24 January 2024
24 mins Read
There are countless amazing experiences to be had throughout Australia this month.
Whether it’s watching the Matildas in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, trying to beat the Nutbush World Record at the Mundi Mundi Bash, attending a plethora of food, wine and whisky festivals, or immersing in art and culture, August is full of epic events to keep you busy.
To help you pick the best events for you, we’ve collated a guide of what’s on for the month of August, helping you plan your calendar accordingly.
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Did someone say Guinness and oysters? When it comes to matters of the heart, these are two of Colin Fassnidge’s most loved ingredients. The celebrity chef and TV presenter will be on hand at the Guinness & Oyster Festival hosted by The Doss House in The Rocks to attend to the pig on a spit, colcannon turnovers and beef and Guinness pies.
The festival, curated by Ciara Doran, of Heritage House Co., looked to Galway’s International Oyster Festival for inspiration. As well as thousands of freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, courtesy of partner East 33, there will be Guinness stalls and pop-up distilleries as well as ticketed tastings at The Doss House and Frank Mac’s.
Lovers of Guinness and oysters will be spoilt for choice. (Image: Steven Woodburn)
Cooee Art Leven invites you to country x Country, the inaugural exhibition in the new chapter of the Redfern-based gallery. The featured artists include the talented Kitty Napanagka Simon and Neil Ernest Tomkins, with the exhibit curated by Gadigal Artist Konstantina (Kate Constantine).
Alongside their distinctively bold use of colour, a major shared theme between the artists is the their process of layering perception and memory, expressing their view of landscape as an act of recognition and blending. It’s an unmissable exhibit. Head to Cooee Art Leven to experience it this month before time runs out.
Don’t miss this unmissable art installation at Cooee Art Leven.
Soccer lovers, get ready – the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is Down Under. You can get up-close-and-personal in Sydney, which will host 11 matches, more than half of which will take place in August. Whether you’re a die-hard Matildas fan or keen to see some international action, there’s a game for you.
With the tournament already well underway, you better get tickets fast! However if you do end up missing out, head to the FIFA Fan Festival in Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park. Fans will be able to test their football skills, watch live performances and indulge in delicious food and beverage offerings. Go Tillies!
Expect mediations and musings from a diverse range of Australian poets when they debut at The National Poetry Month Gala at the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Sydney’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.
Contemporary poets such as Jazz Money, Sara Saleh and Freya Daly l will get their moment in the spotlight alongside the winner of the 2023 Stella Prize, Sarah Holland-Batt. Expect a lot of laughs courtesy of host Benjamin Lee on the night, which will also see comedians and actors like Jennifer Wong and Chika Ikogwe read out some of their favourite Aussie poems.
Sydney’s Walsh Bay precinct has a very active arts scene. (Image: Destination NSW)
Outback NSW’s biggest live music event is back this August! The Mundi Mundi Bash will be rockin’ the plains yet again, featuring a slew of all-time Australian music greats. Fans of Icehouse, Hoodoo Gurus, Human Nature, Dragon and Thirsty Merc should be readying themselves for an epic show.
The three-day family-and-dog-friendly camping event will be staged on the spectacular Mundi Mundi Plains of Broken Hill. The event is BYO food and alcohol, although there will be hospitality vendors onsite. Although sold out this year, this is definitely one to book in early for 2024.
Mundi Mundi Bash is a must on any muso’s calendar. (Image: Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash)
This month at Carriageworks, Junipalooza is taking over to bring new and limited-edition gins from award-winning distillers to Sydneysiders’ lips. Those attending can expect big names like Ginny Pig Distillery, who won ‘Best in Class’ for its London Dry Gin and ‘Best Distillery’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards.
Other exciting guests include Old Young’s, Reed & Co, Karu Distillery, Patient Wolf Gin and Four Pillars. It’s a great opportunity to chat with your favourite distillers and meet newcomers to the gin-verse too. Tickets are on sale now, with single tickets priced at $50 and groups for $165.
