19 February 2025
20 mins Read
As the holiday season officially comes to a close, it can feel a little deflating settling back into your regular routine. So why not spice up the agenda by RSVPing to some fun and firey events happening around Australia this month?
From art exhibitions and music festivals to regional events and big-city summits, here’s how you can flip your February from mundane to magnificent.
NSW | Vic | Qld | Tas | WA | SA | NT | ACT
Join a guided photography walk to brush up on your camera skills.
Creatives, digital nomads and keen photographers alike should mark their calendars for Fujifilm Australia’s 2025 Creator Summit. Billed as a celebration of all things content, the weekend-long program features 30 insightful sessions led by 15 of Australia’s best creators and industry leaders.
Book in for an Instagram reel workshop with social media powerhouse, Chloe Zhu. Go on a guided photography walk with the brains behind the Australian Creative Collective. Take notes at a keynote talk by Brittney Saunders, self-made CEO of Fayt The Label. Plus so much more, all hosted at the iconic Luna Park in Sydney.
Attendees can look forward to local live music throughout the day.
Belmore Park in Goulburn will once again come alive for Vibesfest, the NSW regional town’s youth-centric music festival. The epic event offers an array of activities aimed at keeping young community members engaged and entertained.
This year, attendees can look forward to local music performances, art workshops, rock climbing, food trucks, jumping castles and even a gaming van. In the evening, the festival will round out with a fantastic live fire show.
The collaborative exhibition celebrates NSW South Coast stories and kinship.
Aesthetes should head to Bundanon Art Gallery early this month for bagan bariwariganyan: echoes of country. The rural gallery and accommodation are currently showcasing a moving collection of new works by albunja/Ngarigo artist Aunty Cheryl Davison, Gweagal/Wandiwandian artist Aunty Julie Freeman and Wiradyuri/Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones.
The incredible exhibition celebrates NSW South Coast stories while representing and upholding local Aboriginal values and kinships. Guests can expect everything from an architectural gunyah structure made from Bundanon’s Turpentine trees to a 75-metre coastal mural, as well as a suite of paintings and screenprints.
New Zealand and Australia unite in the name of music at Over the Ditch.
The best beats of NZ will collide with some of Australia’s top local artists this month at Over the Ditch. The collaborative music festival will be held across two days at The Station, Newcastle’s former historic railway site, which is now home to some of the city’s best markets and boutique shops.
The 2025 line-up is sure to illicit excitement among local music lovers. Aussie bands such as The Temper Trap and Cub Sport will take to the stage on Saturday, while Sunday will see NZ artists like Coterie and Kora keep the vibes alive. There will also be a variety of food trucks, as well as bars touting local beer, wine and spirits.
The Mardi Gras Parade is a highlight of the program. (Image: Destination NSW)
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will again take over the NSW capital for a 20-day all-out extravaganza this month. This year’s theme is Free To Be, which is all about celebrating individuality and honouring the LGBTQIA+ community’s decades-long fight for equality.
The 2025 program is jam-packed with returning festival favourites as well as new experiences. Think pool parties, vogue balls, comedy shows, live DJs, film fests and more. The pinnacle event is the Mardi Gras Parade (1 March), which sees a colourfully clad crowd of 200+ floats take to the streets for an unforgettable night.
As part of its Twilight at Taronga summer series, Sydney’s Taronga Zoo has invited some of the country’s best comedians to entertain guests at the annual Comedy Gala. This year, strap in for a bunch of belly laughs with the likes of Joel Creasey, Dave Thornton and Bron Lewis – as well as the UK’s Georgie Carroll – plus more.
Recognised as one of Sydney’s best zoos, Taronga hosts the two-month program throughout February and March, playing host to numerous local and international artists. Still to come in 2025 are shows from Middle Kids, Bjorn Again and much-loved children’s entertainer Emma Memma, among others.
Christopher Langton is one of four featured artists. (Image: Kristy Milliken)
Esteemed regional art gallery Ngununggula is opening Pursuit of Happiness to the public this month, a group exhibition by Aussie artists Rebecca Baumann, Christopher Langton, Belem Lett and Brendan Van Hek. The evocative exhibition spans painting, installation and sculptural mediums.
Pursuit of Happiness explores the role colour plays in shaping how we view the world around us, with the stunning Southern Highlands serving fittingly as its backdrop. Turn your visit into a cosy staycation by booking a luxurious Forest Lodge at Bundanoon’s exclusive Osborn House.
Burger fiends can try the new toppings in both Sydney and Melbourne.
Cult burger chain Mr Charlie’s is launching 25 new toppings at its Redfern venue in Sydney this month, The weird and wonderful range embraces iconic Aussie flavours like Vegemite and lamingtons, as well as beloved snack brand, Toobs. If you’re keen to get a taste, you’re not the only one – the eatery is expected to pack out with curious foodies throughout February.
