Some of the links in this post are affiliates. If you make a purchase, we will give you a commission. It's a good idea to read disclosure.

People love a good festival. Apparently everyone is in Australia.

You might think of Australia as a country full of rich wildlife and jaw-dropping natural environments, but you might be surprised by how many festivals and events there are each year.

New Year's Eve fireworks displays, rural country music festivals, and art and fringe festivals are just some of the things to do in Australia.

It can be difficult to decide which festival to go to in Australia in the year 2023.

If you don't know which festival you want to attend in the year ahead, take a look at the list below.

The Best Australian Festivals and Events

In no particular order, here are the best events to attend in Australia in the years to come.

1. Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney Festival
  • When: 26th May – 17th June 2023
  • Where: Sydney
  • Website: VividSydney.com

At night, the city is transformed into a colorful canvas of light, music, and ideas. There is a free lighting display around The Rocks District and Circular Quay.

Light shows, art installations, illuminated skyscrapers, and large-scale 3D mapping projections are some of the things that can be seen at the festival.

Every year the Australian festival is just as enjoyable as the last.

2. Carols by Candlelight

Carols in the Domain
Carols by Candlelight
  • When: December 24th
  • Where: Melbourne
  • Website: VisionAustralia.org

Carols by Candlelight is held in Australia. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl has hosted the event for over 80 years.

This is a great way to celebrate Christmas.

You should arrive early with a picnic blanket and chairs. Some of Australia's biggest stars give a Christmas performance.

There is more to come. Candlelight has Carols by Candlelight in Australia. Every year, Carols in the Domain is held in the Domain Gardens in New South Wales. It is 40 years since it was held. You can check back for future dates.

3. Sculptures by the Sea

Sculptures on the rocks by the Sea, Bondi, NSW
Coral by Coral Collective | Credit: Tourism Australia
  • When: 3rd – 20th March 2023
  • Where: Cottesloe
  • Website: SculptureByTheSea.com

The Sculptures by the Sea is an annual event that takes place along the Tamarama stretch of the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

There are sculptures in the sand. There are over 100 works by artists from Australia and overseas exhibited, and each piece adds to the dramatic natural setting.

Dates for the event vary each year. You can see the dates for Bondi in Cottlesloe in March of 2023.

There is a permanent exhibit on the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail.

4. Sydney New Year’s Eve

New Years Resolutions
Bring on the New Year
  • When: December 31st 2022 – January 1st 2023
  • Where: Sydney Harbor

The most spectacular fireworks display in the world takes place there. New Year's Eve on the Harbour in Australia is one of the highlights of the year.

We're still not sure if it's a good idea, but we want to go on a Harbour Cruise in a prime position overlooking the bridge and Opera House, with the waiter giving us oysters and wine all night.

5. Byron Bay Blues Fest (Bluesfest)

Byron Bay Bluesfest in Pictures

Folk, soul, blues, and rock are all found in the town ofByron Bay.

Bring a laid back attitude and a pair of boots. The festival has a lot of fun for all ages.

The event has more than 200 gig across a week, as well as food stalls and beer counters, so you can enjoy the festivities.

We went to the Blues fest and liked it. There is a festival in Australia and it's not to be missed.

6. Adelaide Festival

dancers performing at the adelaide fringe festical
Strut & Fret, LIMBO | Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

The best in theatre, dance, music, film and the arts come to town in the month of March.

The fringe festival has grown so much that it is supported by the festival every year.

7. Australia Day, January 26th

couple posing for camera with sydney opera houes behind them
Sydney Harbor is a great place to celebrate Australia Day
  • When: 26th January 2023
  • Where: Everywhere

On the 26th of January, roofs will be raised across Australia to celebrate Australia Day. One day of the year is when Australians can celebrate being Aussies.

The establishment of the first permanent European settlement in Australia is celebrated on this day.

On January 26th, 1788, Arthur Phillip sailed with a shipload of convicts to what is now known as Sydney Cove.

If you want to celebrate this day, you can head to the beach or the park for a picnic and a game of cricket. There are fireworks and events all over the country. Come celebrate with us on our national day.

8. Tamworth Country Music Festival

singer perfomring on stage looking at the crowd at the tamowrth country music festival
Credit: Tourism Tamworth
  • When: 13th – 22nd January 2023
  • Where: Tamworth
  • Website: tcmf.com.au

There is no need to like country music to attend the festival.

It is one of the best Australian events for tourists to visit because it feels authentic and fulfilling.

Pubs will be full of patrons, live music, and mechanical bulls, and every street corner will have a busker playing. There is a lot for country music fans at this festival.

The Australian Country Music Awards include concerts from Australia's best country stars.

9. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

group of gay men in rainbow costumes smiling at camera at Sydney gay and lesbian mardi gras
Credit: Tourism Australia

One of the hottest festivals in Australia is the gay pride parade in the city of Sydney.

Every year at the end of February, the LGBTQ community celebrates with a parade on Oxford Street in fancy dress and flamboyant costumes.

It's a great way to raise awareness and support the community.

10. Australian Tennis Open, Melbourne

empty tennis court at australia open
  • When: 16th January – 29th January 2023
  • Where: Melbourne
  • Website: AusOpen.com

Australia has a grand slam event. Live daily entertainment includes free music concerts and DJ sessions.

