Cheese, crackers and world-class techno during the day: Techno Picnic is the event we didn’t know we needed

Posted on 27 March, 2026

Techno. During the day. By the lake. And you can bring cheese and crackers.

This is Techno Picnic.

Launching on Sunday 12 April as the closing event of Canberra’s new family festival Wonderful World, Techno Picnic is the city’s first all-ages melodic techno series.

Bringing something unexpected to Lake Burley Griffin (with the exact location shared with ticket holders only), the concept pairs world-class electronic artists with a relaxed picnic setting that has something for everyone – seasoned techno heads, curious newcomers and families who’ve never set foot in a club.

Answering the questions “Why can’t Canberra be unexpected? Why can’t it attract serious international artists?”, “Why can’t a five-year-old enjoy techno?” and “Why can’t you bring camembert and crackers to the dancefloor?,” it’s as fun as it sounds.

Hosted by the Soul Defender – Canberra’s bubble-blowing, confetti-shooting, bright pink party truck – add in some of the most spectacular golden-hour light in the country, and the result is one of the best (and prettiest) parties in the city.

Moving locations for each edition (but always on the water, and always close to the city), head of Soul Defender Mission Control Jordan says the idea is to make techno more accessible for all ages.

“When I was around 7 years old, I started listening to electronic music on very early YouTube. Having been brought up on local radio, I thought liking this kind of music was a bit naughty, like it was meant for adults in clubs,” he explains.

“I hope Techno Picnic can be a catalyst for kids to enjoy awesome techno, and even more, I hope it becomes a place where families experience it together, not in a dark club at 2 am, but in a lush park at sunset with a frisbee in hand.”

The debut edition is headlined by Natascha Polké, a Zurich-based artist making her very first visit to Australian shores.

A singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer who rose from Switzerland’s techno underground to release on Anjunadeep and Stil vor Talent, she’s clocked over 40 million combined streams and holds a long-running residency at London’s Roundhouse.

Oh, and she’s also playing Coachella this year – but Canberra is getting her first.

Joining her is Doppel. Loved by Canberra audiences, he launched his album Eucalyptograph from the back of the Soul Defender back in 2021 and returns fresh from time among the trees to launch his new album Harvest. Rounding out the bill? Canberra’s own Club Junque.

The whole thing wraps at 8 pm, because Sunday is still a school night.

Pack a picnic and BYO or indulge at the full bar and premium food stalls on-site – Under Bakery will be popping up with the picnic goods and Kissom’s Kitchen will be selling Beef and Veggie Momos, Wraps and Chilli Chop. If that’s not enough, The Vault will be running a bar, so there are plenty of options on the day!

With first release tickets already sold, it looks like the first edition is going to be big.

Tickets are priced at $24 adults and $15 kids on presale (less than a round at most Canberra pubs) with a door price of $30.

And if the debut has you hooked, good news: a second edition is already confirmed for November, featuring D-Nox.

Will this become a cultural fixture on the Canberra calendar? We hope so.