Upcoming Events & Festivals in Australia 2024: Dates, Locations & Highlights

Imagine yourself amidst the pulsating energy of Australia's festive scene, where every event is a story waiting to be lived. As you weave through the bustling streets during the vivacious Adelaide Fringe or feel the reverberations of pulsing beats at the Byron Bay Bluesfest, you're not just a spectator, but part of a throbbing legacy of celebration. It's a panorama of exuberance where the past and present meld in a breath-taking celebration under the Southern Cross—each festival a chapter of this continent's sprawling narrative, each revelry a chance to write your own verse in Australia's storied history.

As the sun dips below the horizon, your adventure blooms under a blanket of stars at the captivating Uluru Camel Cup, where the outback's wild heart beats in tandem with thundering hooves. Or perhaps it is the sizzle and spice of gourmet delicacies that call to you at Melbourne's tantalising Food and Wine Festival.

Here, your palate embarks on an exquisite odyssey, sipping and savouring bold flavours as master chefs weave their culinary magic. With every bite, every laugh shared over glasses of fine shiraz, you're not just traversing a land vast and beautiful—you're savouring the very soul of Australia, one sumptuous, thrilling encounter at a time.

Upcoming Events & Festivals in Australia 2024: Dates, Locations & Highlights

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

Set your eyes upon ten nights of incredible light installations from a number of Aboriginal artists, all set against the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. Parrtjima is an annual festival showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth, take in the spectacular views while enjoying a program packed with artworks, lightshows, and music by local and national musicians.

Come for the festival fun, but stay for the rich history, incredible sightseeing and an authentic, memorable experience. From 7–16 April.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light in Australia

Tasting Australia

Get ready to feast like a king and drink like a queen at Tasting Australia in Adelaide or Tarntanya! This ten-day festival is the ultimate celebration of people, produce, and places, showcasing the very best of Australian cuisine. Get up close and personal with world-famous chefs as they work their culinary magic at the Chef's Table, or indulge in intimate tastings with Tasting Tables that will tantalise your taste buds.

And if you want to take your cooking skills to the next level, don't miss the Masterclasses where you'll learn from the very best in the business. So come join us from 28 April - 7 May for the longest running eating and drinking festival in Australia!

Tasting Australia is a popular event in the country

Gold Coast Film Festival

Lights, camera, action! The Gold Coast Film Festival in Brisbane, Queensland is the ultimate celebration of all things film and filmmaking, with a distinctly Gold Coast twist. As Queensland's premiere filmmaking location, the Gold Coast is the perfect place for this epic event. Get ready to be wowed by a program of over 100 films, panels, parties, pop-up cinemas, and special events that showcase Australia's extraordinary talent.

Whether you're a die-hard film buff or just love a good story, the GCFF has something for everyone. Swing by from 19-30 April and experience the magic of the movies in a whole new way!

Gold Coast Film Festival is one of the must-see festivals in Australia

Vivid Sydney

Prepare to have your mind blown, because the award-winning annual celebration of creativity, innovation, and technology is coming to Sydney this May - it's Vivid Sydney! With a renewed focus on the beauty and wonder of nature, this awe-inspiring festival will showcase the most cutting-edge artists, thinkers, musicians, and culinary experts of our time. Vivid Sydney, Naturally, embodies the theme for 2023, and promises to be an event like no other.

From 26 May - 17 June, the city will be transformed into a wonderland of colour, light, and sound, as we come together to celebrate the magic of nature. Don't miss out on the biggest and brightest event of the year!

Vivid Sydney is a famous festival in Australia

National Folk Festival

Get ready to dance, sing, and celebrate the best of folk traditions at the National Folk Festival in Canberra! This festival is all about participation, learning, listening, and creating, providing a hub for like-minded individuals to share their love of folk music.

With over 140 artists performing over five whole days, you'll be treated to an eclectic mix of epic performances and engaging workshops that showcase the very best of folk appreciation. Don't miss out on this amazing experience from 6 - 10 April!