You can see the tennis matches from the box.

Outside the arena, big screens are set up for people who can't get tickets or who don't want to. The atmosphere is going to be great.

11. Perth International Arts Festival

crowds gathering at on cottlesloe beach
DAWN Opening ceremony on Cottesloe Beach

The PIAF has been going on for 60 years. It is Australia's longest- running arts festival and the longest in the southern hemisphere.

There is a wide variety of performing arts at the Perth Writers Festival.

Performers are drawn from Australia and around the world and the schedule of events are held at Venues throughout the city of Perth.

12. Henley on Todd Regatta, Northern Territory

ships racing on dry creek bed at Henly on Todd regatta
Battle Boat Spectacular | Credit: Henley on Todd Inc
  • When: 19th August 2023
  • Where: Alice Springs
  • Website: HenleyTodd.com.au

One of Australia'swackiest festivals is the Henley on Todd regatta. The regatta is on a river in the middle of the country.

The contestants are racing through the dry riverbed.

The deep coarse sand of the Todd River is a sight to behold.

Every year there is a regatta on the river in the United Kingdom. Don't mix up the two...

13. The Rocks Aroma Festival, Sydney

people on Sydney HArbour with views of the bridge enjoying the aroma festival
Aroma Festival at The Rocks | Credit: Tourism Australia
  • When: 2023 dates to be determined…
  • Where: The Rocks, Sydney
  • Website: TheRocks.com

There will be coffee, chocolate, tea, and spices at the festival. Don't say you're not sold yet.

The Rocks area of Australia was the hub for international trade for over a hundred years.

It is time to sample coffee from some of the world's best roasters, as well as chocolate-Dipped strawberries and cupcakes.

There are also belly dancers, salsa and samba, and camel rides next to the world's most beautiful harbour.

You should add the dates to your calendar as soon as possible.

14. RISING Melbourne

giant light display of a creature at rising melbourne
Credit: Rising Melbourne

RISING took up the mantle after the festival ended.

Described as a "festival of the night", RISING is all about the arts of all kinds.

The newest festival in Victoria dedicated to the arts is held every June in Naarm.

15. Brisbane Festival

man standing next to giant pink inflatable bunny
BNEFest bunny in Brisbane

The freedom of expression is a big part of the festival. It is an arts festival that takes place all around the city, with multi- arts programs, installations, and performances held around all the monuments.

Diversity and creativity have always been celebrated in the city. The goal of the festival is to help artists realize their dreams. They want to make it impossible for our audience and artists.

The Warana Festival had been running for more than 50 years.

16. AFL Grand Final Day

Simon Buckley (R) evades a tackle during Collingwood's win over Fremantle on June 30, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia.
AFL football
  • When: Last Friday of September
  • Where: Melbourne

The last Friday of September is when the grand final is held.

The Australian Football League Final takes place the next day after a huge parade.

It is a public holiday in Victoria because it is so important to the people.

If you are in Melbourne on this day, you should catch the parade. The streets are lined with people watching the players on their floats, the mascots waving, and the marching bands playing.

17. Rabbits Eat Lettuce Festival

The festival is all about freedom, love, music, art, and performance.

You will see live dance music performed on stages and art installations across the grounds.

Set in a stunning natural environment, connect with nature and music, engage in yoga, or share stories with other festival goers.

The Rabbits Eat Lettuce started out as a tribal Easter party in New South Wales.

The festival started as a forest dance party.

We like it because it is a little bit hippie.

18. Woodford Folk Festival

people standing in the rain at woodford folk festival
Credit: Woodford Folk Festival

The Wood- Ford Folk Festival is one of the best music festivals in Australia. Many people think that it is one of the best contemporary music festivals in Australia.

It is similar to the Woodstock of Australia.

The festival grounds are located in a forested area that is home to the Jinibara Nation.

Taking a workshop can help you get involved with the folk scene. Arts and crafts, jewelry making, and herbal first aid can be learned. There are talks about self- improvement.

Come away from this festival with new skills and a positive attitude.

You should add this to your bucket list if you want to attend a music festival in Australia.

Before You Go

These are the best festivals and events in Australia in the next five years. There is a lot of fun to be had at any event.

Festivals in Australia are always different. A celebration of rich culture, music, art, tradition, and performance is what Aussie events are all about.

Australia Travel Tips

Are you going to visit Australia in the near future? These resources can be useful to you.

Plan Your Trip to Australia

We have been traveling for 24 years and have come to rely on a few trusted websites that save us money and time. Our partners are listed below.

There are flights.

  • Skyscanner is a comparison website that searches millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (no extra fees).
  • Scotts Cheap Flights is also fantastic to discover hidden deals and amazing prices

There is a car rental.

  • RentalCars.com is the world’s biggest car rental booking service that compares all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar.

There is accommodation.

  • Booking.com has over 11,000 properties in Australia including hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. You get free cancelation on most rooms and the best price guarantee.

The map below shows where you can find a place to stay.

Do you like to attend any festivals or events in Australia? We want to know in the comments.

man standing next to giant pink inflatable bunny Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest