Australians love a good festival and no matter what you like to do for entertainment, there is bound to be a festival perfect for you.
Dance all day and all night, eat foods from around the world, laugh at the funniest comics, listen to your favourite bands, watch your fill of independent movies or even re-enact medieval battles.
Click below to check out what is happening around Australia.
Jan | Feb | March | April |May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec
January
So Frenchy So Chic Sydney, NSW; Melbourne, VIC;
A Summer French escape of music, food and friends. A party and a picnic in the park celebrating life and culture in the beautiful grounds of Werribee Mansion. Get lost in the Joie de vivre!
Field Day Sydney, NSW
Celebrate New Years at this popular boutique music festival. It’s known for a super-friendly atmosphere and quality line-ups mixing hip-hop, house, indie and electronic artists from around the world.
Sydney Latin Festival Sydney, NSW
One of the biggest gathering of Latin and Brazilian dancers in the world. 3 days and nights of non-stop fun at ‘the friendliest places on Earth’. Countless hours of Salsa, Zouk, Bachata, Samba and more.
Electric Gardens Sydney, NSW; Melbourne, VIC; Brisbane QLD
Celebrated across the Australia Day Long Weekend, Electric Gardens is a boutique event showcasing the very best house electronic music.
Hidden Swan Valley, WA
Gracing the iconic Belvoir Amphitheatre in the Swan Valley on January. One of the biggest line ups in Drum’n’Bass and Dubstep history this is definitely lining up to be one of the go-to festivals in summer.
Laneway Festival Melbourne, VIC; Brisbane, QLD
Boutique touring festival featuring a bold selection of the contemporary icons and emerging game-changers of Independent music, indie pop, rock music.
Midsumma Carnival & T Dance Melbourne, VIC
Midsumma Festival, celebrating LGBTQIA culture, opens with an all-day-and-night party-in-the-park at Melbourne’s Alexandra Gardens. Melbourne is coming up rainbows.
February
Tropfest Parramatta, NSW
Each year the Festival delivers a raft of programs that encourage emerging talent to participate in the film industry and has helped launch some of Australia’s most notable film and TV careers.
National Multicultural Festival Canberra, ACT
Eat, drink, laugh and dance your way around the world. Celebrate difference, share traditions with live music, comedy, performance art, food and wine stalls, street parties and more.
Shimmerlands Melbourne, VIC
Summer festival featuring a killer line-up of film, music, art and great food and drink. Day and night, Shimmerlands will be putting on a show at University of Melbourne.
Electric Gardens Perth, WA
Celebrated across the Australia Day Long Weekend, Electric Gardens is a boutique event showcasing the very best house electronic music.
St Kilda Festival Melbourne, VIC
It’s free, fabulous and on the beach. What more could you ask for from a summer festival? Bands include local acts and some established international favourites.
Googfest Canberra, ACT
Canberra region’s biggest free music festival where the whole community turns out to have a picnic and an unforgettable evening of music and fireworks under the stars.
Laneway Festival Sydney, NSW; Perth, WA
Boutique touring festival featuring a bold selection of the contemporary icons and emerging game-changers of Independent music, indie pop, rock music.
Bailar Kizomba Festival Sydney, NSW
Workshops, parties, live music and performances of Kizomba, Afro Beats, Zouk and Latin dance music over 5 insane days and nights.
March
Pitch Festival Mafeking, VIC
A brut–tropical border community of the arts. A three day ceremonial daze in the golden fields of Victoria.
Melbourne Queer Film Festival Melbourne, VIC
Considered one of the world’s top queer film festivals it is also one of the largest, if not the largest, in the Southern Hemisphere.
Earth Frequency Festival Ivory’s Rock, QLD
A transformative Electronic music festival based in South-East Queensland with a strong focus on arts, environment, education, healing and community spirit.
Enlighten Canberra, ACT
Free entertainment over 10 days including talented street artists and international musical acts – all set against a backdrop of stunning architectural projections that shine a light on some of Australia’s most iconic attractions.
Return to Rio Summer Closing Party Sydney, NSW
Hear the best in underground House music in a 3-day long weekend filled with music, fun, too much dancing, pool parties, cocktails, laughter and sunshine by the beautiful Hawksbury River.