More crazy additions and trimmings are expected – including veggies and sauces – allowing customers to create their very own flavour combos. Intrigued Melburnians can also get in on the action at the burger brand’s recently opened pop-up in the Victorian capital. Will you be trying it?
Craft your own signature scent at a perfume masterclass.
Head to Sydney’s International Convention Centre for the 2025 Luxury Travel Event, an epic congregation of over 50 globally renowned luxury travel brands and more than 30 expert travel advisors. Expect big names like Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking Cruises, among others.
It’s the perfect place for prospective travellers to connect with luxury brands and create the itinerary for their dream 2025 trip. There will also be three exclusive masterclasses for guests to attend, including a guided tasting of the Yarra Valley’s top drops, a live cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Tom Kime and a bespoke perfume workshop.
The festival is a highlight on St Kilda’s cultural calendar.
The annual (and beloved) St Kilda Festival returns in 2025 to celebrate summer, Aussie tunes and community spirit at one of Melbourne’s best beaches. The extended two-day program traverses live local music, family activities, food trucks, market stalls and community fun in spades.
This year, the setlist features Cub Sport, Full Flower Moon Band, Dizzy Days, Bella Amor, Jungaji and country music legend, Troy Cassar-Daley. The St Kilda Festival is a free, all-ages event, making it the perfect day out for the whole family.
Sway along to live music by the winding Murray River.
At the convergence of two historic regional towns on Yorta Yorta Country, Riverboats Music Festival entertains regional Victorians all weekend long. The stellar line-up is always a crowd-pleaser, with big names like John Butler, Dan Sultan, Ian Moss and Bic Runga taking to the stage this year.
In partnership with Echuca Paddlesteamers, the festival’s intimate sideshows will also return in 2025. The series of cosy one-hour gigs take place aboard the historic PS Pevensey as it makes its way down the winding Murray River, the only Aussie destination to make National Geographic’s Best of the World list for 2025.
Delve into the region’s best art, music, food and more.
In the dreamy alpine resort town of Falls Creek, something is brewing. Cleverly called Feastival, the epic celebration is all about showcasing the region’s best art, music, food and science. Think comedy nights, art exhibitions, stargazing walks, yoga sessions and more.
Don’t miss Saturday evening’s Feast de Résistance, a fantastic collection of live music performances from incredible Aussie talents. Think The Cat Empire, Slowly Slowly, Budjerah, Azure Ryder, Gaudion and more – tickets are on sale now but selling fast!
Admire mesmerising artworks by Jahnne Pasco-White. (Image: Samantha Lynch)
The Melbourne Art Fair will again take over the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in the inner-city suburb of South Wharf this year. The 10,000-square-metre space will be filled with works by over 100 contemporary artists from all over Australasia.
There will also be around 70 of Melbourne’s best galleries and Indigenous art centres featured in the program. From open-studio workshops and expert panel talks to weaving circles and tours of curated collections, both art aficionados and the creatively curious are well-catered for.
Indulge in the delights of Mount Hotham, backdropped by stunning scenery. (Image: Capture by Karen)
Victoria’s High Country just got its own gourmet food festival. Eats at the Peak is a celebration of the region’s local food, produce and community, set against the backdrop of stunning snow gums and majestic mountains in the alpine village of Mount Hotham.
With workshops run by local producers, languid long lunches with farm-to-plate philosophies, fermentation masterclasses and more, foodies of all kinds will be spoilt for choice. And, of course, there will be plenty of locally grown/sourced and seasonal produce, so be sure to pack your stretchiest of pants.
Escape the heat this month at the Noosa Summer Swim. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)
Grab your togs and get ready for a weekend of saltwater, sand and sun at the Noosa Summer Swim. Considered one of Queensland’s most popular summer events, the open-water adventure invites aquanauts down to Main Beach, one of the best swimming spots on the Sunshine Coast.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just keen to beat Queensland’s blistering heat, races range from a cruisy one-kilometre splash to a marathon five-kilometre main event. Or you can opt for an open-water clinic run by local experts on Saturday.
Witness fascinating traditional lion dances at BrisAsia.
The streets of Brisbane will be pulsing with Year-of-the-Snake energy this month at BrisAsia to celebrate Lunar New Year. The reptilian symbolises wisdom, rebirth and new beginnings, values that many of us are carrying into 2025 and beyond.
More than 25 events will unfurl across 10 action-packed days, including art exhibits, street car displays, live music, dance performances and more. BrisAsia includes free and ticketed events, so everyone can come down and celebrate!
