An impressive number of events and festivals take place every year in Australia. National festivals, music festivals, cultural and sporting events… there is something for everyone! Discover Australian culture, participate in original events, or just want to have a good time? Why not participate in certain events or festivals during your road trip? Here is a list of the main events in Australia spread over the whole year.
Table of Contents
January
Australia Day
National – Free
Event celebrated on January the 26th which corresponds to Australian National Day. It marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove. Called Invasion day by some, this celebration is a big controversy in Australia because of the disastrous impacts on First Nations people of British colonists.
Each city itself organises multiple events for this day, which is a holiday across Australia.
Rainbow Serpent Festival
Lexton (VIC) – Charges apply
Over four days, the Rainbow is one of Australia’s most popular electronic music festivals. Visitors come not only for the dozens of artists scheduled but above all to enjoy a legendary welcoming atmosphere that is open-minded.
www.rainbowserpent.net
Sydney Festival
Sydney – Charges Apply
Dates: 8 Jan–27 Jan 2025
A city-wide celebration of performance art, music, theatre and outdoor installations. Many free outdoor concerts on the forecourt of the Opera House. Book headliner shows early—tickets sell out by December.
Music, various stands, theatre, dance, visual arts, performances … There is bound to be something you will like!
www.sydneyfestival.org.au
Perth Festival
Dates: 6 Feb–23 Feb 2025
Western Australia’s premier arts fest features international music acts, art installations along the Swan River and the free “Illuminate” light trail through Kings Park each night.
Australian Open
Melbourne – Charges applied
This popular annual event in Australia is a world renowned tennis tournament. It is one of the four major international Grand Slam tournaments. With internationals players, this tournament is definitely worth it if you are in Melbourne!
www.ausopen.com
Country music festival at Tamworth (QLD)
Tamworth – Free and charges apply
Held for 10 days from Friday to Sunday, it is one of the largest music festival of the world. The Festival is not gated so you do not need to purchase a ticket to attend. There are free shows every night in the park, kids activities and street performers. Choose from thousands of free and ticketed shows over the 10 days. Book in advance.
www.tcmf.com.au
February
Chinese new year
National – Free
Every year, starting in mid-February, the Chinese New Year begins around the world. The Asian community is large in Australia, the Chinese New Year (especially Sydney) is spectacular! The festival lasts 10 days and includes street performances, dragon dance parades, boat races in Darling Harbor… Sydney hosts the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia! It will start from 10th February.
Gay & Lesbian Mardi gras
Sydney – Free
This event begins in mid-February and generally ends in early March. It’s about celebrating the LGBTQI community on the streets of Sydney. Concerts, parades, music, performances …
www.mardigras.org.au
Babylon Festival
Melbourne – Charges apply
This electronic music festival, mainly techno, trance and psytrance, prepares fairy tale decorations every year and invites major international artists. The festival is still held in the Carapooee Forest.
www.babylon.net.au
Electric Gardens Festival
Sydney – Charges apply
Every summer, the Electric Gardens meets the people of Sydney to have them dance for a day on house and techno. There are several scenes, and even some rides. An event and festival with definite success.
www.electricgardens.com.au
Perth International Arts Festival
Perth – Charges apply
Celebrated from February to early March, this great festival honors all types of art.
Local and international artists transform the streets and mythical places of this Australian city into a huge animated festival!
www.perthfestival.com.au
Adelaide Fringe
Dates: 14 Feb–16 Mar 2025
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival—10,000+ performances across comedy, cabaret, theatre and visual arts. Many “Pay What You Can” and free venues in Rundle Park.
March
WOMAdelaide
Adelaide – Paying
Dates: 7 Mar–10 Mar 2025
A major arts and music festival in Adelaide. Each year, for four days, discover artists and meet big international names during this festival mixing dance, art and music, in the Adelaide Botanical Garden.
www.festivalsadelaide.com.au
Bluefest Byron Bay
Byron Bay – Paid
Dates: 17 Apr–21 Apr 2025 (Easter weekend)
This five-day festival brings together concerts and various events during the long Easter weekend, it’s one of the biggest music festivals in Australia!
www.bluefest.com.au
Pitch Festival
Willaura North (VIC) – Charges apply
More recent than the other festivals dedicated to electronic music, Pitch is not less popular. The crowd, more pointed on the subject, meets near the Grampians, in Victoria, for four days of sets techno and contemporary art. The program works in an immersive, visual, technological and colourful.
www.pitchfestival.com.au
International Comedy Festival
Melbourne – Charges apply
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is Australia’s largest festival dedicated to comedy and humour! A heterogeneous program of stand-ups, music, theatre, films, with novice artists as well as well-known artists, fills the streets with Melbourne.
www.comedyfestival.com.au
Sculpture by the Sea
Cottesloe Beach – Perth – Free
Sculpture by the Sea takes place on the magnificent Cottesloe Beach, very close to Perth. The exhibition is presented from the sea wall, then on the beach towards North Cottesloe and on the surrounding grassy areas.
www.sculpturebythesea.com
Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
Melbourne – Charges apply
After two years without Formula 1 due to the health crisis, Melbourne is once again hosting the Grand Prix at Albert Park. Off the track, there is plenty of entertainment to keep the fun going.
