Your go-to guide for farewelling winter.

August always feels like the final stretch – the last leg of a marathon, that quiet pause before spring begins to stir. And while it’s technically still winter, some brave Aussies are beginning to shed their coats and beanies.

Me on the other hand? I’m leaning into the winter glory, farewelling my favourite season with one final, cosy hurrah. From fireside feasts and winter festivals to art exhibitions and cultural celebrations, there’s so many ways to embrace the chill one last time, before the flowers start blooming.

Taylah’s top picks of the month:

• Best foodie event: Fleurieu Food Festival, SA (1–31 August)
• Best music event: Winter Sounds, Daylesford, Vic (27–30 August)
• Best cultural event: Shinju Matsuri, Broome, WA (21 August – 6 September)
• Best outdoor event: Hamilton Island Race Week, Qld (15–22 August)
• Best arts event: Hadley’s Art Prize, Hobart, Tas (1–23 August)

Upcoming events to keep on your radar:

• Floriade, Canberra, ACT (12 September – 11 October)
• Junction Arts Festival, Launceston, Tas (17–20 September)
• Kakadu Bird Week, Kakadu National Park, NT (23–27 September)
• Cabernet Celebrations, Coonawarra, SA (1–18 October)
• Horizontal Festival, Bowral, NSW (2–4 October)

What’s on in NSW in August

Byron Writers Festival, Byron Bay

When: 14–16 August

Best for: Literature lovers

Why go: The Byron Writers Festival returns to Australia’s favourite wellness town for three days again this August. Over 150 writers from Australia and around the world will delve into this year’s theme, Sanctuary, including big names like Jane Caro, Trent Dalton, Evelyn Araluen and Richard Flanagan. This year’s program is brimming with immersive events, from panel talks and literary lunches to workshops and markets.

Dog Lover’s Festival, Sydney

When: 22–23 August

Best for: Those with four-legged friends

Why go: The Dog Lover’s Festival is returning to Sydney Showground – and, furry companion or not, you’re invited. Over 800 dogs will be unleashed across a variety of paw-some events, including agility tests, mini dog races, the adoption zone and even a designated space for cuddles. Prefer feline friends? Head over to the Cat Lover’s Festival, running at the same time right next door.

Orange Region Fire Festival, Orange

When: 7–16 August

Best for: A cosy winter getaway

Why go: The annual Orange Region Fire Festival will prove yet again why NSW’s Central West is a destination on the rise. Over 10 days, dive into a program showcasing the region’s top offerings, from music and art to food and wine. Maybe you’ll join the kintsugi workshop with Yoko Kawada, followed by an afternoon of music and wine at Bonfire Blues. Or head to Phillip Shaw’s Fire Night? Whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling hungry for more.

Festival of Dangerous Ideas, Sydney

When: 20–30 August

Best for: Conversations that matter

Why go: The Festival of Dangerous Ideas is taking over Carriageworks in Sydney, with a program that prompts uncomfortable and urgent conversations about the ideas shaping our world from the world’s leading thinkers and changemakers. Beyond the panel, the event will see a major new art commission unveiled within in a sculpted mound of earth, as well as guided tours through some of Sydney’s top cultural institutions.

Battle on the Bluff, Thredbo

When: 12 August

Best for: An adrenaline rush

Why go: Recent snowfall isn’t the only reason for a cosy weekend in Thredbo this winter. The alpine town is attracting snow pros from around the world this month for Battle on the Bluff, a premier freeriding comp on some of the country’s most technical terrain. Witness highly skilled competitors from around the world carve the slopes, boasting their best tricks and pushing themselves to the limit as they fight for up to $25,000 worth of prizes.

Oyster & Seafood Festival, Sydney

When: 2–31 August

Best for: Fresh coastal flavours

Why go: What began as celebrity chef Sean Connolly’s mission to make oysters more accessible has grown into a month-long celebration of Aussie seafood. Held in the heart of Western Sydney, the event unites well-known chefs, oyster growers and seafood producers for a flavour-filled extravaganza. Expect cooking demos, dedicated tastings, signature specials and live entertainment all in one place at this year’s Western Sydney Oyster & Seafood Festival. 

What’s on in Victoria in August

Dark Side of Wine, Rutherglen

When: 7–16 August

Best for: After-dark adventures

Why go: Known as the muscat capital of the world, Rutherglen in regional Victoria is inviting oenophiles to experience its Dark Side of Wine festival. Across 10 days, a series of immersive experiences will walk wine lovers through the winemaking region via a delightful line-up, with guided tastings, winery tours, expert-led masterclasses, trivia nights, live music and even stargazing sessions – all hosted by the region’s best.

Now or Never, Melbourne

When: 19–30 August

Best for: Big ideas and bold experiences

Why go: Melbourne’s boldest festival, Now or Never, will transform the city into a spectacle of colour and energy with over 150 events in 2026. From electrifying live music to immersive art installations, the 11-day celebration pushes boundaries across art, sound and tech. Curated collections like Freebie Finder, Moodmaxxer and Explorer are there to help you pick your starting point.