Treat your tastebuds to old favourites and new delights. (Image: Jacquie Manning)
When your parents told you not to play with fire, what they actually meant was… let someone else do it for you! This August, the localities of Orange and Millthorpe will host the annual Orange Winter Fire Festival over two weekends, with a whole swag of events showcasing why these towns are recognised as official foodie destinations.
Both regions are up and coming, with more and more people keen to discover their sprawling vineyards, stunning scenery and unique experiences.
This year, you can enjoy the festivities with like-minded winter lovers through a series of events. Maybe you’ll opt to enjoy a delicious meal paired with premium wines under a starry night sky. Or, what about huddling next to a fire pit to enjoy live music? Producers are really turning up the heat for this celebration, so expect unique experiences that will have you counting down until the next one.
Gather around a roaring fire pit for some soulful live music.
The Zin House restaurant at renowned Mudgee winery Lowe Family Wine Co is bringing the heat this winter with an epic al fresco dinner event, Zin on Fire. Zin House head chef Kyle Bowett and his team will prepare the night’s meal on an open flame.
The menu will showcase the season’s organically grown produce from across the property and highlight a range of Tinja-raised meats. A collection of Lowe Wines and house-made cocktails will also be on pour at a bespoke outdoor bar. All-inclusive tickets are on sale now, priced at $250 per person or $225 for the non-alcoholic option.
Head chef Kyle Bowett and guest chef Jared Ingersoll will prepare the food on an open flame.
David Venn Enterprises will present the premiere of Elvis: A Musical Revolution in Sydney this August. Penned by acclaimed international writers, the new bio-musical explores the incredible life of award-winning cultural icon and rock superstar, Elvis Presley.
Featuring over 40 iconic Elvis Presley songs, audiences of all ages can connect with the music of a generation, which continues to have an undeniable cultural impact. The premiere of Elvis: A Musical Revolution will take place at Sydney’s State Theatre, with tickets selling out fast.
The bio-musical will feature over 40 of Elvis Presley’s songs.
Urban Wine Walk is happening nationally across Australia in August for a carefully curated crawl around various venues. Sydneysiders wanting to get their bearings in Bondi (12 August) and Manly (19 August) are invited to team up with some mates to stroll and sip on the self-guided wine walks.
The winter series, now in its eighth year, brings cellar doors to the cities to showcase both the winemakers and venues. Wine walkers are given a wine glass, map and wristband, as well as a food voucher, and are able to sample different hero winemakers at each venue.
Sample tipples from a variety of Aussie cellar doors.
After a huge premiere on 22 June, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical will continue to entertain guests at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre until December 2023. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, Beauty and the Beast brings back members of the original creative team from the ground-breaking Broadway musical to reimagine this much-loved classic tale.
The stellar Australian principal cast includes Shubshri Kandiah as Belle and Brendan Xavier as Beast, alongside fabulous actors like Rohan Browne as Lumiere and Andy Cook as Gaston, among others. Tickets for this incredible show are on sale now via Ticketmaster, so don’t miss out!
Make a night of it and head to Luke’s Kitchen at the Kimpton Margot Sydney for the Pre-Theatre Dinner. Theatre-goers can enjoy a delicious Beauty and the Beast-themed three-course dinner and French wine before heading off to the real thing. Available from Tuesday to Saturday at 5pm for $87 a person.
Don’t miss this incredible show at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. (Image: Daniel Boud)
This year, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) will hold events around the city, regional Victoria and, following the success of MIFF Play the last three years, streaming for all of Australia to see.
The in-cinema program will run from 3–20 August – 18 days of premiere showcases, international features, exclusive screenings, commissioned works, panel discussions, industry events and live talks for cinephiles of all tastes and persuasions.
The regional events will run from 11–20 August. MIFF Play, the festival’s online streaming platform, will deliver cinematic content directly to audiences across the country, available nationally from 18–27 August.
Melbourne International Film Festival is a film lovers paradise.
