20 Major Festivals in Australia you Cannot Miss Out On!

Are you heading down to Straya and curious to know how Australia celebrates? We’ve got just the thing for you! With this list of the most famous festivals in Australia, you can be sure you won’t miss out on any fun in the Southern Hemisphere! Australia has something for everyone, from music festivals and film expos to food carnivals and art exhibits. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out or an unforgettable experience, Straya will have something for you. So, join us as we explore the best festivals in Australia!

Top 20 Festivals in Australia

Get ready to embark on an electrifying journey through the vibrant and diverse web of Australian festivals! From the sun-kissed shores to the breathtaking outback, Australia boasts a plethora of cultural celebrations that captivate both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a music lover, a food enthusiast, or simply love to revel in the joyous spirit of festivities, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you might also come across some student discounts on food and some special festival sales during these Australia festivals. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled charm of Australian festivals, where traditions blend harmoniously with modern revelry, promising unforgettable memories that will stay etched in your heart forever. The country can be one of the most exciting places you can visit, and the fun facts about Australia are proof of that.

1. Adelaide Festival of Arts

Date: 3rd March - 19th March
Location: Adelaide
Price: AU$180 - AU$200

First held in 2017, the Adelaide Festival of Arts is a fairly new addition to these celebrations in Australia. One of the biggest celebrations of art, this festival aims to capture the global audience’s imagination through a wide variety of performances, including visual arts, opera, dance forms, literature, cabaret, and classical and contemporary music. The Adelaide Festival of Arts has grown considerably since its start. One of the best festivals in Australia, it now contains the WOMADelaide and Adelaide’s Writers Week. 

2. Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF)

Date: 29th March - 23rd April 
Location: Melbourne
Price: AU$32 - AU$40 

A stand-up comedy festival held annually, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival usually lasts four weeks and is held in Melbourne. The beginning of this Australian festival goes back to 1987 when Barry Humphries and Peter Cook first launched it. 33 years later, with over 770,000 attendees, it has not only become one of the best cultural festivals in Australia but also one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world. Although the festival’s main highlight is stand-up, hundreds of musically gifted performers take the stage. Laughing can leave you feeling tired, but don’t worry! The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is also the venue for several culinary delights to relish. 

3. New Year’s Eve

Date: 31st December
Location: Sydney
Price: NA

You might’ve heard of New York’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, but Sydney’s year-ending celebration is definitely one of the most famous festivals in Australia. If you catch yourself in Oz in December, make your way to Sydney Harbour to begin the new year in style. With fireworks lighting up the sky, it isn’t difficult to see why this is one of the best Australian festivals and holidays. The New Year’s celebrations in Australia are witnessed by over 1 million spectators and reach more than 425 million people. 

4. Byron Bay Bluesfest

Date: 6th April - 10th April
Location: Byron Bay
Price: AU$405 - AU$460

Every April, artists from all over the world flock to perform at this five-day Blues music festival, which is one of the leading modern music festivals in Australia. Attracting more than 100,000 music fans, Bluesfest features 200 performances across multiple stages over 5*12 hour days. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and John Mayer have performed in this one of the best Australian music festivals. Held in New South Wales, Byron Bay is a paradise for music lovers. Fans can find 100+ food and market stalls, food courts, beer gardens, large grocery stores, and bars at the Byron Bay Bluesfest, one of the top music festivals in Australia. 

5. Parrtjima

Date: 7th April - 16th April
Location: Alice Springs (Mparntwe)
Price: Free

Next on our list of the best festivals in Australia is Parrtjima—A Festival in Light, a 10-night festival in the Red Centre. Dedicated entirely to celebrating Aboriginal culture, Parrtjima aims to spread awareness about ancient, unexplored Aboriginal art forms with interactive workshops, incredible installations, screenings, live music, and talks. Don’t forget to add this to your list of cultural festivals in Australia to check out this year! 

6. Woodford Folk Festival

Date: 27th December - 1st January
Location: Woodford
Price: AU$180 - AU$745

One of the biggest cultural festivals in Australia, the Woodford Folk Festival honours folk music and art through an array of performances ranging from dance and music to comedy and street theatre. It is a 6-day and 6-night festival held annually from December 27th to January 1st. Over 2,000 local, national, and international artists, musicians, and presenters grace the stage with their lively performances. The venue of the Woodford Festival is equally mesmerising. The land, formerly a barren dairy farm, is now regenerated with more than 120,000 subtropical rainforest trees, orchids, ferns, and sedges. If you’d like to learn something yourself, you can attend the workshops here. If you take our word for it, this is one of the best music festivals in Australia that you cannot miss out on! 

