Mode Festival:

An Island Fantasy / 4 October 2026

Cockatoo Island / Wareamah

Mode Festival:
Early Access

Sign up for Early Access tickets for your chance to access tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Lineup and ticket information to be announced.

Date / Location:Date / Location:Date / Location:

October 4 2026
Cockatoo Island
/ Wareamah

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Info:Info:Info:

Through bold and considered programming, Mode brings together celebrated global artists and rising local talent, dancing among the island's iconic industrial landscape in a setting as unique as the community it inspires. From live performances and immersive installations to the intersection of sound and underground culture, Mode pushes the boundaries of what a festival can be.

The fifth edition spans four stages, three within the island's storied industrial precinct, and one open-air.

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FAQs:FAQs:FAQs:

General & Tickets

Mode is a one‑day festival held on Sunday 4 October 2026 on Cockatoo Island, an iconic industrial landmark in the middle of Sydney Harbour

Ticket info will be announced soon. Make sure you sign up to be the first to hear

Sign up for Early Access tickets here. Early Access is your only chance to try to secure a ticket before they go on sale to the general public. More ticket information including Early Access and General Public on sale times to be announced.

What is the age requirement?

  • The festival is strictly an 18+ event. You must bring your valid and current government-issued photo ID on entry. Acceptable forms of ID include: NSW Driver Licence or NSW Digital Driver Licence (learners, provisional, and full licences are accepted)
  • Driver Licence issued by another State, Territory or any foreign country or Interstate Digital Driver Licence
  • Australian or other passport
  • NSW photo card
  • Proof of age card issued by a public authority of the Commonwealth or another State or Territory

A photo, screenshot, photocopy or illustration of your ID will not be accepted.

No. Once you’ve entered, you cannot leave and re-enter. Please plan your day accordingly.

Yes. Mode is 100% cashless. Please bring a credit/debit card or phone wallet. ATMs will not be available on site.

Tickets may only be resold via the official resale facility (details released closer to the event). Tickets purchased through unofficial sites may be voided.

Getting To and From Cockatoo Island

Private ferries are the only way to access Mode. Ferry tickets will go on sale in September. Each ticket includes a set departure time; returns are flexible. You must have a valid ferry ticket before arriving at the wharf. Public ferries, water taxis, and private boats are not permitted by police. Ferry departure locations are to be announced.

Ferries will depart from Cockatoo Island every 20 minutes

The “Ferries” and site is wheelchair‑friendly with accessible toilets. Please ensure you purchase a wheelchair-accessible ferry ticket if needed. Contact us for any other accessibility related enquiries.

What to bring & banned items

  • A small bag (no larger than A4)
  • An empty plastic or metal water bottle to refill at free water stations
  • Sunscreen (110 mL or less)
  • A hat, poncho and earplugs
  • Medically‑necessary items (see below)

Please do not bring the following items; security will confiscate them and you may be refused entry:

  • Bags larger than A4 size, eskies or coolers
  • Alcohol, food or drink (except empty water bottles and medically required food)
  • Glass of any kind, cans, aerosols, metal water bottles or any liquid containers over 110 mL
  • Drugs or illegal substances
  • Weapons, fireworks, flares, sparklers or explosives or any item that resembles a weapon or any other flammables]
  • Umbrellas (use ponchos or raincoats instead)
  • Professional cameras, GoPros, recording devices, drones, or broadcasting equipment
  • Animals (except registered service animals)
  • Vapes or e‑cigs with more than 110 mL of liquid
  • Totem poles, flags or large banners
    • Flags, promotional material or items of any kind, including banners, posters and signs, or that display political, religious or offensive signage or logos of any kind
    • Portable seating of any kind (including foldable/camp chairs)
    • Unidentifiable or unsealed medication. All medication must be inspected by staff through the accessibility lane
    • Noise-making devices and musical instruments
    • Broadcasting or transmission equipment
    • Laser pens or pointers
    • Skateboards and rollerblades, hover-boards, scooters, bicycles, and other personal motorised and non-motorised vehicles (excluding mobility aids)
    • All unapproved unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones unless expressly authorised
    • Work uniforms, high-visibility vests, or anything that may be mistaken for a staff uniform or event accreditation
    • Any other items determined as dangerous or offensive by Security or Event Staff

Yes, but medication must be in its original packaging with the dispensary label matching your ID. For medical dietary requirements, please contact us in advance with supporting documentation.

On-site experience

Cockatoo Island will have plenty of shade, sunscreen stations, bathrooms and free water refill points. You’ll also find licensed bars, curated food vendors and phone‑charging stations.

Yes. We’ll host a range of food trucks and market stalls featuring local favourites and global flavours, along with fully‑licensed bars.

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Please keep non-smokers in mind and don’t smoke anywhere outside of the designated areas indicated on the event map (which will be available closer to the event date).

Reminder: vapes and e-cigs that contain more than 110mL of liquid are not allowed inside Mode.

Yes, professional first aid services will be on site with basic over‑the‑counter medication and a quiet space. Harm‑reduction services will also be available.

Mode is a rain‑or‑shine event. Cockatoo Island is mostly grass, so wear suitable footwear. Umbrellas are not allowed, bring a raincoat or poncho.

Lost property will be held at the Info Tent during the event. After the festival, any uncollected items will be handed over to local police; check our social media for updates.

Accessibility & Safety

Mode takes place on Cockatoo Island. Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site that is primarily flat with occasional uneven surfaces. There are wide accessible pathways connecting all parts of the island.

There will be wheelchair accessible ferry transfers to get you to and from Mode, these will be marked accordingly.

Accessible bathrooms will be available.

If you require additional assistance or have any questions please complete our Accessibility Form.

Registered service animals are welcome. Emotional‑support animals and pets are not allowed.

If you or someone else feels unsafe or unwell, please go to the nearest security guard, volunteer or first aid station. Our team is trained to assist with medical, safety and welfare issues. Harm‑reduction services will be on site.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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