Showcasing the wild power of winter, the aptly named WinterWild festival will take over the sleepy Victorian town of Apollo Bay this August. Usually associated with pristine beaches and summer sun, Apollo Bay turns dark come winter thanks to WinterWild. The festival draws upon the bitter winds, the vastness of the ocean and the mystery of the rainforest that comes with the coldest month of the year.
The program includes both free and ticketed events, including the Wildfeast, Moongarden, Dogwatch and a Walking on Country panel discussion. The full program is coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
WinterWild showcases the wild power of winter. (Image: Tyr Explorer)
Melbourne is welcoming Now or Never in 2023, a brand-new, 17-day festival designed to invigorate the city and boost the local economy. Victoria’s capital is set to be transformed with art trails, sculptural illuminations and projections, a 360-degree pop-up dome cinema and an epic line-up of gigs. And you’re invited.
The event will bring together more than 300 local and international artists, change makers and innovators. The vibrant program of events will also feature 18 Australian premieres and 20 festival-exclusive commissions. Join the fun as art, ideas, sound and technology combine.
The inaugural Now or Never festival is headed to Melbourne this August.
Art lovers unite – the Affordable Art Fair is returning to Melbourne this August, with galleries from around Australia making an appearance. The fair will feature a mixture of emerging and established artists, offering stunning landscapes, sculptures, abstracts and everything in between.
Carlton’s Royal Exhibition Building is playing host this year, so make sure to get your tickets and be there!
The fair will feature a mixture of emerging and established artists.
What better time to celebrate a soul-warming, full-bodied shiraz than winter? Geelong is taking advantage of this perfect combination with the aptly named Winter Shiraz Festival, a celebration of the region’s tantalising rendition of the popular grape variety.
Expect hearty winter fare made from local produce, live music, masterclasses from passionate local vignerons and, of course, wine! Participating wineries include Austin’s Wines, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Bellarine Estate and many more. Tickets for a variety of vino-themed events are on sale now, so don’t miss out.
Austin’s Wines will be one of many participating wineries representing Geelong.
Witness Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film come to life on stage at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne this month. Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a musical mash-up extravaganza, featuring a star line-up including Alinta Chidzey as Satine and Des Flanagan as Christia.
The show is multi-award-winning, with 10 2021 Tony Awards® under its belt including Best Musical. Hot tip: in celebration of the show’s final season, Moulin Rouge! The Musical will host a very special Spectacular Sing-Along Performance on 21 November, 7 pm. Get your tickets now!
The Sunshine Coast’s renowned produce will be the highlight of The Curated Plate this August. Local tourism and events operators, restaurants and farms are teaming up to present authentic experiences designed to showcase local produce from the sea to the hinterland. The program is curated by talented chefs for food lovers of all kinds.
Expect signature events such as the Asian Food Festival on 5 August. Executive Chef of The Tamarind restaurant, Dan Jarrett has invited three other Sunshine Coast restaurants, The Spirit House, Sum Young Guys and Rice Boi to join him with their own street food market-style stalls.
Devour delicious dishes at The Curated Plate. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
This month, the seventh edition of Taste Port Douglas is set to deliver a smorgasbord of culinary masterclasses, signature dinners and unique dining experiences to this tropical paradise. It is promised to be a culinary celebration like no other, with over twenty main food and drink events on offer.
The 2023 line-up is set to impress, with talent including Matt Preston, Guy Grossi, Ben Williams and Laura Sharrad keen to make an appearance. Expect tutored tastings and educational experiences for an immersive understanding of Tropical North Queensland‘s food bowl. Plus, a vibrant festival village, a long seaside luncheon and other gourmet adventures.
Join the long luncheon to sample some of the region’s best produce.
The Great Barrier Reef Festival celebrates the Great Barrier Reef and what it means to live in the Whitsundays – the Heart of the Reef. The region’s favourite festival is a delicious combination of family fun, all-night celebrations, local food and some of the biggest parties in the north.
