 at 10:25:05 AM
A new community event named after an endemic marsupial is set to have Kendenup hopping with family-friendly fun next weekend.
The inaugural Quenda Festival, delivered by the Shire of Plantagenet in partnership with the Kendenup Progress Association, Kendenup Town Hall Committee and Kendenup Community & Men's Shed Inc. will activate the Kendenup Town Hall and surrounds from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, 24 October.
Shire President Len Handasyde said the Quenda Festival was the expansion of markets held during last year’s Shire of Gnowangerup Wild Gravel cycling and running event, designed to attract spectators to cheer on competitors as they raced up Kendenup’s main street.
“As the only spectator point of the race, the Kendenup community and Shire were keen to build on last year’s buzzing atmosphere to create an annual, signature event,” Cr Handasyde said.
“Kendenup is named after the Menang Noongar phrase meaning "place of the bandicoot” and is a combination of two Noongar words; quenda (or kwenda) meaning southern brown bandicoot and -up meaning place of.”
“As part of the celebration of the town’s namesake, the Kendenup Community & Men’s Shed produced plywood quenda cut-outs, which have been decorated by the community and hidden throughout the festival grounds for festivalgoers to discover and cast their vote for the best decorated quenda people’s choice award.”
In addition to the Quenda Treasure Hunt, festivalgoers can browse the Down South Markets stalls for local produce, tasty treats, arts and crafts, and community group displays including free health checks with Regional Men’s Health.
Get creative at free workshops in the arts and crafts tent with Lavendar Bee making native animals from natural materials and the Porongurup Community Association printing your own festival T-shirt or tote bag.
Relax in the chill-out tent, enjoy live music from the Limehouse Trio or try your hand in the gumboot-throwing competition.
Take a trip down memory lane at the Veteran and Classic Car Club display or test your skills at the bike skills session for five to 12-year-olds with Jamie from Rock Dogs MTB Party.
Hitch a ride aboard the Cycling Without Age Plantagenet trishaw to open gardens at Bakers Folly, featuring an exhibition by local ceramicist Sue Harold, and Sally’s Cottage Garden for a leisurely springtime stroll.
Event activities are proudly supported by Southern Ports and Mount Barker Community Bank funding.
For further information, contact the Shire of Plantagenet’s Events Coordinator on 9892 1111 or [email protected]
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