7. Sydney Mardi Gras

Date: 17th February - 5th March
Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney
Price: AU$49 - AU$55 

The Sydney Mardi Gras is one of the most famous Australia festivals. It was a chilly winter night in 1978 when people were bravely celebrating gay rights. Suddenly, the cops descended the festival, ending in violence and the arrest of 53 people. This event marked the beginning of the Sydney Mardi Gras. This LGBT rights celebration lasts three weeks and ends with a bang at the annual parade. People travel here from all over the world to participate in this inclusive celebration of love, pride, and self-expression. Held for the last 40 years, some might even consider the Sydney Mardi Gras one of Australia’s many tourist attractions.

8. Vivid Sydney Winter Festival

Date: 26th May - 17th June
Location: Sydney
Price: Free

One of the leading music festivals in Australia, Vivid Sydney draws in visitors and artists from around the world to share their ideas and perform here. One of Australia’s most colourful festivals, Vivid, brought in over 2 million people last year. This winter festival illuminates some of the country’s iconic landmarks with immersive light projections and also displays several digital pieces.

9. Splendour In The Grass

Date: July (Exact dates TBA)
Location: Byron Bay
Price: AU$179 - AU$599

One of the biggest music festivals in Australia, Splendour, is another festival held in Byron Bay. It has been entertaining music lovers since it was first held back in 2001 and now takes place every July. This Australian festival sees several renowned musicians and artists performing and attending. Attending Splendour In The Grass is a must-have for every music lover’s bucket list. If you don’t believe us, ask any Aussie, and they’ll agree.

10. Australia Day

Date: 26th January
Location: Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, & Harbour Bridge
Price: Free

Celebrated to commemorate the first fleet reaching Australian shores, Australia Day is celebrated on 26th January every year. One of the major holidays celebrated in Australia, locals mark this day by throwing shrimp on the barbie and watching the spectacular fireworks show. To see Australia in all its glory on this national holiday, head on over to Sydney Opera House, where an unmissable concert will take place, featuring performances from Aussie musical artists, including Casey Donovan, William Barton, James Morrison, and Tim Campbell. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the concert will be accompanied by choreographed fireworks, yachts, and jet skis. Talking about jet skis, checking out the best beaches in Australia can be a great weekend activity if you’re there studying! 

11. Adelaide Fringe

Date: 17th February - 19th March
Location: Adelaide
Price: Free

One of the biggest arts festivals in Australia, Adelaide Fringe showcases a variety of events of all forms. You can catch a laugh at their comedy shows or sway along to the cabaret or dance performances. Known as the ‘People’s Festival’, Adelaide Fringe also has a circus and several theatre and visual arts performances. Why stick to being in the audience? Stand out from the rest of the crowd and get on stage with your very own act! Since anyone can register, the show is set to cross all bounds with some truly unique, quirky, and fascinating acts.

12. Mona Foma

Date: 17th Feb - 26th February & 24th - 26th February
Location: Launceston & Hobart
Price: NA

Held by a museum in Hobart named Museum of Old and New Art, this is one of the famous cultural festivals in Australia held in February. Mona Foma is held over two weeks in two different venues, Launceston and Hobart. Celebrating art, music, and culture, FOMA features a blend of modern and traditional genres, along with a vibrant atmosphere where creativity thrives. 

13. Melbourne International Arts Festival

Date: 17th February - 19th March
Location: Adelaide
Price: AU$3 - AU$8.50

The Melbourne International Arts Festival is one of the most prominent Australian festivals that celebrates the vibrant and diverse arts scene in Australia. Held annually in the cultural capital of Melbourne, this Australian festival showcases a wide array of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theatre, film, and more. As one of the leading festivals in Australia, it attracts both local and international artists, fostering a rich exchange of creative ideas and cultural experiences. With its eclectic lineup and innovative programming, the Melbourne International Arts Festival continues to play a vital role in promoting the arts and contributing to the cultural tapestry of Australia's festival landscape.

14. Melbourne Cup

Date: 5th November
Location: Melbourne 
Price: AU$20 - AU$90

The Melbourne Cup is one of the most iconic and highly anticipated Australian celebrations, celebrated as the premier horse racing event in the country. Held annually at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, this thrilling horse race attracts spectators from all corners of Australia and beyond. The Melbourne Cup is more than just a sporting event; it represents a unique cultural celebration that showcases the essence of Australia’s festivals. Race day is a public holiday in Melbourne, and people across the nation gather to watch the spectacle, dress in their finest attire, and participate in various festivities. With its rich history, fashion extravaganzas, and social gatherings, the Melbourne Cup exemplifies the vibrant spirit of festivals in Australia.

