Big futures in focus at Youth Fest 2026

Flinders Lane will be abuzz for two days next week with Townsville Youth Council – supported by Townsville City Council – set to deliver a free festival focused on the real-life priorities of teens and young adults.

The Learning for Life Youth Fest @ Flinders Lane will provide opportunities for young people to explore study, work and personal growth pathways.

Professionals and service providers will also be on hand to chat about money and finance, moving out and gaining independence, and mental health and wellbeing.

Across two days festivalgoers can rotate through a series of zones, each with their own unique offerings ranging from leadership workshops and money literacy lessons through to free professional headshots and creative activities.

Workshops focused on leadership and self-development will be delivered by the CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, Jahin Tanvir.

Jahin is a three-time TEDx speaker, investor and high-performance coach known for his work as an “imposter syndrome” expert and his regular commentary in the media on issues relevant to Gen Z.

Bookings will be required to attend his sessions, so register for his workshops early to avoid missing out.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto, who will also present a talk on his experiences of elected leadership, said the event was youth-led and designed to deliver on issues relevant to young people today.

“Our Youth Council has created an exciting and practical program that is designed to bring the city’s next generation of young people together and give them opportunities to connect, learn and develop,” Councillor Dametto said.

“We really encourage anyone aged between 12-25 who is looking for something to do over the school break or has been interested in self-development or their future career or study options, to come on down.

“As Mayor, I am looking forward to speaking about my experience in leadership and meeting our next generation of leaders.”

Townsville Youth Council Mayor Zane Dempsey said the team were counting down to Youth Fest, which had been their main project throughout the last nine months.

“Delivering Youth Fest have been the Youth Council’s major project for us this year, and we are really looking forward to the event,” he said.

“For us as Youth Council we were passionate about taking control of the event, and making sure it is all about preparing young people for the real world – giving them the practical skills they need like financial advice and bringing industry professionals to the event so they are able to share what they know.”

Learning for Life Youth Fest @ Flinders Lane will run from 9am-3pm on Thursday and Friday, 16-17 April and is free for all young people aged 12–25.

For more information, view the event listing on What's On Townsville.