Rabbits Eat Lettuce Festival
In the bush, a few hours from Byron Bay (NSW) – Fee applies.
This festival has all the makings of a doof, only bigger. Every Easter weekend, the event welcomes thousands of people who come to dance to electronic music, sometimes jazzy, psychedelic or darker, spread over several stages. The friendly atmosphere, yoga workshops and magical backdrops almost make you feel like you’re on a journey to Alice in Wonderland. It will take place from 28 March to 1 April 2024.
www.rabbitseatlettuce.com.au
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Dates: 26 Mar–20 Apr 2025
Hundreds of local and international comics take over venues across the city. Free “Comedy Zone” showcase at Federation Square daily; book gala nights by February.
April
Anzac Day
National
It is an important memorial Day in Australia. On April 25th of each year, commemoration ceremonies are held in all cities. This day commemorates the bloody battle of Gallipoli between the Australians and New Zealanders of ANZAC against the Ottoman army in 1915, and the battle of Villers-Bretonneux where Commonwealth forces stopped the German advance in 1918.
Deckchair Cinema
Darwin (NT) – Charges apply
Darwin’s weather is perfect for outdoor cinema screenings. The Deckchair Cinema is a long-running event during which numerous short and feature-length films are screened. Between mid-April and mid-November, night screenings are organised.
www.deckchaircinema.com
Rip Curl Surfing Pro
Bells Beach – Free
The most famous surfing competition in the world obviously takes place in Australia! The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is an iconic stop on The World Surf League Championship Tour. For several days spread over the month of April, surfers from all over the world take part in the competition on the famous Bells Beach, a beautiful beach in Australia known for its waves.
www.ripcurl.com.au
May
Uluru Camel Cup
Ayers Rock – Fees apply
This famous camel race is held every year near Uluru. A competition for the ‘original’ in the exceptional setting of the Red Centre.
www.ulurucamelracingclub.com
Ord Valley Muster
The Kimberley – For An Extra Charge
Over ten days, around thirty events take place each year during this outback festival in Australia. Many events related to local culture (aboriginal dances, rodeo …) in addition to concerts and various activities.
www.ordvalleymuster.com.au
Vivid – Sound and Light Festival
Sydney (NSW) – Free
Dates: 23 May–14 Jun 2025
This festival transforms Sydney’s city centre into a kaleidoscope of light, music and things to do. Vivid Sydney is the biggest festival in the southern hemisphere and attracts almost 500,000 spectators every year. Every year, a host of mapping projections and other events are staged on the city’s main monuments, including the Opera House.
www.vividsydney.com
June
Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival
Laura, Cape York – Free
Celebrated every two years, this festival celebrates the Aboriginal culture! Dances, music, rituals… Discover all this little-known culture during the few days of the festival.
www.facebook.com/LauraAboriginalDanceFestival
Dark Mofo
Hobart – Paying
Dates: 13 Jun–22 Jun 2025
Organized in the capital of Tasmania, the strange festival annually attracts visitors from all over the world, who come to celebrate the winter solstice. For twelve days, music, arts and performances are linked. Provocative, bizarre and cool, the event fascinates and is talked about every year.
Free public events include the Winter Feast on the Waterfront and the Fire Garden in Franklin Square. Paid “Dark Park” ticketed section features late-night performances.
www.darkmofo.net.au
Finke Desert Race
Alice Springs (NT) – Fees apply
Dates : 6 June – 9 June 2025
The iconic Finke Desert Race is a 2-day off-road race for bikes, cars and buggies across the desert from Alice Springs to the small community of Aputula (Finke). This unique outback event is considered to be one of the toughest off-road races in the world. The race takes place every year over the June long weekend (7-10 June 2024).
Tatts-finke-desert-race
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Adelaide – fees apply
Many performers come together each year for one of the world’s largest cabaret festivals. More than 30 shows are staged in small cabaret theatres and on the stage of the Adelaide Festival Centre.
July
Splendour in the Grass
Byron Bay – Charges apply
Dates: 25 Jul–27 Jul 2025
A big festival of electro, hip-hop and alternative music, which takes place every year for three days.
www.splendourinthegrass.com
International Film Festival
Melbourne – Charges apply
A big film festival in the heart of Melbourne, which spans around twenty days! On the program: screenings of news, short films as well as feature films, as well as other events throughout the city.
www.miff.com.au
Gold Coast Marathon
Gold Coast (QLD) – Fees apply
The Gold Coast Marathon is held every year on the first Sunday in July. An average of 25,000 joggers take part in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
August
Darwin Festival
Darwin – Fees apply
Dates: 24 Jul–10 Aug 2025
For two weeks, discover the cultural diversity of the Northern Territory celebrated in Darwin!