Come Together Eltham, VIC
A global music event designed for people of all ages to gather and celebrate diverse music and performance art in each other’s company.
Golden Plains Meredith, VIC
A three day camping and music fest held in rural Victoria. Famous for good vibes, smiling faces and an eclectic lineup of acts from rock to electronic.
Brunswick Music Festival Melbourne, VIC
World class acts in the genres of folk and roots take over Brunswick for this annual and very popular festival. Get along to see a plethora of talented musicians.
Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival Canberra, ACT
Vibrant, diverse and energetic’ wonderfully describe one of the most loved events on the local calendar. International performers wow the crowds, while the delicious street food will bring delight to any hungry tummy.
April
Gold Coast Film Festival Gold Coast, QLD
From internationally acclaimed dramas, comedies and genre films, locally made indie gems and family features, the GCFF offers a culturally diverse, interactive and engaging program of film, events and special guests.
Touch Bass Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney
All things bass with a trap heavy leaning. 6 hours of pure bass heaven.
Melbourne Latin Festival Melbourne, VIC
3 days and nights of Latin dance shows, workshops and parties. Salsa, Bachata, Zouk, Samba, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, Kizomba, Gafieira and more!
Groovin the Moo Maitland, NSW; Townsville, QLD; Wayville, SA
Presented by Cattleyard, triple j & Spotify. Two outdoor stages, a big top tent, bands and performers from across the world, and honest country hospitality.
The Byron Bay Bluesfest Byron Bay, NSW
Australia’s largest festival of Blues and Roots music held over five days. Boasts an awe-inspiring lineup of musical legends as well as an eclectic array of international big names and talented locals.
The Byron Bay Bluesfest
Melbourne Latin Festival Melbourne, VIC
3 days and nights of Latin dance shows, workshops and parties. Salsa, Bachata, Zouk, Samba, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, Kizomba, Gafieira and more.
Inner Varnika Bookaar, VIC
An eclectic range of electronic acts will make you dance at this all inclusive, environmentally neutral and musically blissful affair over 3 days.
International Music Festival Canberra, ACT
One of Australia’s finest art music program including Chamber, Classical, Jazz, Contemporary and World music.
National Folk Festival Canberra, ACT
Over 200 acts representing diverse styles such as Acoustic, Blues, Roots, Bluegrass, World, Celtic, Gipsy and Country music, dance, spoken word, film, circus and more.
Surfers Paradise Live Surfers Paradise, QLD
A free festival over 3 days showcasing a diverse, eclectic mix of music genres with multiple stages.
BlenheimFest Clare Valley, SA
2-day camping and music festival. Local and international folk, Funk and Soul grooves amidst rolling hills, luscious vineyards and 1500 of your new best friends.
In The Pines Crawley, WA
RTRFM’s local music fest will take place once again in the idyllic surrounds of UWA’s Somerville Auditorium, featuring 20 of Perth’s best bands.
In the Pines
Blackwood River Chamber Festival Bridgetown, WA
The Blackwood River Chamber Festival is West Australia’s longest running chamber music festival, held in Bridgetown in the heart of the South West.
Seaside Sounds 2017 Fannie Bay, NT
Held at the finest beach side location, Seaside Sounds brings friends together to celebrate all things Darwin through great music and good times!
Derwent Valley Autumn Festival Derwent Valley, TAS
Great entertainment, fine food, local wines, beers, music for all tastes on the banks of the beautiful Derwent River.
May
Groovin the Moo Canberra, ACT; Bendigo, VIC; Bunbury, WA
With two outdoor stages, a big top tent, bands and performers from across the world, and honest country hospitality.
The Happy Daze Festival Mackay, QLD
A full weekend of amazing sounds including Glitch hop, Techno, Psytrance, Breaks, live bands, Drum’n’Bass and much more situated in a magical landscape between the Whitsundays and Mackay.
Big Pineapple Festival Woombye, QLD
The Big Pineapple Music Festival is big and unique! The killer Indie, Folk and Alt-rock band line ups and the special laid back atmosphere of the piney fest have captured the imagination of keen festival goers.
June
Sydney Film Festival Sydney, NSW
A competitive film festival that draws international and local attention. Films are showcased in several venues across the city centre and includes features, documentaries, short films, retrospectives, films for families and animations.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival Melbourne, VIC
Hear blistering instrumentalists and soulful singers from around the world over ten toe-tapping days in venues across Melbourne.
