Byron Bay events & festivals 2026
Byron and the Northern Rivers have a rich calendar of festivals — literary, food, cultural, surf and community — spread through the year. Below are the confirmed 2026 highlights, plus an honest update on the big music festivals, which have changed a lot lately. Always double-check dates on official websites before you book, as event schedules can shift.
Autumn events
Bangalow Billycart Derby — 17 May 2026
A beloved, free community event in the heritage village of Bangalow, where homemade billycarts race down the main street to the cheers of thousands. It's good, old-fashioned fun with food stalls, music and a real village atmosphere — a perfect excuse for a hinterland day.
Winter events
Byron Writers Festival — 14–16 August 2026
One of Australia's premier literary festivals, held at Elements of Byron across three days of talks, panels and workshops with leading authors and thinkers. It draws a passionate crowd, and coincides with prime whale-watching season — book accommodation well ahead.
Winter is also a great time for food and produce events across the Northern Rivers and the year-round markets, with mild, sunny days ideal for exploring.
Spring events
Byron Latin Fiesta — 29 October–1 November 2026
A vibrant celebration of Latin dance, music and culture, with workshops, live bands and social dancing across a long weekend. It's one of the liveliest events on the Byron calendar and a joyful way to experience the town's creative energy.
Spring also brings surf festivals, music events in Mullumbimby and the wider Northern Rivers, and the last of the whale migration — a wonderful, warming time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.
Byron events 2026: your questions
Confirmed 2026 highlights around Byron include the Bangalow Billycart Derby (17 May), the Byron Writers Festival (14–16 August) and the Byron Latin Fiesta (late October). The region also hosts food festivals, surf events and the famous monthly and weekly markets. Always confirm exact dates on the official event websites before booking, as they can change.
No. Bluesfest Byron Bay — the long-running Easter blues-and-roots festival — is not running in 2026, following the event's financial difficulties. Its future beyond that remains uncertain. If live music is your reason to visit, check the current status of Bluesfest and other festivals directly before planning your trip around them.
No. Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival are not scheduled for 2026 — both major music festivals have been paused/cancelled in recent years. The Byron events scene has shifted toward its literary, food, cultural and community festivals, which remain strong. Don't assume the big music festivals are running; verify before you book.
The Byron Writers Festival is scheduled for 14–16 August 2026, held at Elements of Byron. It's one of Australia's leading literary festivals, drawing top authors and thinkers for three days of talks and workshops. It's popular, so book accommodation early — August is also prime whale-watching season.
Yes. The Byron Farmers Market runs every Thursday and the Byron Community Market on the first Sunday of each month, with the hinterland village markets (Bangalow, The Channon and others) rotating through the month. They run year-round and are a reliable highlight whenever you visit — see our markets guide.