Cooler days equal cooler plans. Here’s your go-to guide for good times in March.

With summer drawing to a close and autumn officially arriving, it’s time to farewell the heat and embrace a drop in temperature. For those of you who welcome the new season with open arms, I’m sure you’ve already dreamt up the ways you’re going to celebrate. But if you live for sun-soaked days and balmy nights, this month’s cool change might be threatening to cancel your plans.

Before you ghost your group chat and check out for the month, hear me out. As a long-time autumn enthusiast, I’m confident I can win you over with a few cosy-coded suggestions (and a dash of summer fun to ease the transition). From art exhibitions and creative workshops to foodie festivals and wine weekends worth a road trip, consider your social calendar officially reinstated.

Taylah’s top picks of the month

• Best foodie event: FOOD Week, Orange, NSW (20–29 Mar)
• Best music event: Port Fairy Music Festival, Port Fairy, Vic (6–9 Mar)
• Best cultural event: WOMADelaide, Adelaide, SA (6–9 Mar)
• Best outdoor event: Balloon Spectacular, Canberra, ACT (14–22 Mar)
• Best arts event: Happy Birthday 2u2, Gold Coast, Qld (until 15 Mar)

Upcoming events to keep on your radar

• Parrtjima, Alice Springs, NT (10–19 Apr)
• TrailGraze, north-west Tasmania (10–21 Apr)
• Sorrento Writers’ Festival, Sorrento, Vic (23–26 Apr)
• Grape Escape, Grampians, Vic (1–3 May)
• Ord Valley Muster, Kununurra, WA (15–24 May)

What’s on in NSW in March

Biennale of Sydney
Sydney
From 14 March

For its 25th iteration, the Biennale of Sydney dives deep into the theme of Rememory, a title borrowed from celebrated Australian author Toni Morrison. This year’s edition explores how memory and history intersect to revisit, reconstruct and reclaim stories that have been erased or repressed.

Iconic Sydney spaces will transform for the three-month program, from the White Bay Power Station to the Chau Chak Wing Museum. Using art as its vehicle, the biennale powerfully amplifies marginalised voices, shares untold narratives and platforms the divergent diasporas that shape Australia today.

Rosby Art Workshop
Mudgee
14–15 March

Trends don’t always mean consumerism and consumption; some are simply about indulging in what makes you feel the most alive. Take passion travel: where you let your hobbies shape your itinerary. That spirit sits at the heart of the annual Rosby Art Workshops series in Mudgee.

Held at Rosby Wines & Gallery, it includes six workshops that each focus on a different creative medium, from welding to printmaking. The program kicks off this month with a small portrait painting workshop, a two-day class run by Australian artist David Newman-White. While it’s BYO art supplies, you’ll get morning tea, lunch and a wine tasting.

Ocean Lovers Festival
Sydney
1–31 March

If you live in Sydney, loving the ocean just comes naturally – so protecting it should, too. And that’s precisely what the Ocean Lovers Festival aims to do. Attended by thousands of fierce supporters, it’s more of a movement than a meet-up, with a month-long program designed around conserving the ocean for generations to come.

In 2026, the Bondi-born event will branch beyond its home turf to set up camp at more beaches across Sydney, hoping to inspire and educate the wider community. Whether you’re joining the beach clean-up, coastal foraging class, panel talk, eco market or sunrise yoga session, you’ll be backing the big blue in the best way possible.

FOOD Week
Orange
20–29 March

At Orange FOOD Week, it’s all in the name. Hosted across a variety of the town’s iconic and emerging venues, it’s a love letter to the region’s incredible local produce and the people who grow it, nurture it, bottle it or transform it on a plate.

This year, the festival celebrates 35 years, and to honour the milestone, the program is going big. More than 100 events will allow guests to experience Orange at its best – it is one of Australia’s prettiest autumn towns after all. Think long lunches and night markets, baking classes and wine workshops, farm tours and harvest weekends, plus plenty more.

Sunset Sessions
Sydney
Until 4 April

Sydney’s long summer evenings get an extended remix during Sunset Sessions, held on the lawn of historic Biloela House on Cockatoo Island. Presented by the Harbour Trust, the Saturday series pairs harbour views with live sets from emerging local musicians.

Doors open at 5pm, giving you plenty of time to jump on a ferry from Circular Quay and secure your seats overlooking Sydney Harbour. Pack a picnic or pre-order a grazing box from onsite Marina Cafe & Bar, which will also be serving food and drinks throughout the evening.