Best Pie Competition, Ballarat

When: 1–31 August

Best for: Comfort food cravings

Why go: Launched in 2023, Ballarat’s once-modest pie competition has since become a statewide stalwart, now attracting hundreds of foodies to the heritage gold-rush city. Every August, roughly 30 sweet and savoury pies are submitted from Ballarat’s top cafes, bakeries and eateries to compete for the title. From Korean beef and rainbow trout to pandan flower and Wagon Wheel ice cream, this year’s line-up of flavours makes choosing a winner harder than ever.

Affordable Art Fair, Melbourne

When: 27–30 August

Best for: Art enthusiasts on a budget

Why go: For four colourful days, the Affordable Art Fair will take over Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building to showcase contemporary art. But this isn’t just any exhibition; everything displayed will be available for purchase at an unbeatable price! Both Australian and international galleries will be touting original art in all of its diverse forms, with prices ranging from just $100 to $10,000.

Winter Sounds, Daylesford

When: 27–30 August

Best for: A wholesome night out

Why go: Rug up for a weekend of fireside sessions, frosty temperatures and live music in unexpected spaces with Winter Sounds. Held at historic churches, schoolhouses and country halls in some of Victoria’s cosiest towns and villages, this eclectic music festival invites you embrace the winter chill with some of Australia’s most talented artists, paired perfectly with twinkling light displays, cosy fire pits, mulled wine and more.

What’s on in Queensland in August

Taste Port Douglas, Port Douglas

When: 6–9 August

Best for: Eating your way around town

Why go: The 10th edition of Taste Port Douglas will deliver a smorgasbord of culinary excellence to Queensland’s tropical far north. Known as a foodie a celebration like no other, the four-day program spotlights the region’s local fare through more than 40 flavour-filled events. Think intimate dinners, live demos, long lunches and flavour masterclasses, all helmed by top chefs from around the world.

Hamilton Island Race Week, Whitsundays

When: 15–22 August

Best for: Sun-seekers

Why go: Hamilton Island Race Week is a premier yachting fixture and highly 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. While most of the action takes place on the water, plenty is happening on shore too, including beachfront parties, gourmet grazing, live music, starlit dinners and wine tastings.

Unleashed+, Gold Coast

When: 1 August – 8 November

Best for: Finding your next favourite artist

Why go: Discover the next generation of Queensland’s artists at this ambitious exhibition, celebrating contemporary craft and collectible design at Home of the Arts (HOTA) on the Gold Coast. Spanning jewellery, ceramics, lighting, sculptural objects and even furniture, the three-month Unleashed+ showcase is all about emerging local creatives, whose innovative works blur the line between art and function.

Hervey Bay Whale Festival, Hervey Bay

When: 29–30 August

Perfect for: Unforgettable wildlife encounters

Why go: Celebrate one of the country’s greatest wildlife spectacles at the Hervey Bay Whale Festival, where the annual humpback whale migration is marked by five days of festivities on and off the water. Guests can look forward to glowing parades, live entertainment, local markets, family activities and ocean-inspired events, all held in one of the country’s best whale-watching locations.

What’s on in Tasmania in August

Beaker Street Festival, Hobart

When: 6–17 August

Best for: The creatively curious

Why go: Much to the delight of Tasmanians, Beaker Street Festival is returning to the streets of Hobart for what is sure to be another amazing year. A meeting place for curious minds, the festival gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of everyday life. The 2026 program includes plenty of events across the capital and beyond, like guided field trips, polar plunges, art exhibitions, sauna sessions and astronomy workshops, just to name a few.

Tasmanian Whisky Week, statewide

When: 1–9 August

Best for: Whisky connoisseurs

Why go: Held just once a year, Tasmanian Whisky Week acts as a meeting place for the state’s top distillers to showcase their finest drops. But even more, it’s an opportunity for whisky lovers to try them and buy them. Events are hosted statewide, from Bicheno and Burnie to iconic distilleries in Hobart, from expert-led masterclasses and panel talks to distillery tours and guided tastings.

Hadley’s Art Prize, Hobart

When: 1–23 August

Best for: World-class Australian art

Why go: Thanks to generations of art-collecting landlords, the historic Hadley’s Orient Hotel in Hobart has been adorned with art since the 1830s. That legacy lives on through the annual Hadley’s Art Prize, a free exhibition celebrating Australia’s iconic landscapes. Works by this year’s finalists are on display (and available for purchase) throughout August, including the winner of its $100,000 acquisitive prize.

Unwind, Launceston

When: 13–23 August

Best for: A wellness reset

Why go: Press pause this month at the inaugural Unwind festival in Launceston, where wellness travel is taking centre stage. Unfolding across 10 days, the debut program will deliver more than 40 wellness-based experiences, including yoga classes, meditation workshops, sauna sessions, silent book clubs and scenic sunset cruises, all designed to help you slow down, recharge and reset as the seasons change.

What’s on in Western Australia in August

10 Nights in Port, Fremantle

When: 20–30 August

Best for: Discovering local talent

Why go: Fremantle’s warming winter festival, 10 Nights in Port, returns this year in a burst of sensory splendour and art. At the heart of it all is a deep consideration of ways to lighten your life, curated by local creators and cultural leaders. The 2026 program will feature both old favourites and new experiences across an array of genres, like music, comedy, dance, art, theatre and wellness.

