Summer has arrived a little late this year, with the warm weather finally settling in just as the season begins to wind down. February and March are your window to lean into longer evenings, coastal day trips, and the best of Tasmania’s festival calendar, before the weather turns and the pace shifts. Below is a curated checklist of local events to lock in now, from live music and food festivals to vineyard weekends and sport.
1. Clarence Jazz Festival (19 February 2026)
Clarence Jazz Festival marks its 30th anniversary in 2026 with a four-day program based at Rosny Farm (Rosny Park) on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.
2. Koonya Garlic Festival (28 February 2026)
Celebrate all things garlic at this quirky festival in Koonya. From garlic-inspired dishes to workshops and music, it’s a unique Tasmanian experience.
3. Southern Open Vineyards (27 February – 1 March 2026)
Tour Tasmania’s southern vineyards and sample exceptional wines. Meet winemakers, enjoy tastings, and soak in the picturesque vineyard views.
4. Cape Hope Launceston International (6 March 2026)
The Cape Hope Foundation, in partnership with Tennis Tasmania, invites you to an exclusive evening at one of Launceston’s premier sporting events, the 2026 Launceston Tennis International.
Last year’s tournament drew record crowds – including a visit from tennis royalty, Lleyton Hewitt, who watched his son Cruz compete in the Men’s Final. The 2026 tournament promises to be just as thrilling. All proceeds from the event will directly support the Cape Hope Foundation’s initiatives across Northern Tasmania.
5. Echo Festival (13th -15th March 2026)
ECHO was created to fill a gap in Tasmania’s cultural calendar and share the real stories of the East Coast its people, history and landscapes. Over one weekend, it brings together standout food and wine, live music and art, while spotlighting local artists and producers.
6. Dover Sea Fest (15th March 2026)
Dover Sea Fest is a free, community-centred festival in southern Tasmania celebrating local seafood and produce, with live music on the day.
7. Earthenry Flower Picking
Visit this seasonal flower farm, Earthenry, for a peaceful day of picking your own blooms. Participate in workshops and take home beautiful arrangements.
8. Franko Street Eats (Every Friday, December – April)
Indulge in street food, craft drinks, and live music at Franko Street Eats lively night market in Hobart. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a Tasmanian summer evening. The festival features a mix of free and ticketed performances, bringing together Tasmanian, interstate and international artists, with events staged across multiple spaces within the Rosny Farm precinct (including Rosny Barn/The Barn) and a schedule that typically spans daytime family programming through to evening headline shows.
9. Hobart Twilight Market (selected Fridays, October–March 2026)
The Hobart Twilight Market runs on selected Friday evenings and is hosted across two locations: Brooke Street Pier (12 Franklin Wharf) and Long Beach, Sandy Bay. Expect a rotating mix of Tasmanian street food, local makers/design stalls, Tasmanian beverages, and live music. Dates and venues vary, so checking the event schedule ahead of time is recommended.
10. Rektango (Every Friday)
Held in the Salamanca Arts Centre courtyard from 5:30 to 7:30pm, Rektango is a free weekly live music session and a quintessential Hobart Friday night experience. Visitors can expect rotating local and visiting acts, an open air Salamanca setting, and an on site drinks bar, creating a lively early evening atmosphere that rolls straight into the city’s weekend culture.
Make this summer unforgettable by experiencing the best of Tasmania. From iconic races to unique festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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