15 Epic Australian Festivals That Should Be on Your Bucket List
Australia isn’t just about stunning beaches and jaw-dropping landscapes—it’s a country that knows how to throw a festival.
From food and wine feasts to music-filled coastal celebrations, Aussie festivals unite people in spectacular settings and offer an authentic taste of the local way of life.
Suppose you’re looking to explore Australia beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
In that case, these must-visit festivals are the perfect way to soak up the energy, creativity, and culture that make this country unique.
1. Vivid Sydney
Sydney transforms into a dazzling wonderland each winter as millions of lights illuminate the city’s most famous landmarks.
Vivid Sydney is more than a festival—it celebrates creativity, blending breathtaking light displays, cutting-edge music performances, and inspiring talks from global visionaries.
The highlight of Vivid Sydney is its mesmerising light installations.
The Sydney Opera House sails glow with vibrant projections, turning the iconic building into a living artwork.
Interactive light sculptures bring The Rocks and Circular Quay to life, while the Royal Botanic Garden’s illuminated pathways create a magical atmosphere.
Vivid’s music lineup features an eclectic mix of local and international artists performing at venues across Sydney.
From intimate gigs to large-scale concerts, the festival’s soundtrack is as diverse as its audience.
Whether it’s indie, electronic, or jazz, there’s something for every music lover.
Beyond the lights and music, Vivid Sydney is a hub for thought-provoking discussions.
The festival’s Ideas segment brings together creative minds worldwide to share insights on innovation, technology, and design.
Talks, panels, and workshops allow new ideas to flourish, making it a must-visit for curious minds.
2. Melbourne International Comedy Festival
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) is one of the world’s biggest comedy festivals, alongside the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal’s Just for Laughs.
Held annually in Australia’s comedy capital, MICF brings stand-up, cabaret, theatre, and street performances together in a citywide celebration of humour.
Launched in 1987 by comedy icons Barry Humphries and Peter Cook, the festival has become Australia’s largest ticketed cultural event.
With over 770,000 attendees and an average ticket price of $35, it remains hugely popular and accessible.
Each autumn, Melbourne Town Hall and surrounding venues transform into a buzzing comedy hub where local and international comedians take the stage.
MICF plays a vital role in supporting the comedy scene, providing a platform for rising stars while showcasing some of the world’s biggest names.
The festival offers something for every comedy fan, from grand theatres to intimate pop-up venues.
Whether catching a headline act or discovering an up-and-coming performer, MICF guarantees three and a half weeks of non-stop laughter in the heart of Melbourne.
3. Woodford Folk Festival
From December 27th to January 1st, the Woodford Folk Festival brings six days of music, art, and culture to Queensland’s lush hinterland.
Held in Woodfordia, a former dairy farm turned regenerated forest, the festival features over 2,000 performers spanning music, dance, comedy, and street theatre.
The experience begins with the Opening Ceremony and ends with a spectacular New Year’s Day showcase.
Across the festival grounds, visitors can explore concerts, cabaret shows, writers’ panels, film screenings, workshops, and environmental talks.
A dedicated children’s festival ensures fun for all ages, while parades, fire events, and late-night performances add to the magic.
Over 25,000 daily attendees and 2,600 volunteers transform Woodfordia into a bustling festival village lined with cafés, markets, street performances, and pop-up bars yearly.
The tree-filled campgrounds, butterfly walks, and scenic ponds make it more than just an event—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that blends creativity, culture, and community in an unforgettable setting.
4. Floriade
Spring in Canberra comes to life with Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of flowers and creativity.
Held from mid-September to mid-October, this month-long festival transforms Commonwealth Park into a breathtaking display of over one million blooms, accompanied by live music, art, cultural performances, and hands-on workshops.
Floriade began in 1988 as a one-off event to celebrate Canberra’s 75th anniversary and Australia’s Bicentennial.
Inspired by the Keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands, landscape designer Christiaan Slotemaker De Bruine and horticulturist Peter Sutton brought their vision to life with breathtaking floral displays that have since become a beloved annual tradition.
Set against the backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin, Floriade is now the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting over 480,000 visitors annually.
The festival offers more than just flowers—guests can enjoy gardening workshops, photography sessions, live entertainment, markets, and even sunrise yoga among the blooms.
Floriade’s success is a tribute to the dedicated gardeners, artists, and organisers who bring it to life, much like its founders intended.
5. Tamworth Country Music Festival
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is Australia’s ultimate country music celebration, drawing fans worldwide.
Held annually in Tamworth, New South Wales, the festival wrapped up its 53rd edition from January 17 to 26, 2025.
It’s a must-visit event for anyone who loves country music, with performances, awards, and plenty of activities to enjoy.
One of the biggest highlights is the Golden Guitar Awards, which honour the best in Australian country music.
In 2025, big names like Troy Cassar-Daley and Kasey Chambers were among the nominees, and the awards ceremony always brings plenty of excitement.
