Australia is home to some of the world’s most exciting festivals, from massive arts celebrations to music, food and cultural events all across the country.
If you’re studying in Australia in 2026, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing these festivals for yourself. It’s the perfect chance to discover new artists, taste local foods, and explore Aussie culture.
Here’s your month-by-month guide to the best festivals happening around the country.
January
Flickerfest - NSW
Australia’s leading short-film festival premieres at Bondi Beach before touring nationally. Many emerging filmmakers have had their first films played here, and festival selections are eligible to be nominated for Academy Awards.
Australian Open - VIC
One of the world’s four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the Australian Open kicks off the global tennis calendar each January at Melbourne Park. Grab a ticket to see the sport’s biggest stars in action, or pick up a ground pass and enjoy live music, fan zones and food markets.
February
Adelaide Fringe - SA
Get your fix of comedy, cabaret, theatre, dance and music at the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest arts festival. Hundreds of nightly shows are hosted throughout the city, so you can take your pick of the best comedy, cabaret, theatre, dance, music and much more. Pop into the Garden of Unearthly Delights or Gluttony for a drink and a bite before your show.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras - NSW
One of the most iconic LGBTQIA+ festivals in the world. Famous for its dazzling Oxford Street Parade, huge dance parties, community events and performances featuring local and international artists.
March
WOMADelaide - SA
A world music and arts festival set in Adelaide’s leafy Botanic Park, whose past performers have included Bon Iver, The Cat Empire and Baker Boy. In between sets, why not try a dance workshop or sample a new cuisine?
CMC Rocks - QLD
CMC Rocks QLD is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest country music festival. Alongside the main stage performances, the festival includes karaoke, line dancing, meet-and-greets and food trucks - creating a fun community atmosphere for country fans.
April
Parrtjima - a Festival in Light - NT
A beautiful and unique First Nations light festival in Alice Springs. Running over ten days, the festival features huge desert-scale projections, soundscapes and artworks created with Indigenous artists and communities. If you haven’t travelled to Australia’s red centre yet, there’s no better time than April.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival - VIC
See stand-up, improv comedy and sketches by international and local comedians, from the up-and-coming new talents to the well-known stars. Want to give stand-up a go? Sign up for one of the festival’s open mic competitions!
May
Tasting Australia - SA
Ten days of delicious food and drink - what could be better? Join hands-on cooking classes, attend wine and beer masterclasses, explore guided food tours in nearby regions like the Barossa Valley, or enjoy long-table lunches featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Bassinthegrass - NT
A massive beachside music festival in Darwin, known for attracting big Australian acts. The 2026 lineup includes Denzel Curry, Mallrat, G Flip and Kita Alexander.
Vivid - NSW
Vivid Sydney is an annual celebration of creativity, innovation and technology, which transforms the city for 23 days and nights. More than 50 international and Australian artists are set to take over the Sydney Opera House, with plenty of free program highlights to enjoy, too!
RISING - VIC
RISING is a festival of new art, performance and music. In 2026, the festival will host 100 events, including a free all-ages dance party at Fed Square and the launch of the Australian Dance Biennale.
June
Dark Mofo - TAS
Dark Mofo is a winter festival held by the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart. Known for its experimental (and sometimes controversial) art performances and installations, night-time events, live music and the iconic Winter Solstice Feast.
Sydney Film Festival - NSW
One of Australia’s longest-running film festivals, showcasing hundreds of international and Australian films across cinemas in Sydney. For film fans, it’s an amazing chance to discover new directors, see movies before they come out in cinemas and hear filmmakers speak about their work.
July
Illuminate Adelaide - SA
The city streets and parklands of Adelaide light up in July, from interactive installations to digital projections. The festival has also attracted some big musical acts, including Gorillaz, Yothu Yindi and Kim Gordon.
Festival of Voices - TAS
The country’s biggest singing festival, Festival of Voices brings people from all across the country together with the power of music. You don’t have to be a professional to attend their workshops or performances - anyone can get involved.
August
Darwin Festival - NT
Escape the cold and enjoy a tropical festival in Darwin’s dry season. Darwin Festival is an 18-day celebration of music, theatre, comedy and First Nations arts and storytelling, held all throughout the city.
Ekka (Royal Queensland Show) - QLD
Known locally as ‘Ekka’, the Royal Queensland Show is one of Australia’s most popular agricultural festivals, held at the Brisbane Showgrounds. Get a taste of country Queensland with livestock and produce competitions alongside carnival rides, showbags, live music and fireworks.
September
Floriade - ACT
Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, Floriade transforms Canberra’s Commonwealth Park into a garden filled with over a million flowers. It’s one of the most beautiful events in Australia, and a perfect excuse to explore the nation’s capital during spring.
Brisbane Festival - QLD
Experience Brisbane at its best during Queensland’s biggest arts festival. The city comes alive with events along the Brisbane River, including pop-up stages, art installations and the spectacular opening weekend fireworks event, Riverfire.
October
Oktoberfest In The Gardens - SA, QLD, WA, NSW, VIC
Held across the country, Australia's biggest Oktoberfest celebration is inspired by the traditional Bavarian festival, featuring beer halls, authentic German food stalls, roving performers, and thrill rides.
Adelaide Film Festival - SA
South Australia’s largest film festival, showcasing brand new Australian and international cinema across the city.
November
Sculpture by the Sea - NSW
One of the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibitions. The scenic Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk is transformed into a seaside gallery, with art installations and large sculptures placed along the route.
Strawberry Fields - NSW
A unique three-day music and arts festival held on the banks of the Murray River. With camping under the trees and performances from emerging and established artists, it’s known for its creative, community atmosphere.
December
Woodford Folk Festival – QLD
Six days of music, arts and culture held just outside Brisbane. The festival features hundreds of performances, workshops, markets and a magical New Year’s Day closing ceremony.
Lost Paradise - NSW
Ring in the New Year at Lost Paradise, a four-day music, arts and wellness festival set in the scenic Glenworth Valley, just north of Sydney. Beyond the tunes, you can relax with yoga classes and meditation sessions, and spend your nights camping under the stars.
