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Best Events and Festivals in Australia: You Need to Attend

Australia is packed with an incredible array of events and festivals all year round, and trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the fun. 

From stunning cultural celebrations to adrenaline-pumping sports showdowns, culinary fests and music festivals that’ll make your heart sing, there is something for everyone to enjoy at any time of the year. 

So, grab your calendars, mark these dates, and get ready for a year filled with wonderful memories as we show you the best events and festivals in Australia to attend. 

January

1. Sydney Festival

The year usually opens up with the amazing Sydney Festival, an exciting celebration of arts, culture, and creativity. The festival event features a series of stunning performances including theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and discussions. 

The festival usually has a diverse line-up of activities that reflects the variety of preferences of people, from wild outdoor concerts to closed calm stage shows. There are free activities at famous locations such as the Sydney Opera House and Hyde Park which are big highlights of the festival, making it accessible to all.

2. Australian Open

  • Type of Event: Sports
  • Location: Melbourne, Victoria
  • Payment: Ticketed
  • Useful Link: https://ausopen.com/

The Australian Open is like the superstar of tennis tournaments, and it hits Melbourne like a storm of excitement! It’s not just about the amazing tennis you get to see, but it’s also a whole vibe. 

People who love tennis and even those who just enjoy a good match all gather to watch their favourite players battle it out. And hey, it’s not just about the game; there’s a whole festival atmosphere going on. 

Imagine food stalls with tasty snacks, lively music, and enjoyable activities for everyone. It’s an awesome time, no matter your age or how much you’re into tennis.

3. Woodford Folk Festival

The Woodford Folk Festival is one fantastic event held in the beautiful setting of Woodfordia. Picture this: music, arts, and culture all coming together for several days of pure joy. 

You’ve got everything set from folk and world music to theatre and circus performances, making it a diverse mix that’s very hard to resist.

Another cool thing is that you not only enjoy the performances but also get to dive into workshops, join discussions, and get practical with creative activities. It’s like a little world of its own where everyone’s part of this big, lively community sharing in the magic of music and arts.

4. Rainbow Spirit Festival

The Rainbow Spirit Festival (previously known as Rainbow Serpent Festival) is a total blast! The festival happens in the beautiful Australian bushland, combining music, art, meditation and generally bringing everyone together. 

They’ve got this killer mix of electronic music, cool art installations that’ll blow your mind, workshops where you can learn tons of things, and even spots where you can chill and rejuvenate. 

The festival activities are like a whole experience that allows you to connect with others and get in touch with your inner self too.

February

1. St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival

The St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival goes from city to city across Australia, bringing together a mix of new and well-known music talents. 

It has this cool indie and alternative music vibe that draws folks in for an up-close and personal experience of a lifetime. If you’re into that chilled-out atmosphere and dig diverse music flavours, this festival’s a winner.

2. Perth Festival

The Perth Festival is an awesome showcase of all things artsy and cool. During the Perth Festival, the city transforms into a full blazed cultural spot where you can enjoy different kinds of performances like theatre, music, dance and literature. 

This festival brings the city to life, offering lots of free and ticketed events. You’ve got everything from huge outdoor shows to more intimate performances that’ll really get you thinking and feeling the vibe.

3. Adelaide Fringe

  • Type of Event: Arts and Culture
  • Location: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Payment: Mix of free and ticketed events
  • Useful Link: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/

The Adelaide Fringe is like a huge party for creativity! It’s usually packed with thousands of artists doing all sorts of cool stuff. The best part? Everyone’s welcome to join in! This festival is all about trying new things and showing off your talents to a giant crowd of viewers. 

You’ll see everything from funny stand-up comedy and gripping theatre shows to mind-blowing visual arts and lively cabaret performances. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s something awesome for everyone at the Adelaide Fringe.

4. Chinese New Year Celebrations

  • Type of Event: Cultural Celebration
  • Location: Various cities across Australia
  • Payment: Mostly free
  • Useful Link: https://chinesenewyear.au/

The Chinese New Year celebrations burst with vibrant energy, honouring the traditional Lunar New Year. It’s a real spectacle! You’ve got stunning parades, colourful cultural performances, lively dragon dances, and oh, the food – an absolute feast! 

