Events in Tasmania

HUON VALLEY MID-WINTER FESTIVAL 2023

Please visit williesmiths.com.au/mid-winter

The Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival is all about celebrating the region's apple-picking history and at its core is the wassail: the ages-old tradition of scaring evil spirits from the orchard to bring on a bumper crop.

This year, we're returning to our roots with the festival to be held on an intimate scale at Willie Smith's Apple Shed.

All the festival's much-loved traditions make a comeback, including the Burning Man, Tassie's best folk-funk bands, the coveted costume competition, tales tall and true from Tassie’s best storytellers and - of course - the Wassail.

To book your travel and accommodation during the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival, please contact us via email holidays@tasvacations.com or by calling 1300 827 822.

DARK MOFO 2023

Please visit darkmofo.net.au/

Dark Mofo, Mona’s midwinter festival in Tasmania, delves into centuries-old winter solstice rituals.

Since its inception in 2013, Dark Mofo has delved into centuries-old rituals to explore the links between ancient and contemporary mythology, humans and nature, religious and secular traditions, darkness and light, and birth, death and renewal. Based around the southern hemisphere's winter solstice, every year we celebrate the dark through large-scale public art, music, fire, food, light and noise.

Signature events include the delectable Winter Feast on Hobart's waterfront and the colourful community celebration of the Ogoh-Ogoh parade and burning.

Make it an annual pilgrimage, for the Nude Solstice Swim, with more than 1000 people dropping their clothes and inhibitions to welcome back the light after the longest, coldest night in the nation.

To book your travel and accommodation during Dark MOFO 2023, please contact us via email holidays@tasvacations.com or by calling 1300 827 822.

BICHENO BEAMS

Please visit bichenobeams.com/

A family friendly celebration of light, BICHENO BEAMS will offer yet another exciting reason to visit our must stay destination. It will also provide opportunities for businesses and our community to thrive during the cooler months.

You will need to bring your smart phone or device and your ear phones to hear the spectacular music which accompanies the lights shining into the sky, away from homes and wildlife habitats.

BICHENO BEAMS is an unmissable annual event, drawing locals and visitors alike to celebrate the place we love.

You'll be welcomed by a team of local volunteers who will guide you to the viewing area. Come for two nights and see two different, alternating shows.

To book your travel and accommodation during Bicheno Beams, please contact us via email holidays@tasvacations.com or by calling 1300 827 822.

TASMANIAN WHISKY WEEK 2023

Please visit www.taswhiskyweek.com

Celebrating the achievements and craft of Tasmanian distillers, Tasmanian Whisky Week is a celebration of the numerous Tasmanian distilleries, their spirits and whisky.

It’s an opportunity to welcome visitors to the state, host events, and engage with our customers on a personal level. This is an opportunity to showcase Tasmania as a whole, adding value to all of the existing tourist ventures.

To book your travel and accommodation during Tasmanian Whisky Week, please contact us via email at holidays@tasvacations.com or by calling 1300 827 822.

2023 SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE

The Sydney Hobart is a 628 nautical mile yacht race which begins in Sydney Harbour and finishes in Hobart.

Be part of the scene at one of the world's great blue water classics.

Each December you can see the world's greatest yachts charging through Sydney Heads as they take part in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Once through The Heads, they turn south knowing they are casting their fate to the might of the great Southern Ocean and the winds of the Roaring Forties. The 628 nautical mile course is described as one of the most gruelling ocean races in the world. Since 1945, this blue water classic has thrilled Australians.

Thousands line Sydney Harbour or form farewell flotillas to cheer the departing yachties. Days later, in Hobart, the excitement builds as news of who will be the first boat to arrive comes through.

2023 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race : 25 Dec 2023 - 2 Jan 2024.

TARGA 2023

Please visit targa.com.au

TARGA Tasmania gives you access to some of the world’s ultimate driving roads, where the most exciting challenges are waiting to be conquered. TARGA Tasmania travels over 2,000kms across seven days. Starting in Launceston, the course will take you around the island state of Tasmania; one of the world’s greatest wilderness locations. Overnight locations for the 2023 event are as follows:

For accommodation bookings during the event please contact our Groups Department on 03 6234 4666 or groups@tasvacations.com.

NEW YEAR'S EVE IN ROYAL PARK

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style in Launceston’s picturesque Royal Park.

Gates open at 4.00 pm – 12.30 am featuring over 200 of the finest hand-crafted beers, ciders, cocktails and wines; perfectly complemented by the most decadent Tasmanian street eats. Plus live music featuring Tassie legends Luca Brasi and The Hype DJ set; live comedy, masterclasses, wine-food pairings and live demonstrations and two fireworks shows (9.30 pm and midnight).