This year’s program features a stellar line-up of musical talent. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)
Get ready to rock in the coastal towns of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy at the powerhouse Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival. Situated on the southern end of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the epic event is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
The line-up this year is sure to impress, with a program full to the brim with masterminds of each titular genre and shows played across two stages. Think the August River Band, Raining Roses, Stu Harcourt, Piper Butcher and so many more!
Burleigh Heads has long been a popular surf spot. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)
Nothing screams Queensland more than an epic surf comp in the middle of summer – and that’s exactly what the Gold Coast Open is. Head down to the hip neighbourhood Burleigh Heads to witness some of the world’s biggest names in surfing take to the waves and fight it out for a 2025 title.
In between events, hit up the beach bar and chill-out zone, where you can enjoy delicious food and live music to match. For those who like to wake up early, be sure to join a sunrise yoga session before cooling off at one of the Gold Coast’s gorgeous beaches.
Get ready to Party in the Paddock. (Image: Mitch Lowe)
This year, the historic village of Carrick just outside of Launceston is hosting Party in the Paddock, an independent arts event dedicated to top tunes. Created by Triple J back in 2013, the three-day festival attracts music acts from Australia and beyond.
The 2025 line-up features Empire of the Sun, Role Model, The Kooks, Oliver Tree, King Stingray, Thelma Plum and more. Come for the music, stay for the vibes – think banging beats, a buzzing community and countryside charm all rolled into one!
Transport your tastebuds to Europe at Festa Italia. (Image: AscentXMedia)
Transport yourself to the cobblestoned streets of Europe’s boot-shaped country with the help of Festa Italia, a cultural celebration of all things Italy. Follow your nose to Federal Street in Hobart and you’ll be treated to as much delicious Italian food and drink as your heart (and stomach) desires.
It’s a great day out for the whole family, with live music and a bustling atmosphere adding to the excitement. The event allows Aussies and expats alike to experience the culture of a country over 15,000 kilometres away, even if it’s just for a day.
Sample some of Tassie’s finest local produce and wine. (Image: Gary Sowter/GVS Media)
Each year, oenophiles come together along Hobart’s stunning waterfront for the Tasmanian Wine Festival. It’s an incredible showcase of the finest island-state vino, where you can sip and sample the finest drops from Tassie’s best cellar doors.
The festival acts as a tasting tour of the world-class cool-climate wines that Tasmania is known for. Add in a good helping of gourmet local produce and a generous sprinkle of live music and you’ve got the recipe for a fantastic and filling weekend.
Tasmania’s love affair with garlic is no secret. And, like many years before, the beloved bulbous plant will take centre stage for one delectable day at the Koonya Garlic Festival.
Delight in garlicky flavours, catch live cooking demos, enjoy music performances, sharpen your skills in hands-on workshops and meet local growers. Whether you’re a foodie, green thumb or simply garlic-obsessed, the flavour-packed festival is sure to impress.
Immerse yourself in the Perth Festival.
The not-for-profit Perth Festival program has been designed from day one to please all, with everything from performance and music to film, literature and art. Both free and ticketed experiences allow visitors to create their own unique itinerary based on not only their interests but their budgets, too.
Amazing local and international artists will grace the WA capital in 2025, like Jordan Rakei, Fontaines D.C., Hania Rani, Emily Wurramara and more. Over 120 events will keep Perthians entertained across the one-month festival, from choose-your-own-adventure productions to intimate dinner party performances.
Experience the power of a small community creating something big at the Boyup Brook Country Music Muster in south-west WA. For more than 30 years, the townsfolk of Boyup Brook have volunteered to put together the country music celebration by the winding Blackwood River.
It’s the epitome of country living in all the best ways, from bush poetry slams and yarn spinning classes to ute parades, art exhibitions and, of course, a lot of good ol’ country music. Fans of Claudia Tripp, Boodji Creek Band and Lee Forster would be remiss to skip it.
Laneway is one of Australia’s best music festivals. (Image: Bianca Holderness)
It’s time to get hyped – an all-star international line-up is headed to Perth this month for St Jerome’s Laneway Festival. Think headliners like multi-award-winning singer Charli XCX, Clairo, Remi Wolf and Skeggs, as well as plenty of Aussie artists taking to the stage before them.
Laneway is known as one of the hottest summer festivals in Australia, consistently attracting thousands of festival-goers year after year. Perth will be the final city on the iconic music festival’s 2025 tour around Australia, preceded by Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
The 19.7-kilometre swim takes off from Cottesloe Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Tug on your togs and get ready for the 19.7-kilometre open-water Rottnest Channel Swim from Cottesloe Beach to WA’s iconic quokka-filled island. The aquatic event attracts a large crowd, with family and friends welcome to come down and check out the action.