You must experience the National Folk Festival when travelling in Australia

Adelaide Fringe

As you meander through the vivacious streets of Adelaide in the sultry Australian summer, be prepared to have your senses dazzled at the Adelaide Fringe, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most enchanting open-access arts festival.

Imagine an extravaganza where the city transforms into a canvas of creativity, splashed with the vibrant hues of hundreds of artists from around the globe. From quirky street performances that stop you in your tracks, to avant-garde theatre that challenges your perceptions, every corner of Adelaide buzzes with an infectious energy. Food stalls tempt your taste buds with local and international flavours, ensuring your culinary journey is as thrilling as the performances. The Adelaide Fringe is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of bold creativity, a feast for the senses, and a heart-warming gathering that encapsulates the spirit of inclusivity and adventure.

Byron Bay Bluesfest

Ah, the Byron Bay Bluesfest – where the pulsing heart of music beats under the Australian sun, creating an oasis of rhythm and soul that transcends mere performance. Nestled within the lush embrace of Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, this annual Easter event is more than a festival; it's a pilgrimage for the aurally adventurous.

As you saunter through the grounds, the very air thrums with blues, roots, folk, and the heady electricity of rock and roll. Renowned globally, this spectacle draws a chic crowd who revel in the eclectic line-up, from international icons to the thrilling discovery of obscure talents. Imagine this: you're sipping on a full-bodied red, toes delving into the grass, awash in the golden hue of the waning day, while melodies wrap around you, inviting you into the narrative woven by each artist's fervent performance.

Uluru Camel Cup

Dare to venture into the heart of Australia's vast, ochre-red desert for an experience that's as unique as it is exhilarating—the Uluru Camel Cup. This annual race, set against the iconic backdrop of Uluru, is not just a test of speed and endurance for the camels, but a spectacular celebration of Outback culture and camaraderie.

From the thunderous cheers of the crowd to the spirited competitors, the atmosphere is electric, infused with a sense of adventure that can only be found in the Australian desert. Beyond the races, immerse yourself in a smorgasbord of local festivities: think lively markets selling artisan wares, tantalising food stalls offering Outback delicacies, and toe-tapping live music that invites you into the night. It's a gathering that honours the traditional custodians of the land and celebrates the spirit of Australia, providing an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of this sunburnt country.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Stepping into the heart of Melbourne during the Food and Wine Festival, you find yourself embarking on a sensational journey that tantalises not just your palate but your spirit. Imagine strolling down the bustling, art-filled laneways on a cool autumn day, each corner promising a new culinary adventure that awaits your discovery. The air, rich with the aroma of sizzling, innovative dishes, seamlessly blends with the laughter and chatter of fellow food lovers, creating an atmosphere of shared delight and anticipation.

As you wander, you're invited to partake in an array of masterclasses where the secrets of culinary masters from across the globe are unveiled. Picture yourself, wine glass in hand, swirling a rich, deep red that speaks of Victoria's lush vineyards, each sip a story of the soil and soul it sprang from. The festival offers more than just a taste of world-renowned cuisines; it's a celebration of culture, connection, and the shared joy of discovery.

Perhaps the highlight of your journey is a rooftop cheese soiree, where under the starlit sky, you delve into the art of cheese-making, each sample a bite of heaven. Or maybe you're drawn to the allure of the indigenous ingredients, where the vibrant history of Australia's native foods is revealed, connecting you deeper to the land and its ancient stories.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Take a break from the ordinary and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Australia. With its awe-inspiring natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities, Australia is a destination like no other.

Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities, world-class dining and entertainment, or simply a chance to relax and unwind, this incredible country has something for everyone. From the stunning beaches of Sydney to the rugged outback of the Northern Territory, there's no limit to the amazing experiences waiting for you Down Under.

Remember to keep us updated with your exciting travel and dining experiences by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace on Instagram. We can't wait to see your posts! Have a safe and enjoyable journey!