The four-day celebration will feature the Foreshore Cocktail Party along with live music, carnival rides, food stalls and night markets. Other events include Immerse art installations, a lantern parade, Fireworks on the Foreshore, reef experiences with certified guides and so much more.
Celebrate the Great Barrier Reef with Fireworks on the Foreshore.
Hamilton Island Race Week is a premier yachting fixture and an annually anticipated event on the international sailing calendar. Competitors, family and friends come from around the world to race together and enjoy Hamilton Island’s beautiful weather, brilliant beaches and coral reefs.
For those who prefer to stay on shore, sample fine food and wine, swim in azure waters and take part in a fun-filled week of activities whilst racing is underway.
Witness yachts big and small take to the water. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Kicking off on Friday 4 August, the Taste Bundaberg Festival will bring the best of Queensland’s food bowl to the mouths of the hungry across 10 tantalising days. Think everything from banquets and brunch to barbecues and bevvies – plus food stalls, markets and cooking demonstrations.
The festival offers up unique experiences on a platter for everyone to enjoy. From farm to fork, ocean to plate, barley to brews and everything in between, each corner of the Bundaberg region is foodie heaven. Taste Bundaberg is a free community event.
Bundaberg is a food haven waiting to be explored. (Image: Paul Beutel)
Known as one of Queensland’s must-attend art and fashion events, the Australian Wearable Art Festival is back for another year of fun. Building on the momentum from last year’s event, 40 national and international works will be showcased on an impressive 27-metre-long catwalk. There will be three impressive shows in total, one matinee and two-night galas.
The festival has four main categories: Trashion, Sustainable Nature, Floriana and Avant-Garde. There will be one overall winner, plus emerging artist and best headpiece prizes. If you’d like to witness wearable art take the runway, tickets are on sale now.
Artist Karen Jones’ Floriana entry, which went on to win in her category.
For one spectacular night only, world-renowned soprano Mirusia will bring her superb operatic voice to the natural amphitheatre of Baldy Top Lookout this August. Mirusia will perform her ARIA Australian Classical Crossover 2022 album of the year Songbird, as well as a classical spin on iconic songs such as Jolene and Amazing Grace. Adult tickets range from $39 to $75, with kids priced between $5 and $15.
A grand celebration of science, art and culture, Beaker Street Festival is returning for its sixth year running. A meeting place for curious minds, this year’s festival will centre on the theme Unseen, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at the science of everyday life. Home to more scientists per capita than any other Aussie city, Hobart is the perfect place for this celebration to take place.
The 2023 program will include a range of live shows and panel talks from the likes of Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki and former Australian of the Year Professor Tim Flannery FAA. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery will host the Festival Hub, where guests can interact with science and art installations, interactive live music, microscopes and more than 150 scientists.
Curious minds are invited to discover Beaker Street Festival. (Image: Beaker Street)
Seeking to influence the trajectory of the Australian agri-food and tourism sectors, agriCULTURED joins farming families with chefs, artists and musicians. Once together, everyone celebrates the passion that goes into producing, farming and food provenance in Launceston and beyond.
The 2023 program focuses on sustainability, paddock-to-plate production and heritage. Industry trailblazers will lead the conversation over the course of the festival, including Joost Bakker, Fiona Stocker and Massimo Mele. Other events include a Meet the Producers Dinner, Flavours of Launceston, Fermentation Activation and Conversations in the City.
Attend a Meet the Producers Dinner for culinary conversations. (Image: Ness Vanderburgh)
Whisky lovers, this one is for you. Tasmanian Whisky Week is not only an opportunity for Tassie distillers to showcase their finest drops but for you to come along to try ’em and buy ’em.
Tasmanians from across the state can participate, as events are hosted statewide. From Launceston and Hobart to Port Arthur and Burnie, whisky will be spilled for all to enjoy. Think masterclasses, dinners and panel talks, along with the Peppermint Bay Whisky Cruise, Fire, Whisky & Tales and a special Palawa Kipli Lunch at Spring Bay Distillery.