15. Moomba Festival

Date: 7th March- 11th March
Location: Melbourne
Price: Free

The Moomba Festival is one of the most vibrant and exciting Australia festivals celebrated annually in Melbourne. As an integral part of Australia’s rich tapestry of festivals, Moomba brings together people from all walks of life to revel in the spirit of unity and diversity. This iconic Australian festival showcases the essence of Australia’s festivals, with its colourful parades, thrilling water sports competitions on the Yarra River, and a plethora of cultural performances. With its roots dating back to the early 1950s, Moomba has evolved into a cherished tradition that epitomises the fun-loving and inclusive nature of festivals in Australia. It continues to captivate both locals and tourists alike, making it a must-attend celebration on the Australian festivals calendar.

16. Darwin Festival 

Date: 8th August - 25th August
Location: Northern Territory
Price: AU$25 - AU$48

The Darwin Festival stands as a vibrant testament to the rich tapestry of Australian festivals. Held in the tropical city of Darwin, this celebration captures the essence of diverse cultures and artistic expressions that Australia proudly showcases. Amidst the captivating performances and artistic exhibitions, the festival acts as a melting pot of creativity, bringing together locals and visitors alike to revel in the unique Australian spirit. As one of the many iconic festivals of Australia, the Darwin Festival offers a glimpse into the nation's vibrant cultural heritage and its commitment to celebrating the arts in all their forms.

17. Ultra Australia

Date: 13th April
Location: Melbourne & Sydney
Price: AU$155 - AU$349

Ultra Australia is one of the most anticipated festivals in Australia that ignite the country's vibrant music scene. As a key player among the many festivals in Australia, Ultra Australia stands out for its electrifying atmosphere and exceptional lineup of renowned international and local artists. Festival-goers from all corners of the country gather to celebrate their love for music and create unforgettable memories. The event showcases a diverse range of genres, from electronic dance music to cutting-edge performances, drawing music and party enthusiasts alike. With its pulsating energy and top-tier production, Ultra Australia has become a symbol of the thriving holidays and traditions in Australia, leaving a lasting impact on both attendees and the nation's music industry.

18. The Australian Open

Date: 14th January - 28th January
Location: Melbourne
Price: AU$139 - AU$145

The Australian Open is not just renowned for its thrilling tennis matches but also its unique blend of sportsmanship and cultural festivities. As one of the four prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournaments, it attracts players and spectators from all over the world to the vibrant city of Melbourne. Besides the intense competition on the court, the event coincides with the spirit of celebration that characterises Australia’s festivals. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Australian culture, with the city bustling with a variety of events, exhibitions, and performances. From the mesmerising displays of indigenous art to the lively music and dance showcases, the Australian Open truly encapsulates the essence of the festivals of Australia. It's a time when sports and culture converge, leaving everyone with unforgettable memories and experiences to cherish.

19. Rainbow Spirit Festival

Date: 27 Jan - 31 Jan
Location: Lexton, Victoria
Price: AU$40 - AU$50

Perhaps one of the biggest Australian music festivals and the Southern Hemisphere, the Rainbow Spirits Festival is a true celebration of electronic music. Formerly known as The Rainbow Serpent Festival, it is a four-day celebration of electronic music, art, and relaxation in a spiritual environment. On average, more than 15,000 people attend the festival every year. If you are a fan of music and have a spiritual side, ensure that you do not miss the Rainbow Spirit Festival.

20. Floriade

Date: 14th September - 13th October
Location: Canberra 
Price: Free

Floriade is one of the most celebrated and captivating festivals in Australia that showcases the nation's love for flora and vibrant outdoor festivities. Held annually in various cities across Australia, Floriade is renowned for its awe-inspiring floral displays and engaging cultural events. As one of the premier spring celebrations in Australia, it attracts both locals and tourists from around the world who come to witness the breathtaking floral arrangements and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere. The event not only highlights the country's rich horticultural heritage but also serves as a platform for artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents during the festival. You will also enjoy live entertainment, food and drink, horticultural workshops, bustling markets, and recreational activities. Floriade truly epitomises the essence of Australian festivals, joyfully and harmoniously combining nature's beauty with the celebration of creativity and culture.

From the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras to the incredible music festival Splendour in the Grass, the country is full of vibrant celebrations that bring people together. As the Australian saying goes, ‘there’s no party like an Aussie party’ - and with so many Australian celebrations and events to choose from, you’re sure to have a blast no matter where you go. So what are you waiting for? Grab your cobbers and head on to these festivals in Australia! If you’re a student, you might just want to stick around after the parties for all the benefits of studying in Australia!