The whole vibe just sweeps you into the richness of Chinese traditions and the buzzing atmosphere is contagious. Everyone’s invited to join in and soak up the spirit of this fantastic celebration!

March

1. Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix hits Melbourne like a bolt of high-speed thrill and excitement. It’s not just a race; it’s a massive magnet for motorsport lovers around the world. 

You get to witness live, the best racers revving their engines and diving into heart-pounding competition at the legendary Albert Park track. It’s not just about speed in racing but also showcasing mind-blowing racing skills and the latest in-car tech developments. 

The buzz of those engines echoes across the circuit as these drivers battle it out for that prestigious championship title. It’s an adrenaline and suspense cycle that takes over the viewers, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats.

2. WOMADelaide

WOMADelaide is a big deal on the festival scene, bringing together music, arts, and cultures from all around the world. This festival happens in Adelaide’s Botanic Park, it’s a mix of different music, workshops, tasty food, and deep chats about all sorts of things. 

People dive into a world of beats and tunes while getting to know different traditions and creative vibes from across the globe.

3. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is a feast for each of your senses, celebrating everything delicious about Victoria. It’s not just about fancy dining but also about the incredible street food that’ll make your taste buds dance in excitement. 

Imagine top chefs, wine tastings, and events that let you dive deep into the diverse flavours of Victoria’s food scene. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who loves a good meal, this festival’s got something special for you to munch on!

4. Canberra Balloon Spectacular

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is like a big canvas painting the sky with loads of colourful hot air balloons. 

Picture this: against the backdrop of Canberra’s famous landmarks, they have these early morning launches. 

It’s such a sight to behold – these vibrant balloons gracefully going up, making the city’s skyline feel magical. People gather just to watch this scenic show!

5. Port Fairy Folk Festival

In the charming coastal spot of Port Fairy, there’s this awesome folk festival that’s all about telling stories through music. They bring together folk, roots, and acoustic tunes with popular and new artists rocking out on a bunch of stages. 

It’s got this cosy vibe, lots of workshops, and a real community feel that just clicks with folks who dig folk music. A lovely event to enjoy if you enjoy storytelling.

6. Byron Bay Bluesfest

The Byron Bay Bluesfest is like this huge music party celebrating all sorts of music like blues, roots, you name it. There, you’ve got tons of local and international artists getting the crowd moving to some seriously soulful tunes. 

It’s all about soaking up those coastal vibes and enjoying some soulful tunes at the same time. Think laid-back with a side of awesome music—pretty much sums up the Bluesfest in Byron Bay!

April

1. National Folk Festival

The National Folk Festival in Canberra is like a big blend of different music, dance, and art that’s all about Australia’s mixed heritage. 

They’ve got both old-school and modern folk music, plus workshops and fun stuff where you can get involved. It’s a chill way to enjoy the mix of cultures that make up Australia’s heritage.

2. ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day, which happens on April 25th, is a significant day in Australia and New Zealand where people come together to honour the courage of soldiers who fought and gave their lives in wars and peacekeeping missions. 

This is a significant event in the Australian calendar with memorial services, marches, and ceremonies happening all over the country.

It is a chance for everyone to remember and show gratitude to those who served and to recognise the ANZAC spirit that’s a huge part of Australian identity.

3. Gold Coast Film Festival

The Gold Coast Film Festival is where film lovers get to have real fun. This festival brings together different local and international movies that just wow the audience. Picture this: you get to watch not just regular flicks but also attend workshops and chat sessions with the filmmakers themselves. 

It’s a burst of celebration of storytelling through movies, and it brings together a community of film enthusiasts right on the Gold Coast. It’s like a big movie party you don’t wanna miss!

May

1. Dark Mofo

  • Type of Event: Arts and Culture
  • Location: Hobart, Tasmania
  • Payment: Mix of free and ticketed events
  • Useful Link: https://darkmofo.net.au/

Dark Mofo, the cool winter festival in Tasmania, plunges you deep into art, music, and all things offbeat. It’s all about embracing the weird and wild side of creativity. There are mind-bending exhibitions, performances that make you think, and experiences that push you right into the unexpected. 

From fiery rituals that make you question everything to art works that push limits, Dark Mofo is all about turning your notions upside down and creating a party for the bizarre and amazing.