Please visit beerfestivals.com.au

TASMANIA'S TASTE OF SUMMER

As one of Tasmania’s most popular summer festivals, we’re bringing the best of the state’s food, drinks and local entertainment. Taking place on Hobart’s iconic waterfront, the Taste of Summer offers a memorable family-friendly experience, welcoming all Tasmanians and visitors alike. With a safe and spacious layout, this year’s festival is guaranteed to offer a sustainable, quality-driven event that showcases Tasmania’s wonderful and unique producers.

So come and fill a plate, raise your glass, and celebrate the Taste of Summer.

The Taste of Tasmania : 28 December 2023 - 03 January 2024.

FESTIVALE

Festivale is Tasmania’s premium summer event, a three day celebration designed to showcase Tasmanian food, beverages and entertainment

Staged in Launceston’s iconic City Park, the ambiance of this outdoor event is unique. Held annually, Festivale attracts around 28,000 patrons and takes place on the first weekend of February. Originally established in 1988 as a multi-cultural street party, it has evolved into an iconic Tasmanian event, drawing people together to celebrate what Tasmania has to offer the world.

Festivale : 02 - 04 Feb 2024.

To book your travel and accommodation during Festivale, please contact us via email holidays@tasvacations.com or by calling 1300 827 822.

What's on at THE THEATRE ROYAL?

Theatre Royal Season 2023

The Theatre Royal is Australia’s oldest working theatre and one of its most beautiful treasures. In 2012 we celebrated the 175th anniversary of the first performance in 1837. Today the Theatre Royal is not just a piece of Tasmania’s history but a living centre for the performing arts. It presents an annual program of live theatre, contemporary music, dance and entertainment.

The Theatre Royal Box Office is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am – 5.00pm, or you can book online 24/7 – www.theatreroyal.com.au.

Click here to see what’s on while you’re in town.

HARVEST LAUNCESTON MARKETS

Meet the farmers, connect with locals and feast your eyes on baskets brimming with Tasmania's freshest seasonal produce, ethical meat and fish, local dairy, artisan bread and pastries, bright summer berries or blushing autumn apples. Savour a locally roasted coffee and taste your way around our foodie state at this vibrant weekly event before collecting a myriad of premium produce, cool-climate wines, artisan ciders and home-made preserves for the journey home.
Harvest Launceston Community Farmers' Market is held every Saturday from 8.30am until 12.30pm at 71 Cimitiere Street. Entry via Cimitiere Street or via Cameron Street, in the car park opposite The Grand Chancellor Hotel, Launceston.

Please visit harvestmarket.org.au/

SALAMANCA MARKETS

Salamanca Market showcases over 300 stallholders every Saturday and is an experience not to be missed. It’s the best place to find Tasmanian-designed and handmade products and discover the heart of a creative island. You will meet local artisans, designers, collectors and producers and discover the story behind the makers that make a visit to Salamanca Market so special.

Salamanca Market is the most visited tourist attraction in Tasmania and is open every Saturday from 8.30 am to 3 pm. The market is centrally located at historic Salamanca Place, nestled against historic Georgian sandstone warehouses. It is home to galleries, restaurants and cafes and is only a short stroll to the city centre. Salamanca Market is proudly owned and operated by the City of Hobart.

Please visit salamancamarket.com.au/home

HOBART TWILIGHT MARKETS

Hobart comes alive at the Hobart Twilight Market – a family and dog-friendly Friday night market showcasing the best of Tasmanian eats, drinks, design, and music. With live music showcasing homegrown talents, passionate stallholders who’ll share their story with you, and a thriving village atmosphere, the scene is set for a wonderful Friday night!

Hobart’s Friday night twilight market operates from Long Beach at Lower Sandy Bay overlooking the Derwent River on the first and second Fridays between November - March, and selected Fridays year-round at Brooke Street Pier. A perfect place to relax on a Friday night.

Visit the Hobart Twilight Market at 17 Beach Road, Sandy Bay and 12 Franklin Wharf, Brooke Street Pier

Please check hobarttwilightmarket.com.au for all dates and further detail

AGFEST MAY TBC 2024

Please visit agfest.com.au/

Agfest takes great pride in offering something for everyone to see and do. Whether you are in the market for new machinery, a new vehicle or just interested in seeing what is new on the market, Agfest is the place for you. Interested in history and where agriculture has come from? The Heritage Display is where you need to go to. Looking for a gift for Fathers Day? The Craft Pavilions showcase some of the best handmade craft Tasmania has to offer. And when you need to take a break, stop at one of our Quercus Tastes food areas where you can enjoy some great Tasmanian produce.

To book your travel and accommodation during AGFEST, please contact us via email holidays@tasvacations.com or by calling 1300 827 822.