top of page

Tasmania's Top Festivals unveiled, all year round.

Writer: Tasvanlife
Tasvanlife
Apr 14, 2024
7 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago

Embark on a journey through Tasmania's vibrant festival scene, where each event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's rich culture and natural beauty. From the enchanting melodies of the Cygnet Folk Festival to the mesmerizing rituals of Dark Mofo, Tasmania's festivals beckon travelers to explore, celebrate, and connect with the essence of the island.


Join us as we traverse the calendar year, from the warmth of summer to the depths of winter, encountering a diverse array of experiences that showcase Tasmania's creativity, ingenuity, and community spirit. Whether you're sampling gourmet delights at the Taste of Tasmania or dancing under the stars at the Falls Festival, each festival promises moments of joy, discovery, and connection.


Credit:  Adam Gibson

So pack your bags, follow the beat of the drum, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through Tasmania's festival scene. From the shores of Hobart to the valleys of Launceston, let each festival be a stepping stone on your journey to uncover the magic of Tasmania's cultural landscape.

The Falls Festival - Late December & January


Music lovers can dance their way into the New Year at the Falls Festival. With a dynamic lineup of local and international artists, multiple stages set against breathtaking backdrops, and a vibrant atmosphere, this festival promises an unforgettable summer music experience.

Tasmania's Taste of Summer - January


Held on the Hobart waterfront over the New Year, Tasmania's Taste of Summer (formerly The Taste of Tasmania) is the island's biggest food and drink festival, with local producers, winemakers, distillers and live music running from just after Christmas into the first days of January.


Cygnet Folk Festival - January


Cygnet Folk Festival
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Steven Pearce Photography

Start your year with the enchanting melodies and warm community spirit of the Cygnet Folk Festival. Held in the picturesque town of Cygnet, this festival celebrates folk music, dance, and storytelling against the backdrop of Tasmania's stunning landscapes. Lose yourself in the rhythms of traditional tunes, join in a lively ceilidh dance, and immerse yourself in the magic of Tasmania's folk music scene.


Party in the Paddock – February


Four days of music and arts at Quercus Park, about 15 minutes from Launceston, Party in the Paddock is one of Tasmania's biggest independent festivals, with a line-up of Australian and international acts, art installations and a camping village. Arriving in a campervan means your bed, kitchen and shade are already sorted, and you can head off to explore the north of the island once the music stops.


Festivale - February

Festivale Launceston
Credit: Adam Gibson

In February, head to Launceston for Festivale, a celebration of food, wine, and entertainment set against the backdrop of City Park. Sample your way through a smorgasbord of gourmet delights from Tasmania's top producers, sip on award-winning wines, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this summer festival.


Australian Wooden Boat Festival – February


Every second February, (next in 2027), Hobart's waterfront fills with tall ships, classic yachts and hundreds of wooden boats for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, Tasmania's largest free festival. Expect boat builders at work, maritime exhibitions, music and on-water displays over four days. Our vans are picked up in North Hobart, so you can spend a day at the festival before heading down the Channel or out to the Tasman Peninsula.


Evandale Village Fair & National Penny Farthing Championships – February


The historic village of Evandale, just south of Launceston, hosts the Evandale Village Fair and the National Penny Farthing Championships, where riders from across Australia and around the world race high-wheelers through the streets. Add food trucks, market stalls and entertainment, and it's one of the most delightfully eccentric days out in Tasmania.


Taste of the Huon - March


March brings the Taste of the Huon, a showcase of the Huon Valley's finest produce, wines, and culinary delights. From farm-fresh fruits to artisanal cheeses, this festival offers a taste of Tasmania's bountiful harvest in the heart of the scenic Huon Valley.


Good Gumnuts Festival – March


Held in Burnie on the north-west coast, the Good Gumnuts Festival is a weekend of live music, art and camping, with Australian and international acts across several stages, plus local breweries and distilleries. Arrive in a campervan and your bed and kitchen come with you, then carry on along the north-west coast to Stanley and the Tarkine once the music stops.


kunanyi Mountain Run – March


Hobart's mountain becomes a playground for runners and walkers at the kunanyi Mountain Run. Courses range from family-friendly foothills runs and a Vertical Kilometre to a full 80 km ultra on kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Guided cultural walks shared by the palawa community are part of the weekend too, and in 2027 the event hosts the first combined Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Our vans are picked up in North Hobart, just below the mountain, and if you'd like to stay on theme, our campervan kunanyi is named after it.


SteamFest – March


Held every March long weekend in Sheffield (next one will be held on the 6-8th March 2027), the "Town of Murals" in the north-west, SteamFest brings Tasmania's steam heritage to life with traction engines, vintage machinery, model railway displays and rides on the Redwater Creek steam railway. Sheffield sits at the foot of Mount Roland and is a short drive from Cradle Mountain, so it's easy to fold into a north-west road trip.


Echo Festival - March


Echo Festival

Meanwhile, the Echo Festival invites you to immerse yourself in a world of art, music, and creativity. With a diverse lineup of performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences, this festival celebrates Tasmania's vibrant arts scene and invites visitors to explore their creative side. Be sure to attend the iconic Native Bounty Feast on Friday evening. This food experience highlights local and indigenous produce cooked over open coals. Guests dine on hay bales at tables adorned with natural fabrics and local flora, all under the glow of festoon and candle lighting.


