Australia’s Biggest Events in 2026
A Traveller’s Guide to Must-See Festivals, Sports & Cultural Highlights
Australia boasts a calendar full of world-class events in 2026, from summer arts festivals and landmark sporting spectacles to unique cultural celebrations. If you’re planning a trip Down Under, timing your visit around one of these experiences can make your holiday truly unforgettable.
January Festival Season
Parkes Elvis Festival (7–11 Jan)
A retro tribute to Elvis Presley with concerts, street parades and themed parties in regional NSW.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Sydney
Tamworth Country Music Festival (16–25 Jan)
Australia’s biggest country music event draws fans and live acts from across the nation.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Sydney
Sydney Festival (8–25 Jan)
A vibrant arts and performance festival across Sydney with theatre, dance, talks and installations.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Sydney
Fringe World Festival (21 Jan – 15 Feb 2026, Perth)
One of Australia’s biggest open‑access arts festivals with theatre, comedy, music and more.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Perth
Summer to Autumn Cultural Icons
Adelaide Fringe (20 Feb–22 Mar)
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival with thousands of shows and acts across Adelaide.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Adelaide
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (Late Feb–1 Mar)
One of the world’s most celebrated LGBTQIA+ events, featuring the spectacular parade and parties.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Sydney
WOMADelaide (Mar)
Diverse world music and arts celebration set in Adelaide’s Botanic Park.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Adelaide
Canberra Balloon Festival (14–22 Mar)
Hot-air balloonists and sunrise flights over Australia’s capital, a serene early-morning spectacle.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Sydney
AFC Women’s Asian Cup (1–21 Mar)
International women’s football tournament hosted across Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast, great for sports fans.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Perth, Sydney & Brisbane
Iconic Autumn Events
Sydney Royal Easter Show (2–13 Apr)
Australia’s biggest agricultural and entertainment show with rides, competitions and food.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Sydney
AFL Gather Round (9–12 Apr)
A festival-style celebration of Australian Rules football in Adelaide featuring multiple matches over one weekend.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Adelaide
Margaret River Pro (17–26 Apr 2026)
Prestigious international surfing competition drawing top surfers and spectators to WA’s southwest.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Perth
Vivid Sydney (22 May–13 Jun)
Nightly lights, projections and music transform Sydney into a luminous art playground.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Sydney
BASSINTHEGRASS (16 May 2026, Mindil Beach, Darwin)
A flagship music festival featuring big‑name national and international acts on multiple stages, one of the Territory’s largest cultural events.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Darwin
Winter Festivals
Dark Mofo (11–22 Jun)
Dark Mofo returns to Hobart in mid-June 2026, transforming the city with a bold mid-winter solstice celebration of immersive art, live music and performance. Over 10 days, highlights like the Winter Feast, Night Mass, Ogoh-Ogoh burning and the Nude Solstice Swim make it a must-see cultural event for adventurous travellers.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Hobart
Gympie Music Muster (August 27–30)
This legendary bush bash in the Amamoor State Forest is all about boot-stomping country music, campfire yarns and laid-back vibes. Expect four days of big Aussie acts, bush camping, and a community atmosphere that feels like home.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Brisbane
Darwin Festival (6–23 August 2026)
Celebration of arts, music, food and culture in Australia’s tropical north.
Sydney Marathon (30 Aug)
Part of the global World Marathon Majors, attracting runners and spectators through Sydney’s scenic streets.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Sydney
Spring Festivals
Big Pineapple Festival (Early November)
Held in the lush fields of Woombye, this iconic music fest is known for its massive lineups and juicy energy. Surrounded by giant pineapples and Sunshine Coast chill, it’s a sweet spot for dancing, camping and tropical mischief.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Brisbane
Brisbane Festival (QLD, late September – mid-October)
A major arts and cultural festival with theatre, music, dance, and street performances.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Brisbane
Sydney Christmas & Summer Markets
Holiday markets across Sydney with crafts, food stalls, entertainment, and festive light displays.
Closest Wicked Campers Depot: Sydney
Travel Tips for Event-Focused Trips
- Book early: Major festivals and sporting events often sell out months ahead.
- Map travel routes: Several events are spread across states and seasons, plan your transport and accommodation in advance.
- Cultural experiences: Many regional events offer authentic local flavours beyond the marquee festivals.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s 2026 event calendar offers something for every kind of traveller, from music lovers and art adventurers to sports fans and cultural explorers. Whether you’re chasing summer sun, autumn lights or winter solstice magic in Tasmania, planning your trip around one of these experiences can make your journey truly memorable.