EAT Festival
Merimbula
8 March

The picturesque town of Merimbula on NSW’s Sapphire Coast is again hosting EAT Festival this March, a four-day indulgence of the region’s freshest produce. Sandwiched between the ocean and bushland, the foodie fest is all about tide-to-table and paddock-to-plate philosophies.

From 10am to 2pm, attendees can taste their way through local ingredients, meet talented chefs from the community and explore hidden coastal gems along the way. Hungry for more? Be sure to check out the Merimbula oyster trail, where you can sample the region’s best briny bivalves straight from the source.

Chiswick Wine Market
Sydney
7 March

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, Chiswick in Woollahra is hosting the Wine Market, spotlighting women in wine from Australia and abroad. There will be a refined selection of drops on offer, curated by master of wine Annette Lacey with sommeliers Mimi Mrazakova and Vicki Lou Peng.

Across the restaurant’s garden lawns, guests can sample wines while meeting the female founders behind them, all soundtracked by live acoustic music. The St‑Germain Spritz Bar and seasonal bites by Naomi Xavier round out a splendid afternoon indeed.

Seasons of New England
Uralla
28–29 March

Seasons of New England – Eat Drink Shop Relax is a two-day celebration of the region’s finest producers, makers and creators, held at Sunny Jim Mackay Park in Uralla. Discover local wine, beer, gourmet food, handmade homewares, fashion, art and unique gifts, all crafted locally.

Visitors can also enjoy live music, wine tastings, a free kids’ creative tent, shady seating and a vibrant Seasons Bar. Indulge in local sausages, handmade pasta, smoked trout, sweet treats and real good coffee. Running from 9am to 4.30pm daily, it’s the best way to experience New England in one inspiring weekend.

Mardi Cha + Love & Leisure
Sydney
1–2 March

Mardi Cha is returning to the Lucky Prawn at the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre this March. Sydney-based drag queen Jackie Daniels will be steering the yum cha-style session, punctuated by signature dishes and paired with the ever-rolling Hawke’s Tinnie Trolley.

Still riding the high? Swing back on 5 March for Love and Leisure, a singles mixer hosted by Unwritten Dating. It’s dating dialled down, with beers and banter creating a relaxed, low-pressure setting to meet new people. And while the romance is optional, a plate of prawn toast is not.

What’s on in Victoria in March

Begonia Festival
Ballarat
7–9 March

The heartland of Victoria will blossom once again when the Begonia Festival returns to Ballarat this March. The iconic event shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing creative community, with the Robert Clark Conservatory’s rare begonia collection as its centrepiece.

But the program extends well beyond blooms and bouquets, with art exhibitions, local markets, live music and interactive installations adding to the appeal. Don’t miss The Plants by Playable Streets, a new interactive installation that allows you to make music with living flora.

The Offbeat Sari
Melbourne
From 21 March

Developed by London Design Museum’s head of curatorial and interpretation, Priya Khanchandani, The Offbeat Sari makes its Australian debut this March. It will be on display at Melbourne’s Bunjil Place Gallery until August, giving Aussies unprecedented insight into one of the world’s most recognisable garments.

The international exhibition traces the sari’s evolution from traditional attire to a powerful expression of identity and resistance in modern India. Expect over 50 saris from the continent’s most exciting designers, featuring boundary-pushing silhouettes and experimental materials – each woven with its own cultural legacy.

Port Fairy Folk Festival
Port Fairy
6–9 March

The beloved Port Fairy Folk Festival takes over the streets of its namesake town each March long weekend. Born in 1977, the four-day celebration presents the finest in folk, roots and blues from local and international artists across multiple venues.

More than just live music, festivities also come in the form of interactive workshops, local markets, roving performances and family-friendly activities. Expect food, film, literature, dance, craft and plenty of community culture in this seaside Victorian highlight.

Moomba Festival
Melbourne
5–9 March

The ever-eccentric Mooba Festival has long been recognised as one of the country’s largest free community events. Focused on people, families and accessibility for all, it transforms the heart of Melbourne into a playground of colour, culture and celebration each year.

Everyone from tiny tots to adults is catered for, from thrilling carnival rides and delicious food offerings to interactive workshops and live entertainment, plus so much more. The annual Birdman Rally is always a crowd-pleaser, too; watch as participants test out homemade gliders by flying out over, and eventually into, the Yarra River.