Sample some of Tassie’s best whiskies. (Image: Lusy Productions)
Food lovers from Western Australia and beyond seek out a unique culinary experience at the Gascoyne Food Festival in the state’s north west. The region is known for its production of a kaleidoscope of ingredients that come together to create new and unique flavours.
The festival is set against the backdrop of the mighty Gascoyne River and the red dirt of the fertile horticultural lands and desert. Those attending will love the jam-packed program this year, featuring talented chefs, interactive activities and, of course, delicious food.
This foodie fest is set against the backdrop of the mighty Gascoyne River.
Also known as the Festival of the Pearl, Shinju Matsuri celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of Broome and the surrounding Kimberley region, which was enriched by the Broome pearl industry in the late 1800s.
This year’s program is bigger than ever, with the Shinju Matsuri Opening Ball, Chinatown Feasts, Floating Lanterns, Jetty Gala and Sunset Long Table Dinner all enticing locals and visitors alike. There will also be a series of gourmet dining experiences by WA’s top chefs, cultural tours, art exhibitions and performances.
Shinju Matsuri celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of Broome. (Image: Yaruman5)
CraftAlive is one of the city’s biggest craft fairs, and it’s back for 2023. Held at the Claremont Showground in Perth, the fair provides a great opportunity to learn from world-class specialists with interactive classes. There will also be over 50 exhibitors for attendees to peruse, plus a cafe serving food and hot drinks. Tickets are on sale now.
Learn from world class specialists with interactive classes.
Fremantle/Walyalup’s warming winter festival, 10 Nights in Port, will set the town aglow again this year with music, sensory splendour, fire, ceremony and art. At the heart of the festival is a deep consideration of ways to lighten and brighten each other’s lives, to showcase unique local stories and focus on pathways forward.
Created by creators and cultural leaders, this year’s program features both old favourites and new experiences. Check out stunning music performances from the likes of local youth band Future Treasures and the passionate FAC Yeah! Fremantle Arts Centre Choir. There will also be a fab potluck dinner, so get cooking!
Fremantle has a lively cultural and art scene. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Take your tastebuds on a journey at the Fleurieu Food Festival this month in South Australia. The festival will highlight the breadth and depth of both food and beverage producers and food businesses across the region.
Guests can experience fine dining in vineyards and olive groves, try their hand at foraging, join farm tours and witness presentations and cooking classes. Throughout the month, Willunga Farmer’s Market will also be hosting special presentations where you can meet the farmers behind the region’s flourishing produce.
Celebrate the canine connection and meet dogs from all walks of life through this carefully curated collection of stories about pups at the Top Dog Film Festival. From husky dogs of Alaska to working dogs of Australia, a pull on your heartstrings is guaranteed.
Check out four-legged heroes, unbreakable bonds and canine companions that enrich the lives of all they encounter. Filled with delightful doggy moments, get tickets before they sell out – you’d be barking mad to miss it.
Celebrate man’s best friend at the Top Dog Film Festival.
Never Never Distilling Co in South Australia’s stunning McLaren Vale region is hosting the event of the year… if you like oysters and gin that is. After a very successful first year, Oyster Palooza is back for round two and you’re invited.
Prepare for a weekend filled with smacking lips, satisfied sighs and nods of approval. Browse the special oyster menu and pick a paired cocktail. Or try a ‘shellie’ – ice-cold frozen Oyster Shell Gin poured into a freshly consumed oyster shell, downed in one for a salted-citrus explosion.
Try a ‘shellie’ to experience a salty-citrus explosion of flavours. (Image: Meaghan Coles)
One of Australia’s largest First Nations visual art events is returning for another exciting year, with the announcement of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF). Experience the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design and culture through stunning artworks and performances.
The 2023 program is definitely not one to miss, with traditional dance performances, material demonstrations, workshops, children’s activities and artists’ talks. Plus, the ever-iconic Country to Couture fashion runway on 8 August and the prestigious National Indigenous Fashion Awards on 9 August.