2. Noosa Food and Wine Festival

If you fancy yourself with good food and drink, the Noosa Food and Wine Festival is an amazing option for you. Picture this: renowned chefs showing off their skills, cooking demos that make you hungry just by watching, and top-notch wine tastings—all happening against the backdrop of Noosa’s beautiful coast. 

It’s a celebration of a variety of flavours where you can explore the local produce and indulge in some delicious dining experiences. Generally, if you’re a foodie, this festival is heaven on Earth.

3. Sydney Writers’ Festival

  • Type of Event: Literature and Ideas
  • Location: Sydney, New South Wales
  • Payment: Mix of free and ticketed events
  • Useful Link: https://www.swf.org.au/

The Sydney Writers’ Festival is a lovely convergence for book lovers and writers from all across Australia. It’s like a big stage where authors chat, new books get their big moments, and panels dive deep into cool ideas. 

It’s a great place for book nerds and folks dreaming of writing their tales to get to hang out with established famous authors, chat about books, and dig into awesome talks about literature and cool thoughts. It’s like a giant book club where everyone’s welcome to join in the chatter!

4. Vivid Sydney

  • Type of Event: Light, Music, and Ideas
  • Location: Sydney, New South Wales
  • Payment: Mix of free and ticketed events
  • Useful Link: https://www.vividsydney.com/

Vivid Sydney totally lights up the city! It’s all about the amazing light displays that fill the place with music pumping on the side. The whole festival turns Sydney’s famous spots into these incredible artworks. 

You’ve got to see these mind-blowing light shows, talks that’ll get you thinking, and concerts that’ll make you want to dance all night long. It’s a total blast!

5. The Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular (GABS)

GABS is like heaven for beer fans! It’s all about showing off tons of craft beers, ciders, and special brews not just from Australia but from all over the place. 

They’ve got a mind-blowing lineup of different beers and cool collaborations too. At GABS, you can try out a lot of different beers, join classes to learn more and enjoy live entertainment. It’s a perfect spot for beer lovers who also enjoy great entertainment.

6. The Kimberley Moon Experience

  • Type of Event: Music and Cultural Celebration
  • Location: Kununurra, Western Australia
  • Payment: Ticketed
  • Useful Link: https://www.swek.wa.gov.au/

The Kimberley Moon Experience is a big celebration held in the breathtaking Kimberley region. It’s a mix of live music, cultural shows, and incredible views that capture the Kimberley vibe. 

It’s like a big party that shouts out the true spirit of Kimberley. You’ll groove to tunes and get a taste of the rich local culture—it’s an experience that’s all about good music and embracing the heart of Kimberley.

June

1. Rising Festival

  • Type of Event: Arts and Culture
  • Location: Melbourne, Victoria
  • Payment: Mix of free and ticketed events
  • Useful Link: https://rising.melbourne/ 

The Rising Festival is a real treat for art lovers where there is an awesome mash-up of cool stuff like visual arts, music, and mind-blowing performances by great artists from everywhere. 

Held in Melbourne city, it covers a range of areas like city streets, car parks, churches, town square and beloved venues

2. Barunga Festival

  • Type of Event: Music, Arts, and Cultural Celebration
  • Location: Barunga, Northern Territory
  • Payment: Ticketed
  • Useful Link: https://barungafestival.com.au/

The Barunga Festival is a lively event that’s all about honouring indigenous roots. It’s flavour-packed with traditional music, dance, art, and sports. Held right in the heart of the Northern Territory, it’s a big nod to the cultural heritage of the Jawoyn and Dagoman folks. 

It’s a great place to soak up the rich traditions and amazing storytelling of Australia’s indigenous communities.

3. Queensland Music Festival

  • Type of Event: Music
  • Location: Various locations in Queensland
  • Payment: Mix of free and ticketed events
  • Useful Link: https://www.qmf.org.au/

You can feel the Queensland Music Festival’s musical vibe all over the state, bringing a mix of performances and events. \

They jam out in small towns and rock the stage in big cities, showing off the awesome talents of Queensland’s musicians. You won’t want to miss out on the sweet tunes that’ll make you feel connected to your community.

