What's on summer 2019/20 – events

Tasmania’s summer is just right. Our temperate climate makes for a near-perfect summer season. Crisp blue skies, bright sun, and happy people invite visitors to bask in all the elements of summer. Immerse yourself in a season of socialising and celebrating. Summer is here, it’s time to let the sunshine in!

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 

Celebrating 75 Years of Australia’s Iconic Yacht Race
26th December – 1st January 2020

Be at Constitution Dock to watch the salt-encrusted sailors cross the finish line victoriously after 628 gruelling nautical miles from Sydney, like sea warriors returning from battle. This year’s event marks the 75^th annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the iconic southward sail that stops the nation. One of the world’s toughest ocean races, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race pits sailors against the might of the great Southern Ocean and the wild winds of the Roaring Forties. Hobart is the finishing line for this international yacht race, sought out by passionate yachty and maritime lovers. To join in the landmark event, visit the race village on Constitution Dock with plenty of food and fun for the family. We’ll catch you for “a quiet little drink” at your choice of the Hobart waterfront eateries and bars post-race. With the race being unpredictable in every way, wandering the docks after the race is fascinating - watch and listen on as the yachties debrief and recall tales (tall and otherwise) of the open ocean.

Ahoy mateys at www.rolexsydneyhobart.com

The Taste of Tasmania

Dine on Tasmania’s finest produce on Hobart’s iconic waterfront
28^th December – 3^rd January 2020

A celebration of Tasmania’s best food and drink? Yes, please. After you have congratulated the winning yachties, pop on over to the Taste of Tasmania festival at Princes Wharf Shed on Hobart’s docks. This year’s Taste is shaping up to celebrate pride of place and community connection. This year ‘the Taste’ (as it’s affectionately known) will have the most culturally diverse food stall selections in the festival’s history, with a focus on local, seasonal and vegetarian produce. The pop-up style of the festival will feature local chef collaborations fuelled by community spirit to offer something a bit different to Hobart’s year-round dining scene. This year’s theme will be ‘beehive’ drawing awareness of endangered bumblebees in the state. The Taste has also partnered with local charity Loaves and Fishers to manage food waste and give back to the local community. All decorative elements of the festival will be repurposed, recycled, and reused. With strong creative energy breathing new life into the Taste lead by Festival Director Brooke Webb, it’s set to be a stellar Hobart summer event.

Did we mention entry is free? Find your fave Tassie food stall at www.thetasteofsummer.com.au

The Falls Festival Marion Bay

Revel in the beauty of Marion Bay and summer music
29^th December – 1^st January 2020

Tasmania’s glorious Marion Bay is set to host the 27^th annual Falls Festival this New Year. With a super summer line-up lead by international acts Halsey, Vampire Weekend, and Disclosure alongside local Aussie favourites Peking Duk, Pnau, and Vera Blue. John Farnham has even made a comeback (again) - sing your little heart out to “You’re the Voice”. Marion Bay is a pristine location to bring in the next decade, with the local beach for a fresh morning dip, and a range of food vans for festival tucker. Spend the last days of 2019 soaking in the sunshine, perched on the hill watching over top music acts with a stunning ocean view to compliment. As always, The Village will host cabaret acts bringing quirk, kook, and fun, and the Homebrewed stage will celebrate live local music. Save your pennies from those mainland ticket prices and make the most of a wild Tassie summer with 3-day tickets from $309, 2 days from $259 and 3 days + camping from $409. All ages are welcome, with the launch of payment plans now available if you’re waiting for Nan’s Christmas money to come through.

Tickets are selling now, don’t be that mate who misses out www.fallsfestival.com

Launceston Beerfest

Launceston’s Royal Park Becomes a Beer Hub this NYE
31st December 2020

Let Tasmania’s north show you how to party. Bring in the New Year with a brew in hand at the Launceston Beerfest. Australia’s longest-running beer festival is hosted at Royal Park in Launceston. Revellers can dabble in beer tastings from the curated and crafted to the bold and exotic, with exclusive festival brews on tap and beer masterclasses with industry experts for the brewers and passion seekers. Pair your beverage with local street eats from Launceston’s top eateries. Entertainment will bring on the night with live music acts including headliners Art Versus Science, alongside the comedy tent, and fireworks display at twilight for the kiddies and midnight for you party animals. Accommodation packages are available in partnership with the Hotel Grand Chancellor and range from $150 - $300, but if you’re feeling extra fancy you can hire a VIP marquee to bring in the New Year in style.

