An impressive number of events and festivals take place every year in Australia. Whether you want to discover Australian culture, experience something original, or simply have a great time, why not join one of these events or festivals during your road trip? Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of the main events in Australia throughout the year.
Table of Contents
January
Australia Day
π National
π΅ Free
ποΈ 26 January
This event is celebrated on 26 January, the date corresponding to Australia’s national day. It marks the arrival of the first British colonial fleet in Australia in 1788. Renamed “Invasion Day” by some, this commemoration is increasingly contested today as it also marks the beginning of the destruction of Aboriginal culture.
Each city organises its own events on this day, which is a public holiday across the country.
For more information: Australia Day Guide
Sydney Festival
Sydney (NSW)
π΅ Mix of free / paid
ποΈ 8 to 25 January 2027 (dates to be confirmed)
π www.sydneyfestival.org.au
Each year during the first three weeks of January, Sydney becomes THE city to experience summer through culture! Theatre performances, music, dance, art exhibitions, stalls, visual arts⦠Many events are free, perfect for travellers on a budget.
Music, various stands, theatre, dance, visual arts, performances … There is bound to be something you will like!
www.sydneyfestival.org.au
Australian Open
Australian Open
π Melbourne (VIC)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 18 January to 1 February 2026 (2027 edition will be held mid-January)
π www.ausopen.com
This highly anticipated annual event is a world-renowned tennis tournament. It’s one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. You can watch matches with the world’s best players across the various courts. A bucket-list experience! Tickets sell quickly β book as soon as sales open, especially for marquee matches.
Tamworth Country Music Festival
π Tamworth (NSW)
π΅ Free entry (some activities are paid)
ποΈ 16 to 25 January 2026 (2027 edition mid-January)
π www.tcmf.com.au
This festival gathers more than 50,000 people each year over 10 days. It’s actually one of the ten largest music festivals in the world, ranked second after the CMA Music Festival in the US. The programme includes plenty of free activities, a parade, and hundreds of free concerts in pubs and on the streets.
πΈ 10% discount on your insurance policy
Find here all the information you need and get your 10% Go walkabout promo code for any policy.
February
St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
π Melbourne β Sydney β Brisbane β Adelaide β Fremantle β Auckland
π΅ Paid
ποΈ Mid-February 2026 (2027 dates to be confirmed)
π www.lanewayfestival.com
Born in 2004 in a Melbourne laneway, the festival is now recognised across the country and offers a wide variety of musical genres: hip-hop, indie rock, folk, electronic, with both local and international artists. A laid-back event where you can discover new talent.
Chinese new year
π National
π΅ Free
ποΈ 17 February to 3 March 2026 (Year of the Horse) / from 6 February 2027 (Year of the Goat)
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!
Gay & Lesbian Mardi gras
π Sydney (NSW)
π΅ Mix of free / paid (the Parade is free to watch)
ποΈ 13 February to 1 March 2026 (2027 edition late February)
π www.mardigras.org.au
A celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community in the streets of Sydney, as it has been for over 45 years! Concerts across many music styles, international DJs and artists, colourful parades, food trucks, bars and performances. The Parade on Oxford Street is the main event and is free to watch. A vibrant, colourful event full of joy β not to be missed!
Perth Festival
π Perth (WA)
π΅ Mix of free / paid
ποΈ 6 February to 1 March 2026 (2027 edition February-March)
π www.perthfestival.com.au
This major festival celebrates the world’s oldest cultures (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) and showcases every kind of art: performances, music, film, visual art, literary events. Local and international artists transform Perth’s streets and iconic venues into one big animated festival. The Perth Festival is the oldest festival in Australia, founded more than 70 years ago.
March
Sculpture by the Sea (Cottesloe, Perth)
π Cottesloe Beach β Perth (WA)
π΅ Free
ποΈ 6 to 23 March 2026 (2027 edition mid-March)
π www.sculpturebythesea.com
The exhibition stretches from the seawall to the sand towards North Cottesloe, as well as across the surrounding lawns, creating a magnificent open-air, free sculpture park. More than 70 works by Australian and international artists are on display.
WOMAdelaide
π Adelaide (SA)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 6 to 9 March 2026 (2027 edition early March)
π www.womadelaide.com.au
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.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
π Melbourne (VIC)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 25 March to 19 April 2026 (2027 edition March-April)
π www.comedyfestival.com.au
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.
Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
π Melbourne (VIC)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 6 to 8 March 2026 (2027 edition early March)
π www.grandprix.com.au
Melbourne hosts the Australian Grand Prixβ’, which draws thousands of spectators to the Albert Park circuit each year. The legendary Melbourne Walk gives you a chance to spot or even meet your favourite drivers! Plenty of off-track entertainment too. One of Melbourne’s most anticipated sporting events.
April
Rabbits Eat Lettuce Festival
π In the bush (a few hours from Byron Bay, NSW)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 2 to 6 April 2026 (Easter long weekend) / 26-29 March 2027
π www.rabbitseatlettuce.com.au
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.
Anzac Day
π National
π΅ Free
ποΈ 25 April
A major commemorative day in Australia. On 25 April every year, ceremonies are held in every town and city across the country (notably the Dawn Service at sunrise). The day commemorates the bloody Battle of Gallipoli between the Australians and New Zealanders of the ANZAC and the Ottoman army in 1915, and the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux in 1918, where Commonwealth forces halted the German advance.
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
π Bells Beach (VIC)
π΅ Free
ποΈ Early April 2026 (around the Easter long weekend)
π www.worldsurfleague.com
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.
May
Uluru Camel Cup
π Yulara, near Uluru (NT)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ May 2026 (dates to be confirmed)
π ulurucamelcup.com.au
This iconic camel race is held each year near Uluru. A quirky competition set against the spectacular backdrop of the Red Centre.
Ord Valley Muster
π Kununurra, Kimberley (WA)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 15 to 24 May 2026 (2027 edition mid-May)
π www.ordvalleymuster.com.au
Over about ten days, around thirty events take place during this Outback festival. Many of them connect to local culture (Aboriginal dance, rodeoβ¦) alongside concerts and various activities. An authentic Kimberley experience.
Vivid – Sound and Light Festival
π Sydney (NSW)
π΅ Free
ποΈ 22 May to 13 June 2026 (2027 edition late May-mid June)
π www.vividsydney.com
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.
June
Laura Quinkan Aboriginal Dance Festival
π Laura β Cape York (QLD)
π΅ Free
ποΈ June 2027 (biennial festival, next edition to be confirmed)
π www.lauraquinkanfestival.com.au
Held every two years, this festival celebrates the Aboriginal cultures of Cape York. Dance, music, ritual, sharing of traditions β discover this often-overlooked culture during the festival.
DarkΒ Mofo
π Hobart (TAS)
π΅ Mix of free / paid
ποΈ Mid-June 2026 (around the winter solstice)
π www.darkmofo.net.au
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.
Finke Desert Race
π Alice Springs (NT)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 6 to 8 June 2026 (NT King’s Birthday long weekend)
π tatts-finke-desert-race
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.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
π Adelaide (SA)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 5 to 20 June 2026 (2027 edition early June)
π cabaret.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Many artists gather each year for one of the largest cabaret festivals in the world. More than 30 shows across small cabaret theatres and on the main stage of the Adelaide Festival Centre.
July
NAIDOC Week
π National
π΅ Free (most events)
ποΈ 5 to 12 July 2026 (always in July)
π www.naidoc.org.au
NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For a week, free events take place across the entire country: exhibitions, traditional dances, art markets, talks, workshops. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover Aboriginal culture beyond the tourist clichΓ©s. The theme changes every year.
Gold Coast Marathon
π Gold Coast (QLD)
π΅ Paid (registration) / Free for spectators
ποΈ First weekend of July 2026 (β 5 July)
π goldcoastmarathon.com.au
Every year, on the first Sunday of July, the Gold Coast Marathon takes place. No fewer than 25,000 runners on average take part in this iconic sporting event. Full marathon, half marathon, 10 km and kids’ runs all on offer.
August
Garma Festival
π Gulkula, Arnhem Land (NT)
π΅ Paid (limited tickets)
ποΈ Early August 2026 (generally 1-4 August)
π www.garmafestival.com.au
The most significant Aboriginal cultural festival in Australia. Organised by the Yothu Yindi Foundation on YolΕu country in Arnhem Land, Garma is a profound experience: traditional bunggul dance, didgeridoo (yidaki), national political discussions, art, knowledge-sharing. Tickets are very limited (book well in advance) β for those who want to understand Australia beyond the postcard imagery.
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)
π Melbourne (VIC)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 6 to 23 August 2026 (2027 edition August)
π www.miff.com.au
A major film festival in the heart of Melbourne, running over about twenty days. Premieres, shorts and features, events and animations across the city. Festival passes available for multiple screenings (more economical).
Darwin Festival
π Darwin (NT)
π΅ Mix of free / paid
ποΈ 6 to 23 August 2026 (2027 edition August)
π www.darwinfestival.org.au
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 βNightly Liveβ street stage in Smith Street Mall.
Cairns Festival
π Cairns (QLD)
π΅ Mix of free / paid
ποΈ 28 August to 6 September 2026 (2027 edition late August)
π www.cairns.qld.gov.au/festival
For about ten days at the end of the month, a festival lights up Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Concerts, performances, games, stalls, family activities, fireworks⦠The opening festival on the Esplanade is a must.
September
Floriade Canberra
π Canberra (ACT)
π΅ Free
ποΈ 12 September to 11 October 2026 (2027 edition mid-Sept to mid-Oct)
π floriadeaustralia.com
The largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere! For a month, Commonwealth Park in Canberra hosts more than a million flowering bulbs planted in spectacular designs. Concerts, food stalls, workshops, rides, horticultural displays. Free entry, ideal for families and photographers.
Desert Mob
π Alice Springs (NT)
π΅ Free
ποΈ 10 September to 25 October 2026 (2027 edition Sept-Oct)
π desertmob.com
Every year throughout September and into mid-October, Aboriginal art takes centre stage in Alice Springs. Desert Mob brings together artists and art lovers around exhibitions and shows. The symposium is the flagship event, with conversations between artists from communities across the Central Desert.
Brisbane Festival
π Brisbane (QLD)
π΅ Mix of free / paid
ποΈ 4 to 26 September 2026 (2027 edition September)
π www.brisbanefestival.com.au/
Each year, Brisbane is in full celebration throughout September with the Brisbane Festival. Art exhibitions, dance, theatre, opera, street performances: no fewer than 2,000 artists perform! Traditional highlight: the opening with a spectacular fireworks display (Sunsuper Riverfire) over the Brisbane River.
October
Melbourne Fringe Festival
π Melbourne (VIC)
π΅ Mix of free / paid
ποΈ 30 September to 19 October 2026 (2027 edition late September)
π www.melbournefringe.com.au
A festival bringing together a variety of artistic and musical events: concerts, visual arts, dance, performances. A celebrated independent cultural festival in Melbourne, showcasing emerging and alternative artists.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
π Melbourne (VIC)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 16 to 25 October 2026 (2027 edition October)
π www.melbournejazz.com
A week of concerts featuring the world’s best jazz artists. A must if you’re a fan of the genre.
Sculpture by the Sea (Bondi, Sydney)
π Bondi Beach, Sydney (NSW)
π΅ Free
ποΈ 16 October to 2 November 2026 (2027 edition mid-Oct to early November)
π sculpturebythesea.com
Sculpture by the Sea returns to Bondi each year as the largest free public sculpture exhibition in the world. The spectacular 2 km coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama transforms into a sculpture park, with more than 100 works by Australian and international artists. Free, outdoors, family-friendly. A must if you’re in Sydney.
November
Melbourne Cup
π Melbourne (VIC) + national
π΅ Paid (racecourse entry) / Free (watching on TV or in pubs)
ποΈ Tuesday 3 November 2026 (always the first Tuesday of November)
π www.vrc.com.au
In early November, an entire day is dedicated to Australiaβs 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.
π 5% Discount with Travellers Autobarn
Travellers Autobarn is offering a 5% discount to Australia Backpackers Guide readers with promo code GUIDEEN
December
Boxing Day
π National
π΅ Free (except your personal shopping!)
ποΈ Saturday 26 December 2026
As in the rest of the Commonwealth, Boxing Day in Australia falls the day after Christmas. It’s a massive sales day: shops slash prices, the Australian equivalent of Black Friday. A great opportunity for deals on electronics, fashion, sports gear. Watch out for the crowds in the big shopping centres!
Meredith Festival
π Meredith (VIC, 90 km from Melbourne)
π΅ Paid
ποΈ 11 to 13 December 2026 (2027 edition mid-December)
π aunty.mmf.com.au
For three days and two nights, this friendly festival 90 km from Melbourne brings together fans of indie rock, techno, house, soul and other alternative genres. A welcoming vibe, with the famous “no dickheads policy” upheld by organisers since the 90s.
New Year’s Eve
π Sydney + national
π΅ Free (apart from VIP spots / restaurants for the fireworks)
ποΈ Thursday 31 December 2026
π www.sydneynewyearseve.com
The whole country celebrates, but Sydney remains the most coveted city for New Year’s Eve. Fair warning: you won’t be alone, but the show is worth it. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky over the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour. The best free spots (Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Blues Point Reserve, Bradfield Park) get claimed as early as the morning β bring a picnic and patience.
For all the details: What to do for New Year’s Eve in Sydney
βΉοΈ Always check the dates: festivals announce their official dates 3 to 9 months in advance. This article was updated in May 2026, but some 2027 dates may change. Check the official websites before planning your trip around an event.
