While the mainland chases the sun, Tasmania turns up the heat in its own way—think firelit feasts, icy plunges, smoky jazz, and seaside scallops. From May through August, the island hums with bold and brilliant events that make winter anything but quiet. Whether you’re drawn to the mystery of Dark Mofo, the flavours of Bridport, or the energy of live music and science under the stars, this Off Season is packed with reasons to visit.
The 2025 Off Season Festivals, and Events in Tasmania
Let’s take a look at some of our favourite events coming up:
May Events in Tasmania
Agfest
📍Carrick | 🗓 1–3 May 2025
Event Highlights:
- Live farming displays and vintage tractors
- Paddock-to-plate food stalls
- Showbags, shopping, and live entertainment
Where to stay:
- Country Club Tasmania, Launceston
- Quamby Estate, Hagley
- Village Family Motor Inn, Launceston
Nearby experiences:
- Sip your way along the Tamar Valley Wine Trail
- Explore the trails and suspension bridge at Cataract Gorge
- Visit the best market in Launceston at the Harvest Market on Saturday morning
Tasmania Super 440
📍Symmons Plains Raceway | 🗓 8 – 11 May 2025
What it’s about:
Get your adrenaline fix as Supercars roar through the historic Symmons Plains track, just south of Launceston. This high-speed winter event draws motoring fans from across the country.
Event Highlights:
- Supercars Championship racing
- Driver autograph sessions
- Fan zones with local food and merch
Where to stay:
- The Sebel Launceston , Launceston
- The Grand Hotel, Launceston
- Peppers Silo, Launceston
Nearby experiences:
- Discover motoring history at the National Automobile Museum
- Enjoy drinks on the Launceston Vineyard Trifecta
- Take a scenic Segway Tour in the Launceston suburb of Underwood
June Events in Tasmania
Dark Mofo
📍Hobart | 🗓 5–15 June 2025
What it’s about:
Tasmania’s most talked-about winter festival. Dark Mofo delves into the weird, wild, and wonderful with experimental art, music, fire, and ritual. It’s unapologetically bold—and unlike anything else in Australia.
Event Highlights:
- The epic Winter Feast on the waterfront
- Large-scale public art and pyrotechnics
- Late-night gigs and immersive installations
Where to stay:
- MACq 01 Hotel, storytelling meets luxury
- The Henry Jones Art Hotel, heritage charm and creative flair
- Hadley’s Orient Hotel, steeped in history
Nearby experiences:
- Catch the ferry to MONA
- Take in the views from kunanyi / Mt Wellington
- Browse local wares at Salamanca Market (Saturday)
Nude Solstice Swim
📍Long Beach, Sandy Bay | 🗓 21 June 2025
Event Highlights:
- A once-in-a-lifetime swim
- Solstice sunrise over the water
- Massive community spirit
Where to stay:
- Wrest Point, waterside comfort and views
- Salamanca Wharf Hotel, sleek and self-contained
- Moss Hotel, boutique and atmospheric
Nearby experiences:
- Wander the historic lanes of Battery Point
- Visit TMAG for art, science and culture
- Warm up with breakfast in North Hobart cafés
Festival of Voices
📍Hobart and across Tasmania | 🗓 27 June – 6 July 2025
What it’s about:
Australia’s leading celebration of singing and song, Festival of Voices warms up winter with choral concerts, a famous Big Sing Bonfire, and pop-up harmonies around every corner.
Event Highlights:
- Big Sing Bonfire in Salamanca Place
- Concerts in churches, theatres and unexpected spaces
- Vocal workshops are open to everyone
Where to stay:
- Lenna of Hobart, elegant and close to Salamanca
- The Old Woolstore, perfect for groups and long stays
- Ibis Styles Hobart, central and affordable
Nearby experiences:
- Take a backstage tour at the Theatre Royal
- Dine at local favourites like Templo or Fico
- Book a day trip to Bruny Island for cheese, gin and wilderness
July Events in Tasmania
Lightwave Festival
📍Nubeena, Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula | 🗓 11–13 July 2025
What it’s about:
Lightwave Festival is a free, family-friendly winter arts celebration that transforms Nubeena with contemporary light-based art, live music, and community warmth. The festival fosters connection and collective joy during the heart of winter.