Vivid Sydney Sydney, NSW
An annual outdoor lighting festival with immersive light installations and projections in Sydney. See iconic sites around Sydney lit up and displayed with beautiful projections including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Melbourne International Animation Festival Melbourne, VIC
Spread over 8 Days, showing 450 Films in 50 screenings, this event highlights the best of independent Australian animation.
Merimbula Jazz Festival Merimbula, NSW
Based in Merimbula, in southern New South Wales, Merimbula is the “Festival for Musicians”. A festive celebration of Jazz music and those who share the passion for it. The festival has been running for over 35 years annually, indicative to its success and popularity.
Peak Festival Perisher Valley, NSW
Over 30 Australian and International artists are set to play across 10 live stages and ring in the 2017 snow season!
Perth International Jazz Festival Perth, WA
Incredible performances across exceptional venues throughout Perth, the three-day festival showcases a host of celebrated local, national and international jazz artists.
July
Splendour in the Grass Byron Bay, NSW
Presenting top national and international artists this winter, Splendour will transform the grass into a contemporary outdoor art space, with performances, live art, installations, projections and paintings.
Modifyre Gold Coast, QLD
An annual event and a year-round community dedicated to art, self-expression, and self-reliance. It is an immersive experience created by its participants. Modifyre is the regional Burning Man event for Queensland and northern NSW.
Abbey Medieval Festival Caboolture, QLD
Lose yourself in the bustling marketplace or amongst the colourful tents of the medieval re-enactors’ encampments. Here you will glimpse the past as re-enactors portray facets of everyday life of Viking raiders and traders, of Middle Eastern warriors and nomads, and nobles and peasants from the great European households.
The Gertrude Street Projection Festival Melbourne, VIC
This unique free celebration of projected media transforms the length of Gertrude Street, Fitzroy into an illuminated outdoor gallery. From dusk until midnight projection art from international projection artists, community groups and general entries transform the length of the street. Visit their Festival Hub for events, workshops and music. Art is projected onto surfaces where you least expect to see it.
August
Maroochy Music and Visual Arts Festival Maroochydore, QLD
Listen to a top-tier line-up of Aussie and local artists killing it in the open-air amphitheatre, and explore the larger-than-life art installations and live artists at work.
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) Melbourne, VIC
MIFF showcases the best in current cinema from around the world as well as retrospectives, tributes and discussion programs. Since its inception, MIFF has also been committed to local film: it is Australia’s largest showcase of new Australian cinema and is the country’s most vocal champion of emerging and established local filmmaking talent. The festival also hosts many celebratory world premieres of local films.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane, QLD
all aspects of the Fashion Festival have been reviewed to ensure the program showcases the very best of Queensland and Australian fashion, and the brightest up-and-coming design talent.
Australian Surf Festival Tweed Heads, NSW
Many prestigious Australian Titles will be decided across multiple surfing disciplines joint to create a full surfing festival. The surfing disciplines include short board, longboard, loggers and body board.
September
Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Melbourne, VIC
The uniquely Melbourne event is designed to position Melbourne as the fashion capital of Australia, providing a launching pad for emerging and established designers, models and brands. MSFW connects runway to retail, with every look featured in the runways available for purchase from retailers.
Snowtunes Jindabyne (Snowy Mountains), NSW
Enjoy live music and entertainment at night, and sking or snowboarding during the day. Snowtunes offer snow-goers a unique festival experience in the pristine setting of Lake Jindabyne.
Listen Out Perth, WA; Brisbane, QLD
A carefully handcrafted party, with a killer lineup of the Dance music that matters and a philosophy of best, not biggest.
Rottofest Rottnest Island, WA
Each year Rottofest aims to put on the most entertaining, bang for your buck, festival away. It all takes place within the idyllic and picturesque surrounds of Rottnest Island.
Caloundra Music Festival Caloundra, QLD
Enjoy four days of sun, surf and soul at beautiful Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast. A celebration of world-class music, food, arts and local culture.
Melbourne Fringe Festival Melbourne, VIC
A celebration of cultural democracy and art for everyone. By embracing diversity and a spirit of independence, Melbourne Fringe create a unique space for artistic self-expression linked to the life of this great city.