4. Nightide

  • Type of Event: Cultural Celebration
  • Location: Queenscliff, Victoria
  • Payment: Free
  • Useful Link: https://nightide.com.au/

The Nightide is all about marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Folks from different communities get together for bonfires, cool lantern parades, and some sweet cultural rituals. 

It’s a time to embrace the changing seasons, kind of like hitting the reset button in nature. The whole deal is about celebrating the start of winter and getting everyone in the vibe for the chilly days ahead.

July

1. NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is a special time when people come together to honour the incredible history, culture, and accomplishments of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Australia celebrates the heritage and contributions of its Indigenous peoples with art shows, live performances, and gatherings taking place nationwide.

2. Splendour in the Grass

Splendour in the Grass is one big music fest that pulls in folks crazy about tunes from all over. 

Happening in the stunning vibes of Byron Bay, this fest brings a mix of local and global music acts covering all sorts of sounds. 

It’s like diving headfirst into live music and getting lost in the epic buzz of the fest.       

3. Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF)

CIAF is all about celebrating the Indigenous arts in the city. It is a cool gathering where artists, art lovers, and collectors come to perform and enjoy the sight of traditional and modern artworks on display. 

There are exhibitions and live performances that  tell stories and show the creativity of the artists, a pretty awesome platform for them to shine and showcase their talent!

August

1. Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)

  • Type of Event: Film
  • Location: Melbourne, Victoria
  • Payment: Mix of free and ticketed events
  • Useful Link: https://miff.com.au/

MIFF in Melbourne is like a huge movie party! There are film shows of different kinds from around the world, ranging from local to international hits. 

There is space for talks, where you can ask questions to the people behind the films; and there are also cool events where everyone celebrates the lovely storytelling and movie concepts. If you are a movie lover, this is a fun event to attend.

2. Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

  • Type of Event: Art and Cultural Fair
  • Location: Darwin, Northern Territory
  • Payment: Mostly free
  • Useful Link: https://daaf.com.au/

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is where the incredible talents of Indigenous artists shine out bright. It’s a great space where artists show both their traditional and modern artworks and sell them to the public. 

The fair is big on cultural exchange and helps people understand the beauty of Indigenous art forms.

3. National Science Week

National Science Week is all about a time of curiosity and fascination with science packed with cool events, science talks and demos happening all over the country. 

Think interactive exhibits, science festivals—basically, a whole bunch of awesome stuff that makes you go, “Wow, that’s so cool!” It’s like a celebration of all the clever ideas and discoveries folks have made in the world of science. 

So, whether you’re into wild experiments or just love learning new things, this week is a blast for anyone curious about the wonders of science!

4. Darwin Festival

The Darwin Festival turns the whole city into a theatre for arts, music, and culture. There are usually lots of performances, art displays and outdoor activities to celebrate Darwin’s tropical vibe. 

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the festival’s all about enjoying the creative atmosphere and the awesome mix of cultures up in the Northern Territory.

September

1. Brisbane Festival

The Brisbane Festival completely changes the vibe of the city, turning it into this awesome cultural scene! They’ve got all sorts of stuff going on – from large outdoor activities to smaller more personal performances. There are lots of talents from all over the world and within who switch things up, making it a blast for everyone who’s into artsy things.  It’s such a massive celebration of creativity that just sweeps you up and gets you hooked!

2. Royal Melbourne Show

The Royal Melbourne Show is a cherished annual event that brings together agriculture, entertainment, and family fun. 

There are the agricultural displays, animal competitions, carnival rides, live entertainment, and amazing food offerings, the show offers a blend of educational experiences and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

3. Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final

The AFL Grand Final is a pinnacle event in Australian sports, drawing passionate football fans to witness the climax of the Australian Football League season. 

With so much energy and intense competition, this event crowns the champion team in a bubbling atmosphere at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Want to learn more about AFL and how it is being played? Check our complete beginners guide here.

4. Floriade

  • Type of Event: Floral and Horticultural
  • Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
  • Payment: Mostly free
  • Useful Link: https://floriadeaustralia.com/

Floriade, which is like the ultimate spring celebration in Australia, shows off a massive awesome show of flowers and super cool floral designs. Happening at Canberra’s Commonwealth Park, it’s all about those popping flower beds, workshops for all the green thumbs out there, heaps of fun stuff for families, and entertainment that’s top-notch. It’s a total blast where you can soak in all the blooming beauty of gardens in full swing!

