With warm weather and a long study break, summer is the best time to get out and about and enjoy the best of Australia.
Luckily, there’s plenty going on around the country to keep you entertained. Whether you’re into arts, music, culture, food and drink or anything else, you’ll find an awesome summer festival!
Enlighten Festival, ACT
Dates: 28 February – 10 March
Student discounts: N/A
Getting there: Public transport or via the free shuttle bus
Canberra’s Enlighten Festival illuminates the country’s capital with light installations and projections, art, music and performance.
Don’t miss the Canberra Balloon Spectacular from the 15th to the 23rd of March, where hundreds of air balloons will drift gracefully across the sky.
Adelaide Fringe, SA
Dates: February – March
Student discounts: Yes!
Getting there: Public transport is your best bet.
If you’re looking to celebrate art, comedy, theatre and everything in between, get on down to the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest arts festival.
The program spans more than 1,400 shows. Make sure to check out the Garden of Unearthly Delights festival precinct for some odd and unexpected sideshows!
Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Dates: 27 December – 1 January
Student discounts: No
Getting there: Drive or catch the Festival Express
The Woodford Folk Festival is a mainstay of Australia’s summer lineup. This year, you can see local acts like Baker Boy, Lenka and Meg Washington, as well as international performers.
Parkes Elvis Festival, NSW
Dates: 18 – 20 January
Student discounts: No, but plenty of free events
Getting there: 4-5 hour drive from Canberra or Sydney
If you’re a lover of the bizarre and unique, head to the rural NSW town of Parkes for their celebration of the king of rock and roll.
Along with dance workshops, trivia and other fun events, get along to the parade to see hundreds of Elvis and Priscilla impersonators and some awesome classic cars!
Laneway Festival, various
Dates: 6 – 16 February
Student discounts: No
Getting there: Public transport
One of Australia’s biggest music festivals is back for 2025, with a lineup including Charli XCX, Djo, Beabadoobee and many more.
But get in quick! Melbourne and Sydney are already sold out, but tickets still remain for Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Sydney Mardi Gras, NSW
Dates: 14 February – 2 March
Student discounts: No, but plenty of free events
Getting there: Public transport
Sydney’s Mardi Gras has become one of the world’s largest celebrations of LGBTQIA+ culture, perseverance and self-expression.
There are tons of awesome free and paid events across the festival, from parties to performances. Make sure you get to the parade, featuring over 200 floats, dancers and incredible costumes galore!
Taste of Summer, TAS
Dates: 28 December – 4 January
Student discounts: To some events
Getting there: Parking and public transport available
Celebrate everything that makes Tasmania great! At this exciting festival, you’ll find stalls serving fresh seafood, wine and spirits, and other farm-to-table delicacies, as well as music, culture and art.
Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve concert featuring the Hoodoo Gurus!
Festival tips for students
Prepare ahead
Buy your tickets, figure out your transport to and from the venue and book any accommodation you need nice and early to avoid missing out or paying more.
Make a plan
For bigger festivals, it’s a good idea to look at the program and figure out what you want to see well in advance. If you’re attending with friends, choose a place to meet if you get separated — phone service can be unreliable at festivals!
Come prepared
You’ll likely be out in warm weather, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen for your stay. Heat can also be dangerous, so take regular breaks from dancing and other activities.
Have fun!
Most of all, make sure you enjoy yourself! Whether you’re keen to grab some free swag, check out the merch, head to an after party or just chill out and soak up the atmosphere, make sure you focus on having a great time and get the most out of your festival experience.