Tastes of Rutherglen
Rutherglen
6–8 March

Indulge in a weekend of well-deserved wining and dining at Tastes of Rutherglen, where 17 of the region’s best cellar doors come together to present over 200 tipples. Pairing the region’s top drops and locally sourced ingredients, the program spans food, wine, music and nature.

Guests can look forward to a range of vino-themed experiences, from long lunches and paired tastings to masterclasses and more – all backdropped by rolling vineyards in the autumn sun. There will also be a ticketed shuttle bus, so you can winery-hop without a care in the world.

What’s on in Queensland in March

World Science Festival
Brisbane
20–29 March

Embrace your inner Einstein at the Queensland Museum’s 2026 World Science Festival in Brisbane this month. Between a solid selection of paid events and free activities, your interest is sure to be piqued by some of the subject’s most spell-binding topics.

Both young and old can learn about everything from robotics to insects, exoplanets to anatomy, dinosaurs to fungi, and more. The 10-day event highlights the museum’s position as a leader in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as its efforts to educate and engage the public on an incredibly important discipline.

Noosa Festival of Surfing
Sunshine Coast
13–22 March

Evolving from a longboarding contest back in 1992, the Noosa Festival of Surfing now sees pros and newcomers alike battle it out on some of the Sunny Coast’s best sets. Loosely based on France’s Biarritz Surf Festival, the sporting event always attracts record levels of competitors and thousands of shoreline spectators.

This year’s contest will take place at First Point, known as one of Noosa’s most beautiful beaches. Witness surfing legends do their thing before grabbing a drink from the beach bar or catching some local live music. Be sure to check out the Surfing Dog Championships for a barking-mad time, too.

Feast of the Senses
Innisfail
29 March

Discover the riches hiding in Tropical North Queensland’s backyard at Feast of the Senses 2026, held in the jaw-dropping Cassowary Coast region. Here, the spotlight is on locally sourced produce and exotic fruits, but attendees can also sample the region’s best meat, seafood, herbs, spices and wine.

Meander your way around the town of Innisfail via various events, from guided walks and food-focused trails to trivia nights and live music delights. Fun fact: Feast of the Senses is the Guinness World Record holder for the world’s longest banana split, recorded at a whopping eight kilometres in length – add that to our list of Australia’s Big Things!

Happy Birthday 2U2
Gold Coast
Until 15 March

Join Japanese artist Hikoko Ito as she shares her joyously playful installation of Happy Birthday 2U2 at the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts (HOTA). The interactive exhibition is an homage to hand-written birthday cards, a long-held tradition for Ito and her family.

In total, there are 366 special birthday mailboxes (one for every birthday of the year, including leap years), all handcrafted by Ito herself. Visitors are invited to craft a card, post it and take one in return – an intimate and wholesome exchange between strangers connected by birthdate.

What’s on in Tasmania in March

ECHO Festival
Swansea
13–15 March

Heal your soul in the charming seaside village of Swansea at the East Coast Harvest Odyssey Festival, commonly known as ECHO. In the quiet rural countryside that unfolds at the edges of this quiet town, chefs, winemakers, producers, creatives and artists all come together to celebrate the vital rhythms of life.

The amazing program has been curated to assist in restoring your body’s connection to the land and its inner sense of calm through peaceful activities and events. Think native bounty feasts, blacksmithing workshops, morning yoga, painting classes, bush food talks, writer’s corners, gin masterclasses and more.

Callington Mill Dinner
Hobart
20 March

This March, one of Hobart’s most iconic brands is turning seven. To celebrate, Callington Mill Distillery is throwing the doors open and inviting Tasmania to honour the occasion with them. Held at its stunning MACq01 venue, guests will be treated to a seven-course degustation paired with some of the distillery’s best pours.

Tickets for the Anniversary Dinner are on sale now, priced at $250 per head. That includes a two-hour classic open bar, whisky pairings and all seven courses, with festivities kicking off from 6pm. And with a special release bottling set to be unveiled on the evening, it’s definitely not one whisky lovers will want to miss.

Tasmanian Heirloom Festival
Hagley
15 March

The Tasmanian Heirloom Festival platforms local and seasonal produce from across the state by bringing families and communities together through food culture. This is the first year the festival celebrates under its new name, previously known as the Tasmanian Garlic & Tomato Festival.