Get your pints ready at www.launceston.beerfestivals.com.au

Cygnet Folk Festival

Celebrating all things folk music in the Cygnet community
10^th – 12^th January 2020

The vibrant community of Cygnet hosts Australia’s most iconic folk music festival mid-January highly regarded by musicians and festival-goers alike. Drive 50 minutes south of Hobart to find Cygnet, a food and cultural hub of the Huon Valley. The festival celebrates a collection of eclectic music genres through local and international talented folk artists. Tasmania’s leading celebration of folk and world music, dance, poetry, performance art, food, and cultural pursuits. Whether your drop-in, camp or glamp, immerse yourself in the energy of Cygnet, and a rich cultural community event for creative minds and hearts. Whilst you’re there, call into the newly opened local eatery the Port Cygnet Cannery for some yummy treats or a long lunch.

Celebrate 37 years of folk and fun at www.cygnetfolkfestival.org

Hobart International

Tennis’ top female talent hit Hobart
11^th – 18^th January 2020

Racquets at the ready, the Hobart International will be hosted at the Domain Tennis Centre January 11^th – 18^th in 2020. Watch top tennis talent battle out with a glass of sparkling in hand, to the backdrop of Hobart’s scenic river and mountain. Celebrate top female athletes with live music, the finest local food and drink, and a twilight market. Having hosted some of the biggest names in tennis like Serena Williams, Dinara Safina and Australian number one Sam Stosur, the Hobart International is Tasmania’s premier international women’s sporting event and a lead-in tournament for players to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the Australian Open.

Lady Power! www.hobartinternational.com.au

Mona Foma

No plane? No worries. Don’t miss this emerging summer festival.
11^th – 19^th January 2020

Where Dark Mofo heats-up the south in the depths of winter, Mona Foma brightens our summer days in the north. There ain’t no party like a Launceston party, and this year’s festival is no exception. Squeeze in over 400 artists across 25 venues including Festival HQ at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, the Cataract Gorge, the Princess Theatre and Albert Hall. The line-up promises immersive art installations, unexpected world premieres and Australian exclusives such as national treasure Paul Kelly, a long-time friend of Tasmania and honorary cartographer, Amanda Palmer, and a puppet show of King Ubu by locally loved puppeteers, Terrapin. For those crazy cats who want to kick-on till dawn (literally), Faux Mo will run from 9 pm to 5 am. Yep, Dolly is proud. Festival passes come in many forms, from all access to ticketed events. So chuck on a silly costume and lap up a summer in Launceston.

This is the Launceston summer festival you don’t want to miss, www.mofo.net.au

Ginuary Hobart Festival

The Tasmanian summer gin event
25^th January 2020

It’s no secret that Tasmanian Gin is crafted with care, and now there is a festival to celebrate it! The Goods Shed in Hobart will play host gin lovers and learners from far and wide in a celebration of all things distilled and botanical. Sample generous tastings from local acclaimed distilleries such as McHenry, Southern Wild, Sud Polaire, Forty Spotted, Redlands and The Able Gin Co. There’s also a cocktail bar, the opportunity connect with local distillers in the gin-inspired garden, and a keepsake glass to take home. Tickets are priced from $45 - $95, depending on how much you love a summer tipple.

… And the award for the most pun-tastic festival name goes to... Gin-uary Hobart Festival! www.ginuaryhobart.com.au

Festivale

Fabulous Food Festival at Launceston’s City Park
31^st January – 2^nd February 2020

The annual Launceston foodie festival takes over the central City Park on the last weekend in January. From the very best Tasmanian food and wine, beer, cider, and spirits, to the quality arts and entertainment program, this three-day festival is a firm local favourite and celebrate of all that tastes good. Festivale celebrates everything fabulous about Tasmanian food and drinks, alfresco style under the soaring trees in Launceston’s historic (and oasis-like cool) City Park. 35,000 people enjoy more than 75 stalls, sideline events, cooking demonstrations, the Kids Kingdom and music over the three days, sipping and savouring morsels from near and far around the state. Sample, learn and taste at masterclasses or feast with friends at curated lunch events hosted acclaimed Tasmanian chefs. This year’s entertainment highlights featuring Vanessa Amorosi, Eskimo Joe, and The Whitlams. Check-out why Launceston is an emerging destination by tasting Launceston’s delicious food and drink offerings. 

Take your pick – book a table, a masterclass or a hosted guest chef lunch at www.festivale.com.au