NUTOPIA - April


Join in for a local harvest festival on a small organic Hazelnut farm and farm stay in Tasmania.

NUTOPIA. Looking back to 1973, the year that John Lennon and Yoko Ono founded the imaginary country Nutopia, they are channelling the 70s. Retro dress-ups are encouraged but not mandatory. Camp for the main event on 1st of April or stay a while longer. Tractors and Blues. Get amongst them with a tent, swag, caravan and book yourself dispersed camping for NUTOPIA - Cultural Festival

Dark Mofo - June


Dark Mofo, Winter Feast Hobart Tasmania
Credit: Adam Gibson

As the longest night of the year descends upon Tasmania, Dark Mofo casts its spell over the city of Hobart. With its provocative blend of art, music, and performance, this festival explores the themes of darkness and light in mesmerizing and thought-provoking ways, offering visitors an immersive experience like no other.


Festival of Voices - July


Escape the winter chill with the warmth of music and community at the Festival of Voices in July. Held in Hobart, this festival showcases the power of the human voice through a diverse lineup of performances, workshops, and community singing events.


Bicheno Beams - July


Bicheno Beams
Credit: Adam Reibel

In the coastal town of Bicheno, the Bicheno Beams festival illuminates the winter night with a mesmerizing display of light and art. From glowing lanterns to dazzling projections, this festival transforms Bicheno into a magical wonderland that captivates visitors of all ages. The free light show runs nightly at Lions Park through the winter school holidays


Junction Arts Festival - September


Junction Arts Festival in kaunceston, Tasmania
Credit: Jacob Collings

As spring blooms across Tasmania, the Junction Arts Festival offers a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation. From cutting-edge performances to interactive installations, this festival invites visitors to explore the intersection of art, culture, and community in Launceston.


Great Eastern Wine Week - October


Great Eastern Wine Week, Tasmania
Credit: Puddlehub

For wine enthusiasts, the Great Eastern Wine Week is a must-visit event in October. Celebrating Tasmania's world-class wine industry, this week-long festival offers tastings, tours, and special events at wineries across the East Coast, providing a unique opportunity to discover the region's finest vintages.

Tasmanian Craft Fair - October

The Tasmanian Craft Fair
Credit: The Tasmanian Craft Fair

Make the Tasmanian Craft Fair part of your Tassie adventure! Held in the picturesque town of Deloraine, the Tasmanian Craft Fair brings together more than 200 artists, makers and producers for three days of creativity, craftsmanship and Tasmanian flavour. Meet the makers, watch artists at work and browse everything from ceramics, jewellery and fine art to woodwork, textiles and handmade homewares. When you’re ready for a break, taste your way through local food, freshly brewed coffee, boutique wines and Tasmanian spirits. The Tasmanian Craft Fair is a wonderful excuse to slow down, explore Deloraine and the Great Western Tiers, and experience some of the people and creativity that make Tasmania so special.

Spoke Motorcycle Festival - October


Hire campervan tasmania festivals
Credit: Spoke Festival

Rev up your engines and head to Tasmania's stunning East Coast for the Spoke Motorcycle Festival, a celebration born from the love of two wheels and the camaraderie that comes with it. Set against the backdrop of one of the world's most breathtaking coastlines, this festival brings together riders of all styles and abilities for a weekend of light-hearted racing, moto polo, enduro riding, and endless good times. By day, take to Tasmania's legendary roads — whether tarmac, gravel, or off the beaten track — and by evening, wind down with local Tassie food, craft beer, wine, and live music while swapping stories with old friends and new ones. Whether you're a seasoned rider or simply drawn by the spirit of adventure, Spoke is as much about the people as it is about the bikes.


agriCULTURED – November


Launceston, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, comes alive in early November with agriCULTURED, a four-day festival of food, culture and land that brings farmers, producers, chefs, artists and everyday eaters together. Expect long lunches and laneway dinners, conversations about where our food comes from, fermentation and cooking workshops, winery tours and free community events in Launceston and the surrounding towns. It's a zero-waste festival and a three-time winner of Visit Northern Tasmania's Sustainability Champion Award. The 2026 festival runs from 5 to 8 November, and popular events sell out, so check the program and book early. Make a road trip of it: drive up from Hobart through the Midlands, then spend a few days exploring Launceston and the Tamar Valley.


Highlands BushFest – November


Out in the Central Highlands near Bothwell, Highlands BushFest brings together thousands of people who love camping, fly fishing, four-wheel driving, mountain biking, bushwalking and traditional outdoor skills, with demonstrations, stalls and hands-on activities over a weekend in late November. Make a weekend of it and explore the lakes and trout waters of the highlands while you're there.


Embark on a journey through Tasmania's festival scene, where every event offers a unique opportunity to discover the island's rich culture, arts, and natural beauty. From the depths of winter to the height of summer, each season brings its own magic to Tasmania's vibrant calendar of events.


Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page