Gascoyne Food Festival, Gascoyne

When: 21 August – 6 September

Best for: A gourmet road trip

Why go: Foodies seeking a unique culinary experience should venture to the Gascoyne Food Festival in the WA’s north-west this August. Spanning the towns of Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth, Bullara and Shark Bay, the region is known as the food bowl of Western Australia. Framed by the mighty Gascoyne River and the rich soil of this fertile desertscape, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Avon Descent, Perth

When: 8–9 August

Best for: Edge-of-your-seat action

Why go: Experience one of WA’s most iconic sporting events, as paddlers and power craft tackle the thrilling journey from Northam to Bayswater along the Avon and Swan Rivers. Whether you’re racing on-water or cheering from the riverbank, Avon Descent delivers two days of adrenaline-pumping action, scenic spectator spots and lively community events along the 124-kilometre route.

Shinju Matsuri, Broome

When: 21 August – 6 September

Best for: Community hospitality

Why go: The boom of the pearl industry in the late 1800s saw an influx of workers from all over Southeast Asia arrive in the Kimberley region. Centuries later, this rich multicultural heritage continues with Shinju Matsuri, the Festival of the Pearl. The 17-day program is designed to get you involved, with street parades, cultural performances, hawker markets and the unmissable Floating Lanterns Matsuri.

What’s on in South Australia in August

Fleurieu Food Festival, Fleurieu Peninsula

When: 1–31 August

Best for: Paddock-to-plate produce

Why go: Take your tastebuds on a journey at the Fleurieu Food Festival, held on the stunning peninsula of the same name in South Australia. The foodie-focused fest is not only about showcasing the region’s local produce, but the local businesses behind it. Discover over 50 events across five categories throughout the month-long celebration: Dining Experiences, Drinks & Tastings, Workshops & Classes, Farm & Produce, and Culture & Connection.

James Tylor: Turrangka…in the shadows, Adelaide

When: 31 July – 1 November

Best for: Powerful storytelling

Why go: Explore more than a decade of acclaimed work by Kaurna artist James Tylor in his most comprehensive solo exhibition to date, on display at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Featuring over 150 photographs and handcrafted objects, James Tylor: Turrangka…in the shadows spotlights First Nations stories and celebrates Country, culture and the enduring strength of Kaurna identity.

SALA Festival, statewide

When: 1–31 August

Best for: Gallery hopping

Why go: For one month each year, the South Australia Living Artists (SALA) festival turns the state into an open-air gallery. More than 10,000 artists of every age, background and artistic medium contribute to the immersive program, which includes over 700 exhibitions and experiences. From workshops in Willunga and bus tours through the Barossa, to Port Adelaide art exhibitions and open studios across Aldinga, expect creativity at every turn.

What’s on in the Northern Territory in August

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Darwin

When: 6–9 August

Best for: Witnessing true craftsmanship

Why go: The annual Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is all about platforming the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through art, design and performance. It’s a great opportunity to ethically purchase artwork directly from First Nations communities, who receive all profits made during the festival, as well as connect with artists and learn about Australia’s deep cultural heritage.

Top Dog Film Festival, Alice Springs

When: 8 August

Best for: Feel-good entertainment

Why go: Celebrate man’s best friend and meet dogs from all walks of life through this carefully curated collection of canine stories at the Top Dog Film Festival. From husky dogs in Alaska to the working dogs of Australia, a pull on your heartstrings is pretty much guaranteed. Stopping into the Araluen Arts Centre as part of its national tour, the event highlights the very best of this year’s four-legged heroes.

Darwin Festival, Darwin

When: 5–23 August

Best for: Balmy nights out

Why go: Winter has never looked hotter thanks to the Darwin Festival, which takes over the Northern Territory capital every year with its eclectic program of arts and ideas. Attendees can expect everything from cabaret and comedy to music and magic across 18 exhilarating days. With sunset performances rolling into late-night laughs, the festival transforms Darwin into one giant stage.

What’s on in the ACT in August

Fireside Festival, Canberra

When: 24 July – 9 August

Best for: Winter indulgence

Why go: Discover Canberra’s under-the-radar wine scene this month at Fireside Festival, where some of the city’s top cellar doors are throwing open their doors for cosy winter experiences. Expect long lunches, crackling bonfires, exceptional cool-climate wines, local produce and live music, all served with a generous dose of country hospitality.

Winter in the Woods, Canberra

When: until 9 August

Perfect for: Getting back to nature

Why go: Witness the season in its cutest and cosiest form with Winter in the Woods. Visitors are invited to stroll through Canberra’s National Arboretum, as well as other forests across the nation’s capital, where trees have been lovingly wrapped up to brave the colder months in hand-woven scarves made by volunteers.

Oz Comic-Con, Canberra

When: 15–16 August

Best for: Pop-culture fans

Why go: Running over one 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 best cosplay outfit or chuck on your favourite piece of merch to enjoy a jam-packed two days, full of guest talks, dress-up competitions, live performances and plenty of exhibitor stalls where you can purchase goodies.