Welcome to Southern Tasmania, where our winter events come alive with fire, food, art, nude swims and music.
You might think winter is a time to huddle up and stay indoors, but here in Southern Tasmania, it’s the time to experience all things wild, arty and wonderful. We rug up, get out into the refreshing winter air, and immerse ourselves in all that’s happening throughout the region. Now’s the time to get your calendars out and save the date. Our southern Tasmania winter events calendar is just starting to fire up.
Lands of Light: Lloyd Rees and Tasmania
1 April – 27 October 2024
This exhibition celebrates the work of Lloyd Rees (1895-1988), particularly his works painted in Tasmania between 1967 and 1988. Rees was one of the pre-eminent Australian landscape artists of the twentieth century and a highly accomplished painter, draughtsman and printmaker.
Fancy Granny Secret Supper Club at The Bowmont
8 June 2024
This winter, indulge in the Secret Supper Club hosted by The Bowmont. This heritage building, usually exclusive to accommodation guests, unveils its mystique for a limited-time culinary escapade. Delight in three-courses of Huon Valley’s finest produce. Each plate served in a charming “fancy granny style,” and perfectly complemented by local wines. The Fancy Granny Secret Supper Club will occur Saturday 8 June; Saturday 27 July and Saturday 17 August.
→ Read More | Huon Valley | All Events
The Mousetrap
11 – 22 June 2024
nipaluna/Hobart
For over 70 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats. Directed by Robyn Nevin, this new Australian production, in its only Tasmanian season, is the major theatre event of the year.
Hobart Dark Mofo Winter Feast
13 June – 23 June 2024
nipaluna/Hobart
Dark Mofo will present the Winter Feast across two weeks at Princes Wharf 1 (PW1), from Thursday 13–Sunday 16 June and Thursday 20–Sunday 23 June, showcasing the best of the best Tasmanian food, wine and spirits.
Huddle by the warm winter fires, under our deserted Tasmanian sky and enjoy the bounty from last harvest. 75 stallholders will provide the best of local produce, alongside a nightly program of music and performance, as we collectively dream of the birds returning in spring.
The Mona Gala
14 June 2024
nipaluna/Hobart
If you’re opening a big art exhibition, it makes sense to have a massive party / ball / charity extravaganza to open it, right?
The Mona Gala is just that: an evening of art, hedonism, fantastic finery, food and drink, status signalling and a whole heap more. Apparently, all the cool kids are going, you’d be mad to miss it.
Nude Solstice Swim
21 June 2024
nipaluna/Hobart
Dark Mofo’s infamous Nude Solstice Swim returns for 2024. With an increased capacity, the event will take place at Long Beach at sunrise on Friday 21 June, welcoming back the light after the longest night. Entry is free and via registration only.
Festival of Voices
28 June – 7 July 2024
nipaluna/Hobart
Festival of Voices celebrates the transformative power of singing that brings people together. Inspired by the age-old tradition of gathering around a fire, this Tasmanian winter event series has become Australia’s leading singing celebration.
Swan Lake | presented by The Victorian State Ballet
29 – 30 June 2024
nipaluna/Hobart
Swan Lake is one of the world’s most famous ballets, set to the timeless score by Tchaikovsky. An absolutely spectacular sight of a beautiful sea of white tutus that is unforgettable! This is the perfect ballet for everyone! A must-see production!
With a cast of internationally recognized artists, Swan Lake will bring the superb ballet technique of Petipa’s original choreography to the stage, re-staged by Victorian State Ballet’s director Michelle Sierra.
Willie Smith’s Mid-Winter Festival 2024
12 – 13 July 2024
Huon Valley
Welcome to our festival of reflection, where we will look back on Mid-Winter festivals past and celebrate with fire, feasting and hot cider for the very last time.
Everything that makes this festival great will return, welcoming back our favourite live musical acts, storytelling, pagan finery, rollickin’ fun for the kids, the ancient Pagan ritual of Wassailing thee old apple tree, and of course watching Big Willie burn. Dance around the fire with us one last time.
→ Read More | Huon Valley | All Events
Lightwave Festival
12 – 14 July 2024
Tasman Peninsula
Lightwave is an annual winter arts festival celebrating ‘people and place’ across Turrakana Tasman Peninsula. Lightwave fosters community connection and collective warmth in the darkness of winter. Lightwave takes the phenomenon of light as a catalyst for the festival’s multi-artform programme.
The Visitors | Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company presented by the Theatre Royal
1 – 3 August 2024
nipaluna/Hobart
On a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. Beyond the friendly banter, protocols, and hospitality, a momentous decision is waiting to be made.
A mysterious fleet of giant nawi is amassing in the harbour and as they creep closer, these seven representatives must choose unanimously: whether to send these strangers on their way or welcome them?
After its Sydney Theatre Award-winning premiere production at the 2020 Sydney Festival, Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s The Visitors is a brand new production directed by Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch.
Hadley’s Art Prize
3 – 25 August 2024
nipaluna/Hobart
Hadley’s Orient Hotel has a long history with art starting with art-loving landlords in the late 1800s. The Hadley’s Art Prize contributes to the art community, celebrates excellence in contemporary landscape art, promotes cultural tourism in Tasmania, and restores art to the historic walls of Hadley’s Orient Hotel through a landscape prize similar to the competition won by Howard Hadley in 1895.
Judged by a panel of art specialists, the prize is open to Australian artists over the age of eighteen working in two-dimensional media. Artists at all career stages are invited to enter.
Tasmanian Whisky Week 2024
5 – 11 August 2024
Southern Tasmania
Celebrating the achievements and craft of Tasmanian distillers, Tasmanian Whisky Week is a celebration of the numerous Tasmanian distilleries, their spirits and whisky. Seven days of events are held in the north and south of the state covering diverse and engaging consumer events.
Over 40 distilleries attending events over 15 events, culminating in the flagship event, The Tasmanian Spirit Showcase will be held at PW1, Hobart on Saturday, 10 August.
Beaker Street Festival
9 – 11 August 2024
Southern Tasmania
Delve into today’s hottest topics with a program of events, entertainment, exhibitions, and excursions, while experiencing the best of Tasmanian environments and culture.
Whether you’re a curious mind, an insatiable foodie or oenophile, or are simply seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, our festival promises a mix of wonder, flavour, and scientifically-proven fun.
→ Read More | Southern Tasmania + | All Events
Heritage & Bullock Festival 2024
10 – 11 August 2024
Southern Tasmania
The Heritage & Bullock Festival, is a two-day celebration that showcases the best of Oatlands’ unique culture and history.
From traditional bullock teams to vintage car displays, the Heritage and Bullock Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who wants to experience the magic of Tasmania’s rural heritage.
Australian Antarctic Festival
22 – 25 August 2024
nipaluna/Hobart
The 2024 festival features a program of fascinating, entertaining and educational events. The festival has a broad appeal ranging from academia, exhibitions and displays, a planned ‘road show’ for regional areas and entertainment .
Regular features returning by popular demand include the Antarctic Expo, the informative Law Lecture, the “Penguin Project” and the popular Australian Antarctic Festival Gala Dinner. The Antarctic Expo is a display of contemporary equipment used on the frozen continent as well as a collection of artefacts and equipment from Australia’s history of exploration in Antarctica. An Antarctic-themed philatelic exhibition featuring stamps and postcards is also being planned.