5. Redcliffe KiteFest

The Redcliffe KiteFest is a beauty to the eyes! A super colourful event where the skies get filled with kites of all shapes and sizes. Families spend time together for a whole weekend of kite flying, loads of fun and cool activities. And let me tell you, it creates this amazing lively vibe right by the Redcliffe waterfront. It’s a lovely scene, full of colours and laughter!

October

1. Sculpture by the Sea

You’ve got to check out Sculpture by the Sea! It’s a massive outdoor art gallery that takes over the walk from Bondi to Tamarama. You can just take an easy stroll and soak in the beautiful ocean views while enjoying all the incredible artwork. It is truly a delight for the eyes and a very unique way to experience art, right by the sea.

2. Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix revs up the excitement on Phillip Island’s circuit. It’s a popular spot for racing fans to see thrilling action and impressive skills as top riders compete in this part of the MotoGP World Championship. 

Would you love the thrill of high-speed racing against a beautiful island backdrop? Then this is for you!

3. Canberra Nara Candle Festival

The Canberra Nara Candle Festival commemorates the sister city relationship between Canberra and Nara, Japan. This festival features amazing Japanese cultural performances, lantern-making workshops, and the mesmerising lighting of thousands of candles.

4. Melbourne International Jazz Festival

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is a real crowd-pleaser! It’s all about that cool mix of jazz performances that grab your attention. People love it for the wide range of musical styles it brings together – from classic jazz tunes to those out-of-the-box experimental sounds. 

The festival happens at different spots around the city, giving everyone a chance to vibe with that jazzy spirit!

November

1. Melbourne Cup Carnival

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a horse-racing event that is famous for bringing the entire country to a standstill. Sure, there’s the heart-pounding races, but it’s way more than that. It’s a whole vibe of fashion, glitz, and pure entertainment. 

People dress up in fancy clothes and enjoy the lively carnival atmosphere that is full of elegance and enjoyment. It’s like a big party where everyone’s dressed to impress, and the excitement is through the roof!

2. Adelaide Christmas Pageant

  • Type of Event: Parade and Family-Friendly
  • Location: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Payment: Free

The Adelaide Christmas Pageant kicks off with a huge parade with floats, bands, dancers, and even Santa himself! Just picture families lining the streets, glittering in all the colours, music, and holiday vibes. It’s like the whole city’s buzzing with Christmas cheer, and everyone’s totally into it.

December

1. Sydney New Year’s Eve

Sydney’s New Year’s Eve bash is an absolute cracker! It’s famous worldwide for its wild fireworks show at the stunning Sydney Harbour. When that clock hits midnight, the sky lights up like you wouldn’t believe— full-on breathtaking, with fireworks going off endlessly. 

There’s also music pumping at the side ringing the whole harbour with celebrations. It’s like the perfect welcome to the new year.

2. Falls Festival

The Falls Festival is the ultimate way to wave goodbye to the year. It’s a ripper of a music fest happening at different spots across the city. 

You’ll be surprised to see lots of local and international music rocking out in different styles. 

It’s not just about the tunes; it’s a full-on experience with camping, a lively vibe, and a top-notch way to party into the new year with awesome music and good times!

3. Hobart Summer Festival

  • Type of Event: Arts, Music, and Culture
  • Location: Hobart, Tasmania
  • Payment: Mix of free and ticketed events
  • Useful Link: https://tasteofsummer.com.au/

The Hobart Summer Festival is a blast! It’s a time to enjoy a collision of culture, music, art, and outdoor activities. From street performances that jazz up the city to striking art displays, the festival creates an energetic vibe that pulls locals and tourists into the festive spirit.

4. Carols by Candlelight

Carols by Candlelight is one exciting event happening in different cities across the whole country. It’s a really beautiful way that communities come together and sing classic Christmas carols while enjoying each other’s company. 

Folks get to gather in parks and public spaces, singing carol songs by candlelight, bringing everyone closer with a festive atmosphere during the holiday season.

We hope this article gave you insights on major events and festivals in Australia. Check more about specific Australia events on our Explore Australia page.

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