As winter settles in and the days grow colder and shorter, there’s no need to yearn for the Aussie summer or spend your days planning a tropical escape. Across Australia, winter markets, festivals and events come alive with twinkling lights, cosy vibes, handmade crafts and seasonal treats – making it a perfect time to explore and support local towns, regions and cultures. And as you soak up atmosphere, you’ll not only be strengthening your connection to the places you live and work, but these grassroots initiatives help boost local economies and foster community spirit.
Ready to explore Australia’s finest? Here are our favourite winter events to check out near you.
1. The arts on display in Melbourne
Melbourne knows how to entertain in winter with two standout arts events. First up for your calendar is the RISING festival running 5-15 June, transforming the city with immersive sound experiences, large-scale installations and performances. Best of all, there’s a mix of free and ticketed events for everyone to enjoy. Next on your agenda should be The Finders Keepers market scheduled for 11-13 July at the Royal Exhibition Building. Here, you’ll find the cream of the crop when it comes to small, independent makers, with over 250 of them on site.
2. The bright lights of Sydney
Locals and visitors flock to Sydney for Australia’s largest festival of light, music and innovation – Vivid Sydney – over 23 nights from 23 May to 14 June. This year’s theme, ‘Neon Dreams,’ invites visitors to dream big and go to the outer reaches of their mind through a mix of installations, live performances, and interactive experiences (with many of them free to attend). Later in the season, head to the Northern Beaches Winter Market on 30 August, to enjoy over 120 stalls of handmade goods, tasty treats and a festive community feel.
3. Feasts and festivals in Brisbane
Support the local epicurean scene in Brisbane this winter with the one-day-only Scenic Rim’s Winter Harvest Festival, which celebrates the region’s finest produce through 60 market stalls, cooking demos, live music and local wines, beers, and spirits. Next up, mark Saturday, 14 June in your diary for a sparkle-filled day at Moreton Bay PrideFest. With Aussie pop icon Natalie Bassingthwaite headlining the main stage, this family-friendly event features plenty of live music, epic drag performances, delicious food vendors and of course, plenty of glitter!
4. Sunsets and winter weekenders in Perth
Chase the winter sun with two golden events to attend in Perth. First off is the Scarborough Sunset Markets – Winter Edition, running every Saturday evening, where you can dine on street food, soak up live music and cosy up around the iconic market fire pits. Don’t miss the Perth Winter Weekender (22-24 August) either. This fiery three-day Latin, Afro and Brazilian festival of dance performances, workshops and authentic food trucks is sure to get your heart pumping!
5. Culture and culinary delights in Canberra
Canberra may slip into hibernation mode over winter, but a couple of unique seasonal highlights still demand your attention. The Truffle Festival (running June to August) celebrates the region’s prized black truffles through truffle hunts, local gourmet tastings, and cooking classes – making it a must-visit for truffle lovers or the truffle curious. Next, take your cultured truffle aficionado self along to the highly acclaimed Ballet International Gala on 2 August to see Royal Ballet Australia’s finest as they perform in what’s widely acclaimed as the ballet event of the year.
6. Indulge your senses in Adelaide
From strolling glowing laneways to supporting SA’s vibrant food, wine and arts scene, Adelaide isn’t one to shy away from winter events. Illuminate Adelaide runs throughout July, lighting up the central city’s streets, laneways and landmarks with art, music, and installations by world-class artists. Round off the month of July with a visit to the state’s biggest winter wine event – Winter Reds. Here you’ll find over 35 of the country’s best Adelaide Hills wine producers offering tastings of cool-climate reds alongside cosy long lunches, art trails and live music.
7. Arts alive in Darwin
The winter months mark the dry season for Darwin, which means warm weather and an action-packed calendar of events. Tackle the Tactile Arts Makers Market first on 20 July for unique handmade finds, and then your next big stop, renowned as Australia’s hottest winter arts festival, is the Darwin Festival. Here, you’ll revel in balmy days and nights backed with music, dance, theatre, cabaret, and comedy over 18 days of festive fun. Set in the heart of the Northern Territory on Larrakia land from 07-24 August, the festival brings together local and international artists to celebrate creativity and community.
8. Tassie delights!
Small but mighty Tasmania packs a winter punch with a real feast for the senses. First up is the utterly unique, part absurd, sometimes shocking event – Dark Mofo – with its reputation for art and performance “that wouldn’t happen anywhere else”. Running from 05-15 June, Dark Mofo features signature events like the iconic Night Mass, which takes over whole blocks of undisclosed Hobart CBD locations, and wraps up with a Nude Solstice Swim on 21 June. For something a little more family-friendly, head to Launceston for the Tassie Scallop Fiesta, which celebrates the finest of Tassie’s seafood industry through cooking demos, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of scallops.
9. Australia’s first World Major Marathon in Sydney
While this one’s not until late August, now is the time to register and start training for Australia’s first-ever World Major Marathon event. The Sydney Marathon is set to make history on 31 August, joining other iconic races around the globe, welcoming around 35,000 runners, and celebrating its 25th year. Whether you’re lacing up to compete or cheering from the sidelines, get amongst the community spirit at this massive moment for Sydney! With stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this marathon promises to be an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators alike.
10. Desperately seeking…more markets?
Visiting local markets never fails to delight – there’s always something new to discover, great conversations to be had, and the opportunity to get amongst vibrant cultures and communities outside our everyday lives. We’re lucky to have some of the best local markets in the world dotted across the country, so why not get out and about this winter and discover what’s going on in your local community or beyond?
Winter wonders await
From arts and epicurean delights, to bustling markets and vibrant festivals, there’s so much to see, do and experience across Australia this winter. Many of these events play a crucial role in supporting our local artists, small businesses, and communities – and simply wouldn’t exist without your presence. If your travels spark a desire for change, reach out to your local First National Real Estate. Our friendly property experts will help you find the local lifestyle you’re looking for – whatever the season.
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The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.