Tasmania Events 2026
Tasmania's calendar has real character — led by the world-famous Dark Mofo, which lights up the depths of a Hobart winter, and balanced by summer festivals, the Sydney to Hobart finish and the island's endless food-and-whisky celebrations. Here are the headline 2026 events to plan around. Always confirm exact dates before booking, as programs can change.
Dark Mofo — 11 to 22 June 2026
The jewel of Tasmania's calendar, Dark Mofo (11–22 June 2026) is MONA's acclaimed midwinter festival, marking the longest nights of the year in Hobart with monumental art and light installations, live music, bonfires, the sprawling Winter Feast and the daring dawn nude solstice swim. Atmospheric, provocative and utterly unique, it draws visitors worldwide and transforms the city. It's reason enough to brave a Tasmanian winter — book accommodation well ahead. See our Tasmania tours.
Mona Foma, the Sydney to Hobart & Festivale
Summer brings its own highlights. Mona Foma — MONA's summer festival of music and art — lights up Launceston and the north (usually around February). The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race sails into Constitution Dock in the days after its Boxing Day start, sparking festive waterfront celebrations into the New Year. And Launceston's Festivale (February) fills City Park with food, wine and culture. It's a lively, delicious time to visit. See our best time to visit guide.
Markets, feasts & the table
Beyond the set-piece festivals, Tasmania is always celebrating its produce. Hobart's Salamanca Market fills the waterfront every Saturday, distilleries and cellar doors host tastings across the island, and food-and-whisky events pop up through the seasons. Whenever you come, there's something worth timing a trip around — and the island's tables never disappoint. Always check current dates and book early for the big winter and New Year periods. See our Tasmania food guide.
Tasmania events 2026: your questions
The flagship is Dark Mofo (11–22 June 2026), MONA's acclaimed winter festival of art, fire, feasting and the famous nude solstice swim. Summer brings Mona Foma (MONA's summer festival), the finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on the New Year waterfront, and Launceston's Festivale. Add food and whisky events across the seasons. Always confirm exact dates before booking. See our Tasmania food guide.
Dark Mofo runs 11–22 June 2026 in Hobart — MONA's renowned midwinter festival marking the longest nights of the year with large-scale art and light installations, live music, the Winter Feast, bonfires and the daring dawn nude solstice swim. Deeply atmospheric and often provocative, it draws visitors from around the world and transforms the city. Book accommodation early, as Hobart fills up. It's the highlight of Tasmania's winter.
Mona Foma (the Museum of Old and New Art's Festival of Music and Art) is MONA's summer festival — a lively program of music, art and performance, in recent years centred on Launceston and the north, with Hobart events too. It usually runs in summer (around February). Dates and locations shift year to year, so check the current program when planning. It's a great reason to visit the north in the warmer months.
Yes — the finish of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is a Hobart institution. The race starts in Sydney on Boxing Day (26 December), and the leading maxis reach Hobart within a couple of days, sailing up the Derwent to Constitution Dock. The waterfront celebrations roll into the Taste summer-festival season and New Year, making late December a festive time in the city. Crowds and accommodation demand are high — book ahead.
Plenty. Launceston's Festivale (usually February) celebrates food, wine and culture in City Park; Hobart's summer waterfront hosts food-and-drink celebrations around New Year; and Dark Mofo's Winter Feast is a highlight of the June festival. Beyond the set-piece events, the island's cellar doors, distilleries and providores make every visit a food-and-whisky festival of sorts. See our Tasmania food guide.