There are hundreds of different festivals in Australia celebrating music, art, food and culture plus sporting events like the Australian Open. If you’re making travel plans keep an eye on this calendar for things to book.
Festivals in Australia – from now until the end of 2027
Sydney Fireworks – 31 December 2026
New Year’s Eve goes off with a bang in Australia, with free fireworks displays in many cities and towns, and huge crowds gathering to ring in the new year. The biggest party is in Sydney, whose iconic Harbour Bridge plays a central role in what is a globally renowned fireworks extravaganza. There are loads of viewing options, including welcoming 2027 from aboard the floating venue, Seadeck. Guests can enjoy roaming access across multiple levels of the vessel, including premium beverages, gourmet canapés and views of the famous Sydney Harbour fireworks display.
Place: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Beyond the Valley – 28 December 2026 to 1 January 2027
Australia’s largest multi-day music festival is back for another instalment at Hesse, with a host of popular artists. DJ John Summit leads the event, taking the countdown spot, with the Black Eyed Peas performing an Australia-exclusive show. The lineup also features house, hip-hop and rock music, including supporting acts Disco Lines, Skepta, The Veronicas and more. Tickets sold out in under an hour last year, so be sure to move quickly!
Place: Hesse, Victoria
Australian Open – 11 to 31 January 2027
Coined the “Happy Slam” by Roger Federer, the Australian Open tennis tournament brings more than tennis to Australia. Expect live music, food trucks, viewing parties and overall good vibes in and around Melbourne Park.
Place: Melbourne Park, Victoria
Dreamstate Australia – 6 & 7 February 2027
Techno fans, this one’s for you. Laser shows, visual design and large-scale stages are all features of Dreamstate, and the 2027 experience looks set to be the biggest edition to date. Look forward to trance and techno sets by international artists, led by renowned Dutch DJ Tiësto.
Place: Sydney Showground, New South Wales (6 Feb) | Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria (7 Feb)
Adelaide Fringe – 19 February to 21 March 2027
The biggest arts festival in Australia is back for its 67th year. With acts by more than 8,000 independent artists, the festival aims to celebrate diversity and encourage social cohesion through cultural exchange.
Place: Adelaide
Sydney Mardi Gras – 21 February to 7 March 2027
The Sydney Mardi Gras Parade transforms Oxford Street with colourful floats, dazzling costumes and thousands of marchers celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride. Crowds line the streets as music, dancing and vibrant performances create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Place: Sydney, New South Wales
WOMADelaide – 5 to 8 March 2027
Held on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, WOMADelaide is a festival that uses music from a range of diverse cultures to bring people together. Held over four days, it also places an emphasis on sustainability, with all stages being powered using 100% renewable energy in the 2026 event.
Place: Botanic Park / Tainmuntilla, Adelaide, South Australia
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix – March/April 2027 (dates not yet confirmed)
Melbourne fully embraces race week, with F1 fans flooding every corner of the city, from cafes to pubs to live entertainment events. Look forward to the daily Melbourne Walk where fans have a chance to get close to drivers. Support for Australian drivers like Oscar Piastri adds a level of buzz and excitement to the event.
Place: Melbourne, Victoria
Sydney Royal Easter Show – 19 to 30 March 2027
Experience another side of Australia with the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Rural industries, equestrian competitions, live entertainment, carnival rides and country traditions all feature in one of the largest annual events staged in Australia.
Place: Homebush Bay, Sydney
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach – 25 March to 4 April 2027
This is the longest-running event in competitive surfing, with the world’s best surfers taking on powerful swells and point break waves. Winners get to partake in the tradition of ringing the massive iron tournament bell trophy.
Place: Bells Beach, Victoria
Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) – 24 March to 18 April 2027
Love a laugh? Then head along to one of the world’s largest comedy festivals. Hundreds of local and international stand-up comedians perform each year, and while comedy is a key feature of the festival, you can also enjoy cabaret acts, plays and improv, plus talks, debates and art exhibitions.
Place: Melbourne, Victoria
Parrtjima – April 2027 (dates TBC)
The only event of its kind in the country, Parrtjima celebrates Australia’s Indigenous culture, with a 10-night festival that includes light installations, live music, workshops, talks, films and more. Debuting in 2016, the event is held to the stunning backdrop of the Red Centre’s desert landscapes and starry skies.
Place: Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Vivid Sydney – 28 May to 19 June 2027
The annual arts festival promises to transform and illuminate Sydney with light, sound and music programming, centred around the iconic harbour. Events include the Vivid Light Walk, a long trail of light shows and immersive installations from Circular Quay to the harbour foreshore, and Vivid Music, featuring free live music performances. There’s also flame-cooked cuisine across the city for foodies to enjoy.
Place: Sydney, New South Wales
Noosa Food & Wine Festival – 17 to 20 June 2027
With a beachside backdrop, the Noosa Food & Wine Festival is where foodies gather for an annual culinary celebration involving prominent chefs, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and plenty of live entertainment too, over the course of four days and nights.
Place: Noosa, Queensland
Floriade – 12 September to 11 October 2026 (2027 dates TBC)
Experience a city in bloom with Australia’s largest spring festival. With more than one million flowers on display, marvel at the vibrant, lush gardens and snap some pics. Stick around after the sun sets for NightFest, when the gardens are illuminated and live entertainment adds buzz to the event.
Place: Commonwealth Park, Canberra
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix – 23 to 25 October 2026
Feel the adrenaline as the world’s fastest motorcycle riders battle for victory at the Australian MotoGP. Expect high-speed action, passionate fans and a festival-like atmosphere, with riders reaching incredible speeds as they compete on one of the most anticipated stops on the MotoGP calendar. The 2026 instalment is the final one being hosted at Phillip Island, before the event moves to the Adelaide Street Circuit from 2027.
Place: Phillip Island, Victoria
Woodford Folk Festival – 27 December 2026 to 1 January 2027
Held in a rainforest setting in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the annual Woodford Folk Festival takes place between Christmas and New Year and features hundreds of entertainers. Folk music is the main focus, but you’ll also see dances, plays, films and more, while there’s a strong emphasis on the environment.
Place: Woodford, Queensland
Enjoyed this article on festivals in Australia? Now find out when Australia’s public holidays are this year so you can plan some travel!