The one-day event draws in plenty of hungry visitors who can attend workshops, produce competitions, cooking demonstrations, markets, farm tours and dining experiences that help to boost local small businesses. A program highlight is the Long Table Lunch, expertly prepared by Quamby Estate’s talented head chef Zeb Gilbert.

Kunanyi Mountain Run
Hobart
27–29 March

With run clubs and marathon holidays on the rise in 2026, the Kunanyi Mountain Run is the perfect excuse to get down to Tassie and up your step count. The three-day experience is one of Hobart’s best outdoor adventures, aimed at showcasing the state’s natural beauty and deepening your connection to people and place.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a newbie to the sport, everyone is encouraged to join in and experience the magic of the mountain. If you’re not tackling the trek, there are still plenty of reasons to head down to the festival hub, including bush workshops, sustainable gear swaps, yoga sessions and cultural activities run by local Palawa.

What’s on in Western Australia in March

Pippin Drysdale: Infinite Terrain
Perth
Until 6 April

Celebrate an icon of ceramics and porcelain with the eponymous Pippin Drysdale: Infinite Terrain, spanning more than 40 years of the Aussie artist’s career. Known for her flowing lines and evocative use of earthy hues, Drysdale merges her mastery of technique with a fearless approach to experimentation.

The exhibition at the Art Gallery of Western Australia in Perth will round out its four-month tenure at the beginning of April. This means that March is the last opportunity for art lovers to explore the mesmerising collection of works, created and curated by one of the city’s very own.

Mandurah Crab Fest
Mandurah
14–15 March

Seafood lovers, this one is for you! Set against an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour, the Mandurah Crab Fest is an incredible showcase of this coastal town’s deeply rooted foodie culture, as well as the location and lifestyle that make it so special. And 2025 is promising to be another year of family, fun and food along Mandurah’s stunning waterfront.

This year’s Crab Fest encompasses fresh and local food at its finest, plus live music performances, children’s entertainment, competitions, cooking demonstrations and more. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out Thomas Dambo’s famous Giants of Mandurah, an incredible outdoor sculpture trail with a twist.

Sculpture by the Sea
Perth
6–23 March

Following a hiatus in 2025, the iconic Sculpture by the Sea event returns to one of Perth’s best stretches of sand this March. One of Australia’s largest free public events, the exhibition attracts over 230,000 local, interstate and international visitors to the famous Cottesloe Beach each year.

This year’s Sculpture by the Sea will feature 70 works from across Australia and around the world, including 11 artists from Japan and four from Denmark. Over 30 West Australian artists will feature in the outdoor exhibition as well, supported by a $750,000 funding grant from the Australian Government.

Lighting the Sound
Albany
13–29 March

Lighting the Sound is a large-scale outdoor light installation that will transform Albany’s coastline into an immersive experience over three weekends. Visible from key locations across town, the illumination of landforms around King George Sound shifts attention from the coast to the ocean – a life-giving source rich in ancestry, culture, ecology and history.

Delivered as FORM’s first major event for Albany 2026, Lighting the Sound has been created by internationally renowned artist Kari Kola and is anticipated to be the largest light installation on Earth. The concept has been co-designed and led by Menang Elders and the local community, inspired by the culturally significant Menang/Bloodroot plant.

What’s on in South Australia in March

Adelaide Fringe
Adelaide
Until 22 March

The largest Aussie arts festival and winner of our Best Festival to Travel For Readers’ Choice Award is bringing its hometown alive throughout March this year. Every skerrick of the city becomes immersed in the arts, from comedians in pubs and one-man productions to after-dark cabaret and interactive art exhibitions.

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.

A Taste of the Hills
Adelaide Hills
28–29 March

Join a collection of South Australia’s top wineries, distilleries, breweries and cideries all in one place this March at A Taste of the Hills. Explore the region by glass with vendors like Golding Wines, Vinteloper, Tin Shed Distilling Co, Heaps Good Spirits, Silver Bark Brewery, Lenswood Cider Co and more.

There will also be live music by local bands and plenty of food vendors to keep you satiated between sips, from plant-based plates featuring locally sourced ingredients to sweet treats made fresh to order. Feeling fancy? Add on a scenic helicopter flight for incredible aerial views across the Adelaide Hills.