There are a range of categories for keen competitors to choose from, with solo, tandem solo, duo and team swims all on the cards. Paddlers and support boats will be on the water for the long journey’s entirety, as safety remains a top priority from go-time to the finish line.
The Fringe is one of Adelaide’s most popular events. (Image: Joshua Pathon)
The largest arts festival in Australia will again bring its hometown of Adelaide alive throughout February and into March. Every skerrick of the city becomes immersed in the arts, from comedians in pubs and one-man productions to after-dark cabaret and interactive murder mysteries.
This year, the program is practically exploding with theatre, dance, comedy, film, music, circus and even magic. There will also be workshops, panel talks, community gatherings and family-friendly activities, plus plenty of food and drink from across the state and beyond. What more could you need?
Held along one of South Australia’s most picturesque stretches of coastline, Taste the Limestone Coast is all about showcasing the region’s amazing home-grown produce. Tastebuds are sure to be tantalised with friendly artisans touting fresh flavours and ingredients.
Locally sourced wine, beer and gin are also on the menu. With plenty of pop-up stalls, live music and a range of fun activities, it’s no wonder this regional foodie hub is a highlight on the state’s events calendar.
Stop off at McLaren Vale wineries such as Coriole Vineyards. (Image: Journey Beyond)
The Fleurieu Film Festival is a competitive short film-focused event held in McLaren Vale on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula each year. Attracting an array of talented filmmakers across a variety of genres, it’s the perfect place for movie critics, budding directors and motion picture aficionados to share their love of the big screen.
In exciting news, the 2025 finalists have already been announced, so guests can suss out what incredible films they’ll be viewing come screening night. Make the most of your time in McLaren Vale, by visiting some of the region’s award-winning wineries, too.
Opening this month, the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre presents Adam Ferguson’s Big Sky: A Photographic Survey of Australia’s Heartland. The impressive exhibition spans a decade of the photographer’s work across the country’s beautiful outback, highlighting challenges like globalisation and climate change.
Australian-born and New York-based, Ferguson returns home to share his profound exhibition with the Australian public. Visitors to the Katherine art gallery can expect moving shots that perfectly capture the essence of rural life while touching on the decline of small towns.
The Imparja Cup is Australia’s biggest Indigenous cricket festival.
Australia’s largest Indigenous cricket festival is returning to Alice Springs this month. Founded in 1993 by Custodians Shane Franey and Ross Williams, the Imparja Cup was originally a friendly match between two local towns – Alice Springs vs Tennant Creek.
Since then, the cup has gone on to become one of the region’s biggest sporting events, with four separate divisions played across five days. The Imparja Schools Cup Day, which sees kids from local primary schools come down to compete, will also run again in 2025.
The much-loved Travelling Film Festival showcases national and international features, documentaries and short films across regional Australia. What makes the three-day movie marathon so special though is its unique programs, which are curated to match each place it visits. This means that each year, guests experience something new and exciting based on the place that they call home.
The 2025 program for Darwin is looking good, with a plethora of films touching on numerous topics and themes. Held at the city’s BCC Cinemas Casuarina, this year’s event will open with Sing Sing, a SXSW Audience winner starring Oscar nominee, Colman Domingo.
Celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity at the Canberra festival.
This year marks the 27th anniversary of the National Multicultural Festival. The community-led event celebrates the multiculturalism and diversity of Canberra, with a program inclusive of culture, music, food and entertainment for all to enjoy.
After a record-breaking event last year, which saw 170 cultures celebrated across 300 live performance groups and 264 stalls, 2025 is looking brighter than ever for the festival. Held in Canberra’s CBD and expansive Glebe Park, guests can look forward to live music, cooking demonstrations, cultural workshops, market stalls, roving performances and so much more.
Kids will love meeting farm animals at the Animal Pavilion. (Image: Fly View Productions)
The Royal Canberra Show is the city’s largest all-ages event, hosted annually by the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society. While agriculture has always remained at its core, the show has expanded to include rides, entertainment, educational features, exhibitions and plenty of food.
Thanks to this incredible array of attractions, the show has become one of the best things to do in Canberra – especially with little ones in tow. From the farmyard nursery, dog show and rides to the multitude of eateries offering up delicious local fare, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
A variety of impressive installations will also be on display.
Light, sound and movement collide in a kaleidoscope of colour at Enlighten Festival. The mesmerising showcase of local and international artworks is not one to miss, with each masterpiece being projected onto Canberra’s most iconic and recognisable buildings.
From interactive after-dark experiences to live music line-ups and more, the nation’s capital is clearly the place to be this month. If you’ve got a bit of extra time, be sure to stick around a little longer to witness the iconic Canberra Balloon Spectacular (15–23 March) – you won’t regret it.
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