Granite Town Moruya, NSW
Worth the roadtrip, this ‘Funky Little Festival’ features a diverse spread of musical talent for your listening, grooving and moving pleasure. Don’t miss the magical night of Riverlights – a glowing display of community built, giant, illuminated floating sculptures.
October
Adelaide Film Festival Adelaide, SA
An eleven-day celebration and exploration of Australian and international screen culture with a unique program of screenings, forums and special events.
The Village Festival Melbourne, VIC
Part carnival, part village fair and part arts festival. It has become Yarra’s annual meeting place for maverick musicians, devilish dancers, vivacious visual arts and thrilling theatre.
Mushroom Valley Brisbane, QLD
A super friendly Psytrance festival set in the sub-tropical forest where you can be your creative self, a place where reality seems to slip into a world of colour and dance.
Valley Fiesta Brisbane, QLD
Fortitude Valley will be bursting with more than 50 live music acts, a showcase of arts, food and cultural experiences bringing to life the laneways and streets.
Byron Bay Film Festival Byron Bay, NSW
a festival that fuses artistry, education and innovation, enhancing our worldview and collective social dialogue through the power and storytelling of film.
November
Dragon Dreaming Canberra, ACT
Just outside of Canberra, this 3-day lakeside Psytrance and Electronic music festival is well worth travelling the 100 kms just for the experience alone.
Return to Rio Summer Opening Party Sydney, NSW
Hear the best in underground House music in a 3-day long weekend filled with music, fun, too much dancing, pool parties, cocktails, laughter and sunshine by the beautiful Hawksbury River.
Strawberry Fields Tocumwal, NSW
A diverse selection of both renowned and breakthrough techno and house music from both Australia and overseas. Indulge yourself in a sensory feast, including soul shaking sound, world class decor.
Melbourne Music Week Melbourne, VIC
Presented by City of Melbourne, MMW is an annual event dedicated to showcasing Melbourne’s world-renowned music scene. 9 days. 110 events. 240 artists. 40 locations.
Spilt Milk Canberra, ACT
The best in artisan street food and drink, cutting edge music and experimental art and culture. Spilt Milk is a summer\u2019s day event, taking place within the tree lined landscape of the iconic Commonwealth Park.
Harbourlife Sydney, NSW
There’s plenty of reasons why Sydney’s annual Harbourlife is one of Australia’s flagship music festivals. The amazing location, stellar lineups with the best of house and electronica and up-for-it crowd are just a few.
Earthcore In The Park Perth, WA
A 1-day outdoor event featuring some of the best international and local Psy-Trance and Techno acts with world class production.
Park Sounds Brisbane, QLD
This exciting new music festival showcases a unique mix of Australia’s best live Hip Hop and Electronic artists with some of the hottest up and coming talent.
December
African Music and Cultural Festival Melbourne, VIC
Australia’s largest annual African festival and showcases an array of music, dance, art, fashion and authentic African food.
Southbound Busselton, WA
Located in the beautiful South West town of Busselton Southbound sees the biggest and brightest in indie, rock, folk and dance.
Subsonic Riverwood Downs, NSW
Techno, House, Roots and Soul music festival in the gorgeous surrounds of the Australian bush just north of Newcastle. Need a rest from all that dancing? Grab an inflatable floaty and your crew and float down the heavenly river.
Falls Festival Byron Bay, NSW; Lorne, VIC
Catch the explosive line-up of Indie, Rock, Hip Hop, Rap, Dance and Electronica from Australia and around the world for an epic New Year’s Eve celebration in the coastal towns of Byron Bay and Lorne.
Lost Paradise Glenworth Valley, NSW
A 3-day festival of Techno and House music, camping, food, art and yoga, lovingly wrapped in community. Top-notch line-up, amazing venue, and one of the best New Years Eve music festivals in Australia!
Meredith Music Festival Meredith, VIC
3 day outdoor alternative music festival held in a natural amphitheatre located on farmland near the town of Meredith with a sound system and a lineup that will blow minds.
Woodford Folk Festival Brisbane, QLD
The largest gathering of artists and musicians in Australia. Music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, debate, street theatre, films, forums, visual arts.
Beyond the Valley Lardner Park, VIC
Set over the New Years period, BTV is a 3 day music festival. International artists play into the beautiful Victorian countryside.
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