Festivals and Events in Oceania
January
Australia Day, Australia: On the 26th the country celebrates the 1788 landing by Captain Arthur Phillip to establish the first European settlement in Australia. It is a national holiday with festivities ranging from fireworks to boat races on Sydney Harbour.
Australian Open Tennis Competition, Australia: The Australian Open is the first tennis Grand Slam for the year. The competition is held at Melbourne Park in the country’s south.
Australian Country Music Festival, Australia: The country music festival is usually held sometime during January in the northern New South Wales town of Tamworth.
Blues, Brews and BBQ’s, New Zealand: Held on different weekends throughout the month, the celebration is a general summer music festival with food and drinks held in Hastings, Blenheim and Mount Maunganui.
February
Chinese New Year, Australia and New Zealand: Chinese New Year is celebrated through most major cities of Australia and New Zealand with street parades, dragon boat races and of course, fireworks!
International Arts Festival, New Zealand: The arts festival begins on the third weekend of the month and continues for three weeks; it is host to over 800 artists from 29 different countries.
March
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Australia: This is a major event, which has a glittering parade through the eastern section of Sydney city. The festival attracts thousands of visitors nationally and from overseas.
Sydney Royal Easter Show, Australia: The show takes place at the Sydney Showgrounds and has many agricultural exhibits including farm produce displays and livestock, coupled with carnival rides and various shows and parades.
Auckland Festival, New Zealand: The Auckland Festival is an exhibition of contemporary and visual arts, with a music programme from young, upcoming artists.
April
Arrowtown Autumn Festival, New Zealand: The once gold mining town of Arrowtown hosts an autumn festival which celebrates the town’s history and heritage amidst the scenic time of year.
Anzac Day, Australia and New Zealand: The fixed event on the 25th of every year, which is in honor of the fallen heroes from the fight at Gallipoli in World War I. Throughout the country, morning services are held followed by drinking and gambling in pubs and bars.
Blues and Roots Festival, Australia: During the Easter Weekend, the beautiful beach town of Byron Bay in the north of New South Wales hosts a major blues event with acts from all over the globe.
May
Auckland Writers and Readers Festival, New Zealand: Held in Auckland City, the cultural event brings together both international and national writers to answer questions and sign books.
June
Queen’s Birthday Holiday, Australia and New Zealand: The second Monday of each June is a public holiday with some minor celebrations in major cities.
Blue Mountains Festival, Australia: The Blue Mountains plays host to a mid-year Christmas for those who enjoy the celebration during the coldest time of year.
Matariki Festival, New Zealand: The Matariki Festival celebrates the Maori New Year. Throughout the town of Hawkes Bay celebrations include food, wine, dance, music and many family activities.
July
Darwin Regatta, Australia: On Mindil Beach in the Northern Territory city of Darwin, a fun competition is held where contestants construct boats from beer cans and race them in the usually calm waters.
August
Royal Queensland Show, Australia: The Royal Queensland Show is the state’s largest annual event and is held at the Brisbane Showgrounds. The show hosts a variety of entertainment from carnival rides to agriculture exhibits.
National Country Music Muster, Australia: This event sees a range of Australian music artists performing over the last weekend of the month.
September
New Zealand on show during Spring Festival, New Zealand: The spring festival is an array of food, wine, art and culture spread out over the entire month.
Football Finals, Australia: The month of September brings the grand finals of both codes of Australian football, rugby league and Australian rules.
Flower Festivals, Australia: With the start of spring, come many flower festivals and displays throughout the country, including: the Perth Wildflower Festival in Western Australia and the Bowral Tulip Time Festival in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
October
Kaikoura Seafest, New Zealand: The seafest is held on the esplanade of Kaikoura and is a one-day extravaganza of live entertainment, food, wine and culture.
November
Melbourne Cup Day, Australia: The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s biggest horse racing event and gains the attention of the nation when the country comes to a standstill for the final afternoon race.
Wellington International Jazz Festival, New Zealand: The yearly jazz festival runs for ten days, hosting a many of the world’s finest jazz musicians.
December
Christmas Celebrations, Australia and New Zealand: Celebrations for Christmas are held on December 25 in both Australia and New Zealand.
Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, Australia: The annual nautical event is held every year on Boxing Day. The race starts in Sydney Harbour and finishes 630 nautical miles away in Hobart. The renowned event attracts many boats from all around the globe.
New Year Celebrations, Australia and South Pacific: Across both Australia and New Zealand, the New Year is welcomed with an array of festivities including firework displays and family entertainment.