Event Highlights:
- Immersive light installations across multiple venues
- Live performances by local and visiting artists
- The Light Parade: a luminous community procession
- Workshops and interactive activities for all ages
- Delicious local food and beverages
Where to stay:
- Foreshore Motel & Tavern, Lauderdale – Situated on the edge of Ralphs Bay, this contemporary hotel offers modern rooms with private courtyards, a family-friendly bistro, sports bar, and easy access to Hobart’s Eastern Shore.
- Iron Creek Bay Estate, Sorell – A rural retreat featuring pavilion and pod accommodations amidst orchards and vineyards, complemented by the on-site ORANI Restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine.
- Lufra Hotel and Apartments, Eaglehawk Neck – Located at the gateway to the Tasman Peninsula, this hotel offers a range of accommodations with stunning coastal views, an on-site restaurant, and proximity to natural attractions.
Nearby experiences:
- Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict site.
- Hike the dramatic coastal trails of Tasman National Park.
- Visit Eaglehawk Neck to see geological formations like the Tessellated Pavement and the Blowhole.
Devonport Jazz Festival
📍Devonport | 🗓 24–27 July 2025
What it’s about:
Smooth, soulful and set by the sea—Devonport Jazz is an intimate music festival that brings the best of traditional and contemporary jazz to cosy venues across town.
Event Highlights:
- Live gigs in lounges, theatres and bars
- Jazz brunches and themed dinners
- National and local talent on show
Where to stay:
- Novotel Devonport – A premium 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city, offering modern guest rooms, family accommodations, and spacious suites.
- Formby Hotel – Situated centrally in Devonport, this hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms and shared facilities backpacker rooms.
- The Argosy – Located in East Devonport, this motel offers a choice of comfortable standard motel-style rooms or spacious air-conditioned suites with queen or king-size beds and walk-in showers.
Nearby experiences:
- Ride the rails at the Don River Railway
- Take in coastal views at Mersey Bluff Lighthouse
- Browse maritime history at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre
August Events in Tasmania
Tassie Scallop Festival
📍Bridport | 🗓 3 August 2025
What it’s about:
Celebrate scallop season in the seaside town of Bridport with fresh seafood, local wine, and good vibes. This small-town event is a big draw for foodies.
Event Highlights:
- Scallops cooked every way imaginable
- Chef demos and local tastings
- Music, wine, and family-friendly fun
Where to stay:
- Weldborough Hotel – A historic hotel offering simple, flexible accommodation options including conventional rooms and camping.
- Platypus Park Country Retreat – peaceful and private
- Dorset Hotel – A 100-year-old hotel located in the world-famous mountain biking town of Derby
Nearby experiences:
- Play a round at Barnbougle Dunes
- Kayak or fish in Anderson Bay
- Walk the Old Pier and Foreshore trails
Beaker Street Festival
📍Hobart | 🗓 12–19 August 2025
What it’s about:
Science, art, ideas and nightlife all come together in this fascinating winter festival for the curious. Beaker Street proves that science is anything but boring.
Event Highlights:
- Talks and panels with scientists, artists and thinkers
- Night Lab parties and food experiences
- After-dark science pop-ups at TMAG
Where to stay:
- Vibe Hotel Hobart – modern and central
- Mövenpick Hotel Hobart – near the waterfront
- RACV Hobart Hotel – great for couples or families
Nearby experiences:
- Taste Tassie spirits on a distillery tour
- Take a walking tour of Battery Point
- Visit Lark Distillery Cellar Door for a winter warmer
Experience Winter Like Never Before
Tasmania’s winter of 2025 is set to be an unforgettable tapestry of art, culture, and natural wonder. From the provocative performances of Dark Mofo to the communal warmth of the Winter Feast, and the ethereal beauty of the aurora australis dancing across the night sky, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the island’s unique charm. Don’t miss out on these extraordinary experiences—start planning your winter adventure today with Tasmania.com. Our expert travel planners are here to help you craft the perfect itinerary, ensuring you make the most of every magical moment this Off Season has to offer.
