The Opal Festival is run by the Opal & Gem Festival Committee and is a not for profit event with approximately 15% of profit is donated back into the local community.
In 1971, local miner Derek Foster dreamt up the idea to celebrate the culture and character of opal mining and Lightning Ridge by means of a Festival.
Derek’s wife Hazel put together a program of activities and the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival was born.
In its hey-day, the Festival included a Float Parade down Opal Street, Wheel Barrow Races and Shovelling Competition, novelty events and plenty of entertainment.
Lightning Ridge Opal Festival is a 4 day event held at the end of July each year.