WOMADelaide
Adelaide
6–9 March

An icon of Adelaide’s cultural calendar, WOMADelaide’s four-day program reads like a love letter to the arts, music and dance, summons a diverse selection of both well-known and emerging artists from around the world to showcase their talents on the city stage.

This year’s festival promises to deliver the goods, with acts like Marlon Williams, Yothu Yindi, and Baker Boy already lined up. There are also countless other exciting events to look forward to, including performances by local and international artists, street theatre, market stalls, art installations and food offerings.

Gather & Graze
Barossa Valley
7 March

Kingsford The Barossa is opening up its sprawling luxury property for Gather & Graze, a nine-session series designed to introduce guests to local producers. This month marks the first of its Signature Events, kicking off with an immersive sit-down dining experience designed to unfold over two to three hours.

Held in Kingsford’s impressive Wine Vault, the evening pairs a six-course menu created by culinary director Jake Kellie with a curated selection of Jim Barry wines, including a number of back vintage releases that are rarely poured today. Tickets are on sale now, priced at $350 per person.

What’s on in the Northern Territory in March

FabAlice
Alice Springs
26–29 March

Continue the Mardi Gras party this month at fabALICE, a festival of drag and cabaret that celebrates the inclusivity and diversity of Mparntwe/Alice Springs. There is so much to look forward to this year, with the fabALICE program simply bursting at the seams.

Across four glitter-filled days, the town transforms into a stage for dazzling performances, disco dance floors, drag queen bingo, film nights, cabaret shows and a sparkling street parade that brings everyone together. Join this vibrant NT community as it sparkles this month in honour of pride, love and diversity.

Darwin Comedy Festival
Darwin
5–7 March

The second installation of the Darwin Comedy Festival is bringing big belly laughs to the Top End this month. A stellar line-up of comedy heavyweights from around the world will take to the stage with an exciting special appearance from hairstylist, author and star of global hit Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness.

While some of Australia’s best will be there, don’t miss up-and-coming comedians at the Raw Comedy NT Final – who knows, you may just find your next favourite! The festival, held at the Darwin Entertainment Centre, also offers a range of family-friendly activities that will put the whole family in stitches.

Million Dollar Fish
Top End
Until 31 March

March marks the final month for season 11 of Million Dollar Fish, a Top End-wide fishing competition with an expensive twist. When the season started in October last year, 11 barramundi carrying a million-dollar pricetag were released in five main fishing destinations across the NT: Darwin, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, the Tiwi Islands and Katherine.

There were also 99 more of the marine species released in nearby areas, all with their own $10,000 prize. Now, with season 11 nearing its end, the countdown is officially on for the final school of fish to be found – will you be casting a line and cashing in?

What’s on in the ACT in March

Balloon Spectacular
Canberra
14–22 March

Look up when in the nation’s capital this month as it comes to life with the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular. For nine mesmerising days, countless hot air balloons dance across the sky above the capital in a kaleidoscope of colour, attracting photographers, families and visitors alike.

Taking place in the John Dunmore Lang Place park, keen spectators can arrive early to see the balloons up close before they take off each morning. Or grab a top-quality coffee before heading to Lake Burley Griffin, arguably the best spot to view the iconic floating parade.

soft rain, strong Country
Canberra
Until 9 March

As part of Enlighten Festival and coinciding with the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial, Kukawarra kwatja, pmara nhanhanama marra inthurra, soft rain, strong Country is lighting up Canberra. For 11 nights only, it transforms the National Gallery’s facade into an immersive story of rain, regeneration and rebirth.

The large-scale digital exhibition draws on the artists’ deep relationship with Country, kinship and cultural knowledge, evoking a desert landscape renewed and reborn after rain. Created collaboratively by Grace Kemarre Robinya, Yarrenyty Arltere, and Tangentyere artists, soft rain, strong Country runs daily from 8pm–11pm.

Craft Beer & Cider Festival
Canberra
21 March

Canberra’s Craft Beer and Cider Festival showcases, you guessed it, the best beer and cider the country has to offer on the grounds surrounding Mercure Canberra in Braddon. The fantastic festival features over 250 craft beers, ciders, spirits and wines from across Australia, all for your sampling pleasure.

This year, vendors include the Coastal Brewing Company, Wheel Line Cider, Broulee Brewhouse, Bridge Road Brewers, Stone Dog Meadery and more. Food trucks, market stalls, live entertainment, interactive games and masterclasses make for the perfect match pair. From curious beginners to budding brewers, everyone is welcome.