Australia’s Events Calendar for 2026: It’s Time to Start Planning Your Year

Are you someone who loves having a calendar full of exciting plans? Or perhaps 2026 is the year you finally tick off that bucket list event you’ve been dreaming about for years.

From iconic music festivals and thrilling sporting events to captivating arts and cultural celebrations, Australia’s 2026 events calendar has something for everyone.

Australia’s Events Calendar for 2026

NSW: 2026 Events

Sydney Festival (January)

A celebration of art, culture, and performance, the Sydney Festival transforms venues across the city with theatre, music, visual arts, and dance performances from local and international artists. Check out the full schedule to see a breakdown of the free and ticketed events on offer. 

8th January 2026 to 25th January 2026

Various locations across Sydney

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (February/March)

One of the largest LGBTQIA+ celebrations in the world, the Sydney Mardi Gras features dazzling parades, colourful floats, and inclusive festivities throughout the city. This year’s theme is ‘Ecstatica’, encouraging everyone to embrace euphoric rebellion, connection and celebration.

13th February 2026 to 4th March 2026

Various locations across Sydney, culminating in the final parade down Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade 

Royal Easter Show (April)

Held at Sydney Olympic Park, the Royal Easter Show combines agriculture, family entertainment, carnival rides, and showbags in one iconic annual event that celebrates Australian rural traditions.

2nd April to 13th April 2026

Sydney Olympic Park, Grand Parade, Sydney Olympic Park 

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Vivid Sydney (May–June)

Vivid Sydney transforms the city with breathtaking light installations, 3D projections, live music, and thought-provoking talks, making it one of the most innovative festivals of light, music, and ideas.

22nd May to 13th June 2026

Various locations across Sydney

Sydney Marathon (August)

This prestigious international race sees participants run 42.195 kilometres, weaving through Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while attracting thousands of runners from around the globe.

30th August 2026

North Sydney to the Sydney Opera House

VIC: 2026 Events

Australian Open (January)

The Australian Open is one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments, attracting the world’s top players and thousands of fans to Melbourne Park.

12th January to 1st February 2026

Melbourne Park, Melbourne

Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March/April)

The Melbourne Comedy Festival is one of the world’s largest, featuring stand-up, sketch, and improv acts across the city.

25th March to 19th April 2026

Various venues across Melbourne

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (March)

A foodie’s dream, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival showcases local culinary talent with long lunches, food tastings, and wine pairings.

20th March to 29th March 2026

Various venues across Melbourne

Grand Prix (March)

Melbourne hosts the Australian Grand Prix, a major Formula 1 race that takes over Albert Park with high-speed action and vibrant fan experiences.

5th March to 8th March 2026

Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit

RISING (May/June)

RISING is Melbourne’s winter festival of art, music, and performance, with events staged in unique venues across the city.

27th May to 8th June

Various locations across Melbourne 

Melbourne Fashion Week (October)

Melbourne Fashion Week celebrates cutting-edge fashion with runway shows, workshops, and events featuring local and international designers.

October, exact date yet to be announced

QLD: 2026 Events

Brisbane Festival (September)

The Brisbane Festival fills the city with theatre, music, and art, with spectacular river fireworks and immersive experiences for all ages.

4th September to 26th September 2026

Various locations across Brisbane

EKKA (August)

Brisbane’s EKKA, or Royal Queensland Show, is a celebration of agriculture, food, and entertainment, offering livestock shows, rides, show bags, and performances.

8th August to 16th August 2026

Brisbane Showground

Gold Coast 500 (October)

The Gold Coast 500 is a high-energy Supercars Championship event with jaw-dropping street racing speeding along Surfers Paradise.

23rd October to 25th October 2026

 Surfers Paradise Street Circuit, Surfers Paradise

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (September/October)

The Carnival of Flowers transforms Toowoomba into a floral wonderland with stunning garden displays, food events, and family-friendly activities.

12th September to 6th October 2026

Several locations across Toowoomba

Night Feast (October)

Night Feast is a foodie paradise in Brisbane’s cultural precinct, offering a month-long culinary journey with top chefs alongside immersive art and entertainment.

October, exact dates TBC

Brisbane Powerhouse

Noosa Triathlon (October/November)

The Noosa Triathlon attracts athletes from around the world for one of Australia’s top triathlon events, set against the beautiful backdrop of Noosa.

28th October to 1st November 2026

Various locations across Noosa

Woodford Folk Festival (December/January)

A six-day spectacle of music, arts, and culture, the Woodford Folk Festival offers performances, workshops, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

December, exact dates TBC

Woodford, Queensland

Adelaide Fringe Festival (February/March)

The Adelaide Fringe is the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, with a massive lineup of comedy, music, theatre, and visual arts; it’s a must for your 2026 event calendar. 

20th February to 22nd March 2026

Various locations across Adelaide 

WOMADelaide (March)

A world music festival in Adelaide’s Botanic Park, WOMADelaide brings together global cultures with music, dance, and workshops.

6th March to 9th March 2026

Adelaide Botanic Park

Tasting Australia (May)

Tasting Australia is a beloved culinary festival showcasing South Australia’s best chefs, food, wine, and produce. The most iconic part of the festival is the train journey on The Ghan’s dining and bar carriages for a 10-hour food safari as you travel across diverse South Australian landscapes. 

