Tasmania 2026 Festival Guide - Part 1
In Tasmania, every season shines with its own highlights. From the passionate and lively summer celebrations, the rich autumn wine tours, to the mysterious and magical winter art extravaganzas, and the blossoming spring cultural tours—there are captivating festivals happening all year round. Whether you are a foodie, music lover, sports enthusiast, or an art aficionado, there is always an event waiting for you!
· Summer Carnival (December - February) ·
As the days grow longer and the sea breeze gently blows, Tasmania’s summer blooms as expected.
December
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
Late December every year
Over a hundred yachts set sail from Sydney Harbour, crossing the Bass Strait to Hobart, showcasing the thrilling charm of competition between sea and sky.
Launceston Beerfest
December 31 - January 1
Raise your glass to celebrate New Year's Eve; the enthusiasm in northern Tasmania never sleeps.
Taste of Summer, Hobart
Late December - Early January
A week-long food and wine festival, capped off with New Year’s fireworks.
January
Hobart International
January 10-17
Tennis fans gather amidst Hobart’s picturesque scenery to watch professional players compete, enjoying both sport and beauty.
Cygnet Folk Festival
January 9-11
The perfect blend of acoustic guitar, folk music, and the charm of the town of Cygnet.
Festivale, Launceston Summer Festival
January 30 - February 1
A summer food and drink festival for all ages.
February
Coles Bay Triathlon
February 7
Athletes sweat it out on the emerald waters of Freycinet National Park, pushing their limits.
Party in the Paddock
February 5-8
Feel the fusion of art and atmosphere with top-tier music performances and exhilarating rhythms.
Tasmanian Wine Festival
February 7-8
A one-stop tasting of local fine wines, letting your palate tour Tasmania’s terroir.
Clarence Jazz Festival
February 19-22
Jazz notes leap from street corners and stages, elegantly improvising to own your nights.
Evandale Village Fair & National Penny Farthing Championships
February 21
Held in Evandale, this fair and vintage bicycle race offers fun that transports you back to the Victorian era.
Spoke Motorcycle Festival
February 27 - March 1
The east coast beaches transform into a trendy playground of music, food, and motorcycles, igniting your senses.
· Autumn Harvest (March - May) ·
When autumn leaves turn golden, Tasmania’s countryside and artistic spirit intertwine.
March
Southern Open Vineyards
February - March
Wander through Tasmania’s southern wine region, freely choosing your slightly tipsy route.
ECHO (East Coast Harvest Odyssey) Festival
March 13-15
Held near Swansea in the east coast wine country, this festival opens a sensory journey with art, wine, and reflection.
SteamFest
March 7-9
In Sheffield, old locomotives and steam machinery roar together, industrial romance striking the soul.
Kunanyi Mountain Run
March 27-29
Runners conquer kunanyi / Mount Wellington, where breathtaking views and sweat dance together.
Bream Creek Show
March 21
Giant pumpkins, logging competitions, and Blundstone boot throwing contests fill the day with rural fun and joy.
April
TrailGraze
April 10-12
The Tasting Trail food route in northwest Tasmania invites you to explore flavors deeply connected to the land and season.
Tasmanian Autumn Festival
April 1-30
A full month of autumn harvest celebrations, bringing farm-to-table abundance.
Hobart Airport Marathon Festival
April 12
Athletes race along the southern coastal waterfront, measuring the vastness of sea and sky with their steps.
Turning of the Fagus
Late April - May
Australia’s winter deciduous trees turn red in the highlands, a seasonal gift from Tasmania’s unique fagus plant, dreamlike and enchanting.
May
Agfest Agricultural Show
May 7-9
A grand exhibition of agriculture, technology, and lifestyle, an educational and fun harvest party.
Stanley & Tarkine Forage Festival
May 15-17
Explore natural ingredients, learn to forage, and savor original flavors.
Australian Musical Theatre Festival
May 20-24
Come to Launceston in May for plays and masterclasses, getting up close with stage arts.
· Winter Fantasy (June - August) ·
Tasmania’s winter is a celebration in the dark and a prelude to polar adventures.
June
Dark Mofo Winter Feast
June 11-22
The two-week Dark Mofo Winter Feast offers a winter feast, traditional ceremonies like Ogoh-Ogoh and night mass, and the “nude swim to welcome the winter solstice” event where swimmers enter the river at dawn.
Bicheno Beams
June 27 - July 18
A free winter light and shadow spectacle in the town of Bicheno, weaving the night sky into poetry with light, full of romance.
Photos / ©Mitch Lowe, Alastair Bett, Rob Burnett, Stu Gibson, Mark Watson, Deama Bond, Emillie Ristevski