You’ll catch performances from established stars and rising talent throughout the festival.
Some of the acts this year included Suzi Quatro, Kasey Chambers, Fanny Lumsden, and Travis Collins.
There’s no shortage of incredible live music, with a mix of free and ticketed shows, street performances, food stalls, and family-friendly activities to entertain the whole crowd.
The festival kicked off with a colourful parade featuring various cultural floats that added to the lively atmosphere.
With around 40,000 attendees, the Tamworth Country Music Festival once again proved why it’s one of the country’s most loved events.
Looking ahead, the 2026 festival will be held from January 16 to 25, so if you’re a country music fan, make sure to save the date.
6. Melbourne International Arts Festival
The Melbourne International Arts Festival, once known as the Melbourne Festival, was a major cultural event that celebrated everything from dance and theatre to music, visual arts, and multimedia performances.
It started in 1986 as Spoleto Melbourne—Festival of the Three Worlds. Over time, it evolved, eventually changing its name to the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts.
The festival typically ran for 17 days each October, bringing artists and audiences worldwide together.
In 2019, a shift was announced as the festival was set to become something new called Rising, with plans for its launch in 2020.
Rising was designed to showcase fresh art, performance, and music in the winter months.
But, as with many events worldwide, it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a wait, Rising finally debuted in June 2022 and has been held annually ever since.
Rising has quickly become known for its diverse programming, which blends music, performing arts, dance, and art installations.
It transforms Melbourne’s urban landscape by using immersive, site-specific artworks that engage local and international artists.
The 2025 edition of Rising, which will be held from June 4 to June 15, will feature an exciting array of cultural experiences.
7. Parrtjima
Parrtjima is an amazing 10-night festival in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) each year. It brings the Red Centre alive with a mix of traditional Aboriginal culture and modern technology.
The festival celebrates Aboriginal art in a fresh and deeply connected way to the land, featuring stunning light installations, interactive artworks, and performances that transform the MacDonnell Ranges into a vibrant canvas.
Parrtjima started in 2016, and each year, it has grown in size and significance, becoming a major event that draws people from all over.
The festival, which will run from April 4 to 13, 2025, has the theme “Timelessness. ” It’s about honouring the deep, lasting connections within Indigenous culture.
The program features a mix of art installations, performances, talks, and workshops that showcase local and international Indigenous talent.
The highlight is the massive light installations illuminating the night, like Lauren Bloomfield’s “Werte” piece.
It is a giant welcoming sign made from PVC pipes painted with the word “Werte,” which means “hi” or “welcome” in the local Arrernte language.
8. Darwin Festival
Darwin Festival is the ultimate arts event in the Northern Territory, celebrating everything that makes the Top End so unique.
Held annually in Darwin, it brings the city to life with an incredible mix of arts, music, dance, theatre, food, and culture.
The festival runs for 18 days, typically in August, and offers something for everyone, from the local community to visitors worldwide.
Originally known as the Bougainvillea Festival in 1979, it’s grown over the years into one of Australia’s most exciting cultural celebrations.
The festival will run from August 7 to 24 in 2025. Its theme will be Timelessness, reflecting the deep connections between generations in Indigenous culture.
9. Byron Bay Bluesfest
Byron Bay Bluesfest is Australia’s premier blues and roots music festival, held yearly over the Easter long weekend.
It’s a must-see event that has brought music lovers worldwide since 1990.
The festival is held in Byron Bay’s stunning location, offering an unforgettable atmosphere where the music, the crowd, and the region’s natural beauty combine to create a unique experience.
Bluesfest attracts a stellar lineup of international and local artists across multiple stages every year.
The festival will run from April 17 to April 20 2025, and it’s shaping up to be another amazing event.
With acts like Toto, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Gary Clark Jr., and Crowded House, you’ll be treated to some of the best live performances. The lineup is always diverse, from blues legends to up-and-coming artists.
Along with the incredible music, the festival offers a vibrant atmosphere with food stalls, markets, and plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture.
If you’ve never been to Byron Bay Bluesfest, it’s one of those festivals that’ll stay with you long after it’s over.
The performances are top-notch, and the whole experience feels like a celebration of music, culture, and the incredible atmosphere of Byron Bay.
10. Adelaide Fringe Festival
Adelaide Fringe is one of Australia’s biggest arts festivals and the world’s second-largest arts festival.
Held annually between mid-February and mid-March, the 2025 edition will run from February 21 to March 23.
It’s a massive event, bringing together over 1,400 acts across more than 500 venues, offering everything from cabaret and comedy to theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
What makes Adelaide Fringe stand out is the sheer variety of performances. Whether you’re into edgy comedy, immersive theatre, or mind-blowing circus acts, there’s something for everyone.
The festival also hosts major venues like The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, where you can experience the festival’s full energy and buzz.
In 2024 alone, the festival sold over a million tickets, 30% of which were sold by tourists.