A kaleidoscope of Indigenous-led performances, outdoor concerts under the tropical stars, and the free “Nightly Live” street stage in Smith Street Mall.
www.darwinfestival.org.au
Cairns Festival
Cairns – Fees apply
For ten days at the end of the month, a festival takes place in Cairns, city of the Great Barrier Reef. Many events are planned each year: concerts, shows, games, stands, activities for the whole family, fireworks…
www.cairns.qld.gov.au
September
Listen Out Festival
Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane – Fees apply
Festival organized in different places in Australia at the end of September. Each year, it offers a day / night in four major cities: Melbourne (VIC), Perth (WA), Sydney (NSW) and Brisbane (QLD).
www.listenout.com.au
St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Fremantle, Auckland – Fees apply
Born in 2004 in an alley in Melbourne, the festival is today recognized throughout the territory and offers a varied palette of musical genres. Hip-hop, indie rock, folk or even electro are represented by local and international artists. A good-natured event to find new musicians…www.lanewayfestival.com
Fringe Festival
Melbourne – Charges apply
This festival takes place during the last fortnight of September. It brings together various artistic and musical events: concerts, visual arts, dance, performances… A famous cultural festival in Melbourne!
www.melbournefringe.com.au
Burning Seed
Matong State Forest (NSW) – Fees apply
This is the Australian version of the famous Burning Man festival in the United States. Each end of September, the event brings visitors together for a week of bush partying. Each camp, run by festival-goers, prepares its decorations and concerts for a unique experience.
www.burningseed.com
Desert Mob
Alice Springs – Free
Every year in September, Aboriginal art takes centre stage in Alice Springs. Desert Mob brings together artists and art lovers alike to enjoy exhibitions and performances.
Brisbane Festival
Brisbane – Charges apply
Every year, the city of Brisbane celebrates during the month of September with the Brisbane Festival. On the programme: art exhibitions, dance, theatre, opera, street performances… no less than 2000 artists perform! The festival opens with a magnificent fireworks display over the Brisbane River.
October
Oktoberfest
Brisbane – Charges Apply
The famous German holiday is even exported to Australia! Present in different cities, the biggest party is in Brisbane. Generally, around beer, this event also punctuated by various activities and small parties in a friendly atmosphere.
www.oktoberfestbrisbane.com.au
Melbourne Japanese Festival
Melbourne – Fees apply
The Melbourne Japanese Summer Festival has been a cultural event that mirrors the traditional Japanese culture including food, art and traditional music.
mjsf.com.au
Sculpture by the Sea
Sydney – Free
The last two weeks of October, sculptures adorn the beaches, on a promenade from Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach.
www.sculpturebythesea.com
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Melbourne (VIC) – fee payable
Dreaming of a week of concerts with the world’s best jazz artists? Then head to the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
Melbourne Fringe Festival
Dates: 8 Oct–26 Oct 2025
Indie theatre, dance, comedy and art installations across Fitzroy and Collingwood. Many free pop-up shows in laneways—grab the daily program at emerging venues.
White Night (Melbourne & other cities)
Melbourne Dates: 18 Oct 2025 (overnight)
City transforms with projection art, live performances and free nocturnal experiences from 7 pm–7 am. Wear comfortable shoes—art routes stretch over 10 km.
November
Melbourne Cup
Melbourne – Charges apply
In early November, an entire day is dedicated to Australia’s largest horse race. Each year, the event brings together many horse racing enthusiasts as well as many champions who will compete. This year it will be on the 5th of November.
www.flemington.com.au
Harbourlife
Sydney – Charges Apply
One day a year, in November, Harbourlife highlights all the musical novelties: alternative styles, new artists, more marginal music … For all music fans who want to discover new talents!
Harbourlife
December
Boxing Day
National
In Australia, Boxing Day takes place on December 26th, the day after Christmas. It’s a day when all the stores drop the prices enormously. The opportunity to do very interesting business! Boxing Day is one of the most famous events in Australia.
Woodford Folk Festival
Dates: 27 Dec 2025–1 Jan 2026
(Plan ahead!) Six days of world-music stages, alternative theatre, workshops and one of Australia’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations. Free “Fire Event” below Woodstock Circle at dusk.
Meredith Festival
Meredith (VIC) – Fees apply
For three days and two nights, 90 km from Melbourne, this festival will appeal to all fans of techno and house.
www.mmf.com.au
New Year’s Eve
All Australia – free
The whole country is celebrating but the most coveted city for New Year’s Eve is Sydney. We warn you, you won’t be the only one to want to enjoy the show, but it’s well worth it. At midnight, the fireworks are fired from the Harbour Bridge and light up the sky over Sydney Harbour. The magic happens, you almost forget the crowd…
