Winter Events in Tassie
June
Dark MOFO
Dark Mofo has illuminated nipaluna/Hobart's midwinter nights with the neon glow of red lights, crackling fires, live music, large-scale art installations, loud parties and belly-warming food. In 2024, Dark Mofo is taking a well-earned break, but will still hold two of the festival’s signature events: the Winter Feast and the Nude Solstice Swim. The lively Winter Feast is held on Hobart’s waterfront, packed with local food, drinks and cosy firepits. At the Nude Solstice Swim, clothes and inhibitions are set aside as more than 1000 people welcome the dawn light at the passing of the midwinter solstice.
The festival coincides with the darkest days of winter. Warm clothes are essential (nude swim excepted), and beanies, gloves, scarves and puffer jackets are recommended. The festival is expected to return to its full capacity in 2025.
July
Festival of Voices
As one of Tassie’s premier winter festivals, the Festival of Voices spreads the joy of singing far and wide across the state in July. You can attend performances in concert halls, theatres and public spaces or participate in one of the choirs or workshops alongside international guests. Each year the festival program features a huge bonfire.
Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival
Drawing on pagan rituals and celebrating the region’s apple picking heritage, the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival features music performances, cider and feasting at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. At the heart of the festival is the age-old pagan tradition of wassailing – scaring the bad spirits from the orchard with lots of clanging, singing, shouting, costumes and fun.
The 11th and final festival in 2024 will carry the theme of ‘Reflection’, aimed at ‘commemorating a decade of cherished memories’ with the community and festival goers.
Devonport Jazz
The coastal town of Devonport transforms into a sultry jazz club as leading local and interstate jazz musicians take to the stage for the Devonport Jazz Festival. Featuring a diverse program of traditional, contemporary, swing, Latin and even be-bop jazz, there’s also fantastic food, visual art, dance and a film program at this much-loved festival.
August
Tasmanian Whisky Week
Enjoy a dram at Tasmanian Whisky Week with events held in Tassie distilleries, bars, barns, stables, restaurants and hotels. Our whiskies are gaining a reputation as some of the best in the world, with Tassie producers winning numerous internationally significant awards. Over the week, distilleries open their doors and host behind-the-scenes tours to meet the distillers, share previously unreleased whiskies, and host dinner events showcasing their finest.
Beaker Street
Beaker Street Festival is an annual celebration of science and art. Packed with some of the most engaging scientists, compelling ideas, and innovative artworks you’ll find in Australia into a nine-day extravaganza that covers nearly every corner of the island.
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