This huge turnout is a testament to how much the festival contributes to Adelaide’s cultural and economic landscape.
If you’re looking for a festival that offers endless entertainment, a sense of community, and an atmosphere you won’t forget, Adelaide Fringe is the one to check out.
11. Mardi Gras Festival
Sydney Mardi Gras is one of the biggest celebrations of LGBTQIA+ pride in the world, held every year in the heart of Sydney.
Starting in 1978, it has grown into an iconic event that draws huge crowds from around the globe.
The 2025 edition ran from February 14 to March 2, celebrating the 47th anniversary of this incredible festival.
The festival’s highlight is always the Mardi Gras Parade, which took place on March 1, 2025.
With over 200 floats and thousands of participants, it’s a spectacular display of colour, creativity, and the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The parade overtook Oxford Street, Flinders Street, and Anzac Parade, showcasing Sydney’s vibrant spirit.
But Mardi Gras isn’t just about the parade. The festival features a wide range of events, from dance parties and art exhibitions to film screenings and community gatherings.
12. Moomba Festival
Moomba Festival is Melbourne’s biggest free community event, celebrated yearly over the long weekend of Labour Day in March.
It started in 1955 and has since grown into a five-day festival that brings together locals and visitors for an unforgettable celebration of fun, culture, and community spirit.
The Moomba Parade is one of the festival’s main attractions, with colourful floats, dance troupes, and groups from all over the city marching through Melbourne’s streets. It’s a vibrant spectacle that everyone loves, no matter your age.
For those looking for some thrills, the carnival along the Yarra River in Alexandra Gardens offers amusement rides, games, and plenty of food stalls.
It’s a family-friendly space full of energy and excitement, perfect for making lasting memories.
And suppose you’re up for something a bit more unusual. In that case, the Birdman Rally is a unique event where participants launch homemade flying machines into the Yarra River while raising money for charity.
Each night, the festival wraps up with spectacular fireworks over the river, lighting up the sky and adding a magical touch to the evening’s celebrations.
If you’re into live music, cultural performances, or interactive activities, plenty of entertainment keeps you busy throughout the festival.
13. Perth International Arts Festival
Perth Festival, once known as the Perth International Arts Festival, is Australia’s longest-running cultural celebration, starting in 1953.
Over the years, it became a major event in Western Australia, offering a mix of music, theatre, dance, film, literature, and visual arts.
The 2025 edition was no different, drawing both local and international artists with its exciting and diverse programme.
The festival was about pushing boundaries, so venues like the East Perth Power Station, a historic site decommissioned in 1981, were repurposed for performances.
This innovative approach added an extra layer of excitement, allowing the audience to experience art in an entirely new setting.
The community was at the heart of the Perth Festival, with more than half of its 104 events being free.
It also highlighted local Aboriginal and First Nations artists with initiatives like Boorloo Contemporary showcasing Aboriginal art.
The festival’s diverse lineup ensured something for everyone, from large-scale performances to smaller, more intimate experiences.
The 2025 edition, from February 7 to March 2, continued pushing creative limits while celebrating diverse voices and artistic collaboration.
With a programme that reimagined traditional formats and invited audiences to engage with art in new ways, the Perth Festival remained one of the country’s most exciting cultural events.
14. Ultra Australia
Ultra Australia is one of the country’s top electronic music festivals, bringing the global Ultra Music Festival experience to Australia.
Since its launch in 2018, it has quickly become a highlight on the festival calendar, drawing music lovers worldwide.
In 2025, Ultra Australia will be held in two exciting locations: the Gold Coast on April 11 and Melbourne on April 12.
The festival’s lineup always features a mix of international superstars and local talent.
While the full 2025 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, past performers have included huge names like Martin Garrix, Marshmello, and The Chainsmokers.
Expect high-energy performances, incredible production setups, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the spirit of Ultra’s global brand.
Whether you’re there for the music, the atmosphere, or the unforgettable experience, Ultra Australia always delivers.
15. National Multicultural Festival
The National Multicultural Festival in Canberra is the city’s biggest celebration of cultural diversity.
It brings together over 170 communities to share their food, art, music, and traditions. Held every February, it’s one of the standout events on Canberra’s cultural calendar.
In 2025, the festival ran from February 7 to 9, attracting big crowds and impacting the local economy.
One of the festival’s highlights is the vibrant parade, which features incredible floats, traditional costumes, and performances from different cultural groups. The parade showcases the city’s rich diversity.
It’s always a colourful and energetic way to kick off the festivities. The festival also boasts over 270 food and cultural stalls, offering a delicious global feast that lets you taste the world all in one place.
Music, dance, and theatre performances take place on various stages throughout the festival, allowing you to experience the sounds and movements of cultures from around the globe.
There are also plenty of interactive workshops and activities where you can try your hand at arts and crafts or learn something new about different cultures.
The next edition will take place from February 6 to 8, 2026, so mark your calendar.
