While you may know Australia for its breathtaking natural landscapes, aboriginal culture and unique wildlife, the country is also home to some of the biggest festivals in the world. With its brimming events calendar all year round, you’ll find large-scale parties and festivals of all sorts for everyone—from dining and wining experiences to artistic installations and immersive cultural celebrations.
Many of these events are tourist magnets in and of themselves, but they are also worth adding to your itinerary even if you have other reasons to visit the Land Down Under. (Pro tip: A majority of the country’s best festivals take place in the first half of the year, especially in March and April, so this is the ideal window to plan your visit to experience the festival season!). Without further ado, take a gander at some of the best festivals and events happening in Australia this year.
Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
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When: 15 – 24 March 2024
Where: Citywide, Melbourne, Victoria
Debuted in 1993, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is one of the leading culinary festivals in Australia. Over the past two decades, the festival has grown exponentially to now host more than 400 events across Melbourne, as well as satellite events around the state of Victoria. This year, the 10-day event will kick off with the World’s Longest Lunch on March 15, featuring a dining experience that will stretch over 600 metres long in Kings Domain. Other highlights include the World’s Longest Brunch; the Global Dining Series, spanning some of the city’s renowned bars and restaurants; Eat Drink Westside feasts, and more.
For more information, visit the website here.
Adelaide Fringe Festival
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When: 16 February – 17 March 2024
Where: Marion Cultural Centre, Adelaide, South Australia
Adelaide Fringe is famously known as the largest arts festival in Australia, and arguably the second biggest arts festival in the world after the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The event welcomes artists and performers from diverse disciplines who will showcase their talents through a plethora of shows, exhibitions, and performances. There will also be a circus in addition to theatre and visual arts performances, where visitors are invited to get on stage and be part of the act! You’re bound to get a good laugh from the comedy shows or dance along to the entertaining cabarets while you’re here.
For more information, visit the website here.
Ultra Australia
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When: 12 – 13 April 2024
Where: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria
Fans of EDM (electronic dance music), this one’s for you. Ultra Music Festival, one of the world’s biggest outdoor electronic music festivals, is returning to Australia this April with a stellar lineup of DJs and artists. Expect headliners like Steve Aoki, Armin Van Buuren and Zedd, alongside names such as Topic and Will Sparks. Get your best party outfits ready as you’ll be raving along to electrifying beats and snapping pictures with the cool stage installations!
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Vivid Sydney
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When: 24 May – 15 June 2024
Where: Sydney Harbour, New South Wales
If you’re planning to visit Sydney—one of Australia’s largest cities—this year, you may very well want to time your trip for the middle of the year. This is when the city will host the world’s biggest festival of light, music and ideas over the course of three weeks, dubbed Vivid Sydney. The festival will see eye-catching light installations and projects showcased on some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, notably the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There will also be night markets, street performances, music concerts, and a program that brings together some of the most brilliant minds of our time.
For more information, visit the website.
Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah
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When: 4 December 2023 – 31 October 2025
Where: Mandurah, Western Australia
Fancy turning your trip into an adventurous treasure hunt? Then don’t miss the opportunity to check out Thomas Dambo’s Australian-first outdoor exhibition, known as the Giants of Mandurah! Touted as one of his most ambitious projects to date, the world’s leading recycling artist has created a game of self-discovery that celebrates and champions the protection of the Peel region’s extraordinary natural environment. The “game” will take you to five different spots around Mandurah to find unique giants constructed from recycled and locally sourced materials. Initiated and produced by FORM Building A State of Creativity in collaboration with the City of Mandurah, the project promises to instil an appreciation of nature while taking you on an epic, Instagram-worthy adventure around Western Australia’s beautiful coastal city of Mandurah.
READ: In conversation with recycling artist Thomas Dambo on the Giants of Mandurah
For more information, visit the website here.
Brisbane Festival
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When: 31 Aug — 21 Sep 2024
Where: Brisbane, Queensland
Been to Sydney and Melbourne? Then Brisbane should be up next on the list of Australia’s most visited cities. And one of the best times to make a trip to the coastal capital of the Queensland state this year is in September, when the Brisbane Festival takes place. The multi-arts program is specially designed to bring people together as they awaken from the winter slumber, featuring captivating performances and installations from across the world. From the river to rooftops, parklands to theatres, there will be hundreds of theatre, music and arts performances all around the city to immerse visitors in awe-inspiring spectacles. A key highlight is the Riverfire fireworks display on the opening weekend (31 August), promising to dazzle and delight as it paints Brisbane’s night sky.
For more information, visit the website here.
Floriade
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When: 14 September – 13 October 2024
Where: Commonwealth Park, Canberra
Fans of flower fields and floral displays, this is the event to mark on your calendar. Held annually in various cities across Australia, this year’s Floriade is set to take place in the capital of Canberra. Celebrating the nation’s love for flora, the festival will highlight rich horticultural heritage through stunning floral arrangements accompanied by engaging performances by artists, musicians and creatives. It combines the wonder of nature’s beauty and the celebration of creativity and culture all in one!
For more information, visit the website here.
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