8th May to 17th May 2026

Various locations across South Australia 

Illuminate Adelaide (July)

Combining art, light, and technology, Illuminate Adelaide boasts interactive installations and cutting-edge displays across the city.

1st July to 19th July 2026

Various locations across Adelaide 

SALA Festival (August)

The South Australian Living Artists Festival honours local visual artists with exhibitions and installations in galleries, cafes, and public spaces.

1st August to 31st August 2026

Kaurna Country, Level 3 of the ILA Building, 63 Light Square

WA: 2026 Events

Perth Fringe World Festival (January/February)

Kicking the year off with a bang, Fringe World brings an array of comedy, cabaret, theatre, and circus acts to Perth. 

21st January to 15th February 2026

Various locations across Perth

Perth International Arts Festival (February/March)

A popular multi-arts festival, PIAF presents world-class theatre, music, and visual arts performances.

6th February to 1st March 2026

Various locations across Perth

Shinju Matsuri Festival (August/September)

The Shinju Matsuri Festival in Broome marks the region’s pearling heritage with performances, art exhibitions, and culinary events.

Exact date for 2026 TBC

Chinatown, Short Street, Broome

CinefestOZ Film Festival (August/September)

A major film festival, CinefestOZ showcases Australian and international films with screenings, workshops, and celebrity appearances in WA’s southwest.

Exact date for 2026 TBC

Various locations across WA

Perth Royal Show (September/October)

The Perth Royal Show is a family-friendly agricultural event at the Claremont Showground, with livestock competitions, rides, entertainment, and delicious food.

26th September to 3rd October 2026

Claremont Showgrounds, 1 Graylands Road, Claremont

Kings Park Wildflower Festival (September)

Celebrating WA’s blooming wildflowers, this festival has stunning floral displays, guided tours, and educational events.

Exact date for 2026 TBC

Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Fraser Avenue, Perth

TAS: 2026 Events

Festivale (January/February)

Held in Launceston, Festivale showcases Tasmania’s food, wine, and music scene, delivering a weekend of delicious local produce and live entertainment.

30th January to 1st February 2026

Launceston City Park, Launceston

Tasmanian Wine Festival (February)

The Tasmanian Wine Festival in Hobart highlights the island’s exceptional wines with tastings, gourmet food, and live music in the stunning outdoor settings of the Botanical Gardens.

7th February to 8th February 2026

Botanical Gardens, Lower Domain Road, Queens Domain, Hobart

Turning of the Fagus (April–May)

Nature lovers gather to witness Tasmania’s deciduous Fagus trees turn brilliant hues of gold and orange in Cradle Mountain and Mount Field National Parks.

Late April to early May, the exact timing TBC depending on weather 

Dark Mofo (June)

A celebration of winter, Dark Mofo features large-scale art installations, live performances, provocative exhibitions, and winter feasts. It’s a uniquely atmospheric festival rooted in Hobart.

11th June to 22nd June 2026

Castray Esplanade, Hobart

Festival of Voices (July)

A dazzling communion of song, Festival of Voices draws singers and choirs from around the world for workshops, performances, and sing-alongs.

3rd July to 12th July 2026

Various locations around Hobart

Beaker Street Festival (August)

Combining science, art, and entertainment, the Beaker Street Festival delivers talks, workshops, and exhibitions that creatively bring science to life.

Exact date for 2026 TBC

91/93 Macquarie Street, West Hobart

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (December)

One of the world’s most iconic yacht races, the Sydney to Hobart finishes in Hobart’s Derwent River, bringing excitement and celebration to the city.

Exact date for 2026 TBC

Constitution Dock, Hobart, Tasmania

Taste of Summer (December/January)

Held in Hobart, the Taste of Summer is a waterfront celebration of Tasmanian produce, offering food, drinks, and live entertainment.

Exact date for 2026 TBC

Princes Wharf, Hobart

ACT: 2026 Events

National Multicultural Festival (February)

The National Multicultural Festival in Canberra celebrates cultural diversity, featuring food, music, dance, and art from around the world. Held annually in the city’s heart, the festival brings communities together to showcase their heritage through performances, international cuisine, and interactive experiences.

6th February to 8th February 2026

Canberra City Centre, Canberra, ACT

Canberra Balloon Spectacular (March)

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular sees hot air balloons float above the capital’s landmarks in a breathtaking early-morning display.

14th March to 22nd March 2026

9 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo

Floriade (September/October)

Australia’s largest flower festival, Floriade, transforms Canberra into a sea of blooms with themed displays, workshops, and entertainment. 

12th September to 11th October 2026

Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Parkes

NT: 2026 Events

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light (April)

Parrtjima is a spectacular ten-day festival that celebrates Indigenous art, culture, and storytelling through stunning light installations and interactive displays set against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges. 

10th April to 19th April 2026

Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs

Uluru Camel Cup (May)

The Uluru Camel Cup is a quirky outback racing event that combines camel races, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities near the iconic Uluru. 

Exact date TBC

10 Kali Circuit, Yulara

Finished planning your year ahead with Australia’s events calendar for 2026 and keen to keep planning your year of travel? Check out our wrap of the best places in Australia to visit as well as these solo road trip destinations.