DAAF creates an opportunity to connect with and ethically purchase art directly from Indigenous artists, with all profits going back to the artists and their communities. It’s an amazing opportunity to meet the artists and learn first-hand about their cultural heritage, stories and history.
DAAF is one of Australia’s biggest and most celebrated Indigenous art fairs.
Darwin Festival is the Top End’s favourite time of year, and it’s now officially just around the corner! Australia’s hottest (literally and figuratively) winter arts festival combines the quintessential spirit of the NT’s capital with warm outdoor festivities.
Spend balmy nights under twinkling lights, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable tropical winter. Darwin Festival will intoxicate the senses with an epic program; think comedy nights, interactive installations, live music, theatre, cabaret, circus shows and so much more.
Enjoy the community feel of Darwin Festival. (Image: Helen Orr)
On 12 August this year, under the evening sky of Larrakia Country, the National Indigenous Music Awards will celebrate the finest in First Nations talent. Those attending can expect a huge night of performances as part of the award ceremony.
This year’s stellar line-up includes some of Australia’s leading musicians, such as Thelma Plum, Budjerah, Barkaa and Kobie Dee, alongside many other talented special guests. Get your tickets quick!
Witness amazing artists receive awards for their contributions to music. (Image: Mitch Fresta)
The 23rd annual Garma Festival is returning to Arnhem Land this August. The four-day event is organised by the Yothu Yindi Foundation. The group aim to promote Yolngu cultural development with community leaders from five regional clan groups: Gumatj, Rirratjingu, Djapu, Galpu and Wangurri.
This year’s program runs from early in the morning to late each night, full of both fun and educational things to do. From cinema screenings and poetry recitals to an escarpment walk and forums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn.
Head to the Window Gallery at Belconnen Arts Centre in Canberra this August to admire ngadhi murangidyal – My Healing, by Wiradjuri artist Josh Evans.
Born and raised on Ngambri Country, Josh originally hails from Wantabadgery in NSW, a village along the Bila Marrambidya (Murrumbidgee River) in the NSW Riverina, through his matrilineal bloodlines. He also has connections to Paakantyi Country through this grandfather.
Josh’s work shows how he connects to Country, culture and his Ancestors of Wiradjuri ngurambang (Wiradjuri Country) while living away from home. His exhibition features his carvings of traditional weapons, tools and artefacts.
Hand-carved wooden pieces will feature in the exhibit. (Image: Josh Evans)
Running over the first weekend in August at EPIC (Exhibition Park in Canberra), Oz Comic-Con is inviting you to enjoy an awesome program of events and special guests. Don your favourite cosplay outfit or chuck on your favourite piece of merch to enjoy a jam-packed two days.
There will be lip-sync battles, cosplay competitions and parades, panel discussions, live gaming set-ups and an artist alley to purchase all the best goodies. Whether you’re heading there with friends or keen to meet new people, you’ll have a blast at this year’s Oz Comic-Con.
Oz Comic-Con brings together people of all ages. (Image: Evan Watson)
Ladies – this one is for you. Held annually, the She Leads Conference is all about bringing emerging and established women and non-binary leaders together. It’s a day of learning and sharing with some of Australia’s most inspiring, diverse and influential changemakers.
Spend the day delving into strategies and practices that enable women to embrace their leadership potential and challenge the systems perpetuating inequality. Exciting guest speakers include Angela Fredericks, Latoya Aroha Rule and Fang Chen, among other industry-leading women.
Get ready for a spectacular performance at the Ballet International Gala, which will be visiting multiple locations across Australia this August. Hitting the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane, the show promises to wow audiences with graceful ballerinas, elegant choreography and wistful music.
Admire ballet icons from world-proclaimed companies including The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Teatro alla Scala and Astana Opera as they take to the stage. Each performance will take you on a journey through some of the most historical ballet pieces in the world. Tickets are on sale now.
Ballerinas from all over the world come together for the Ballet International Gala.
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