As the sun begins to set later, the daylight offers more time to explore the vast amount of summer festivals and activities Australia has to offer.
Check out these popular music, film and art festivals throughout Australia to make the most of your summer.
© Williamstown Cider and Beer Festival Facebook
Williamstown Cider and Beer Festival
For those who love craft beer and live music, the Williamstown Cider and Beer Festival is set to take place on 26 November. The festival features over 100 ciders and beers from some of the best independent breweries located throughout Australia. Travel down to the Williamstown docks and enjoy a variety of refreshments, accompanied by entertainment and games for the kids.
© Josie Withers
St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
Returning for the first time since 2020, St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival makes its debut in February 2023. The festival will be playing shows in six different cities, with headliners that include HAIM, Phoebe Bridgers, and Joji. If you enjoy indie and alternative music styles, this festival would be the perfect way to kick off the summer season.
© Destination NSW
Sydney New Year’s Eve Festival
Sydney is the best place to say goodbye to 2022 and ring in the New Year with the New Year’s Eve festival hosted every year. With its variety of harbour cruises, bars and restaurants, and family friendly events, the buzzing city has something to offer everyone. And what better way to end the year than with Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve firework show. The display happens right at midnight, with many different vantage points around the city to get the best view of the spectacular show.
© Cassandra Hannagan
Tropfest
Tropfest is a great place to check out Australia’s up and coming filmmakers. Known as the largest short film festival in the world, Tropfest occurs every summer and encourages screen creatives to showcase their work. The festival has allowed many talented screen writers and performers, such as Robert Connelly and Rebel Wilson, to jumpstart their careers.
© Presse Sports-USA TODAY Sports
Australian Open
The Australian Open is one of the largest and most prominent sporting events taking place in Australia. This two-week long event begins January 2023 and brings some of the best tennis players from around the world to compete. Over 500,000 spectators gather in Melbourne Park to watch the world-class competition, with matches being broadcast in pubs and beer gardens throughout the city.
© Travis Hayto
Gourmet Escape
If you’re an expert foodie and enjoy exceptional culinary experiences, Western Australia’s Gourmet Escape is the perfect festival for you. This ten day long event begins in the Swan Valley, followed by a stop in Perth and ending in the Margaret Valley wine region. Some of the biggest names in the culinary world are there to help showcase the many different cuisines native to Western Australia. The event will take place 24 November, and is the perfect opportunity to eat, drink, and party your way through new dining experiences.
© Meaghan Coles
Adelaide Fringe
An eccentric arts festival worth checking out is Adelaide Fringe. This 31 day event transforms greater South Australia, welcoming over 600 independent artists to perform all kinds of shows ranging from music, theatre, comedy, circus, and many more. Adelaide Fringe is an open-access event, so if you have a unique talent worth watching, Fringe encourages you to be a part of their celebration.
© Phil Kitt
Mona Foma
Mona Foma is the Museum of Old and New Art’s summer art and music festival. Located in Tasmania, Australia, the event is spread out between two weekends in February and celebrates a variety of art, music, and food. Those interested in the event can attend the Mona Sessions, an evening showcase of different bands and performers on the Mona Lawn, as well as a performance from American folk band Bon Iver.
© Jeffrey Feng
Sydney Mardi Gras
Beginning in February 2023, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a three week long pride event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world. This festival transforms the city of Sydney into a celebration of LGBTQIA+ people and culture, hosting events such as drag shows, discussion panels, and the infamous parade along Oxford Street.
© Paoli Smith Designers
Melbourne Cup Carnival
Come celebrate the excitement of horse racing by experiencing all that the Melbourne Cup Carnival has to offer. These four race days allow viewers to showcase their best outfits and attend various parades and activities, including a viewing of the Melbourne Cup on 1 November.
Looking for more festivals to attend this summer? Listen to your favourite artists and discover new films at more of Australia’s music and film festivals.
