Major Events Coinciding with Public Holidays Australia 2026

New Year Celebrations and Summer Events

The New Year period kicks off Australia's summer event season with spectacular celebrations and internationally renowned sporting events. The combination of warm weather, holiday spirit, and world-class entertainment makes January one of the most event-rich months of the Australian calendar.

Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks display remains one of the world's most watched celebrations, with millions viewing the spectacular harbour bridge and Opera House pyrotechnics either in person or via broadcast. Various vantage points around the harbour offer different experiences, from premium ticketed events to free public viewing areas.

The Australian Open tennis championship dominates Melbourne throughout the second half of January, extending into early February. This Grand Slam event attracts the world's best players and creates a festival atmosphere across Melbourne Park and the surrounding precinct. Ground passes offer affordable access to outer courts and the vibrant fan zones.

Sydney Festival runs throughout January, presenting diverse performing arts, visual arts, and free outdoor events across the city. The festival transforms parks, theatres, and public spaces with programming ranging from intimate performances to large-scale installations.

Music festivals proliferate during the summer period, with events including Falls Festival, FOMO, and various touring artists taking advantage of outdoor venue conditions. Regional areas host agricultural shows and local festivals that offer authentic Australian experiences away from capital city crowds.

Australia Day Events and Celebrations

Australia Day on 26 January generates community celebrations, citizenship ceremonies, and cultural events nationwide. The long weekend provides extended time for participation in various activities marking the national day.

Sydney hosts Australia's largest Australia Day celebration with harbour events, concerts, and the famous Ferrython boat race. The day culminates in evening fireworks over the harbour, creating a second major pyrotechnics display within a month of New Year's Eve.

Melbourne's Australia Day events centre on the Docklands precinct and various suburban locations, offering family-friendly entertainment, live music, and cultural performances. Community breakfasts and citizenship ceremonies occur at multiple venues across the city.

Perth's celebration focuses on the Swan River, with the Skyworks fireworks display attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators to foreshore vantage points. The day features entertainment across multiple zones, making it one of Western Australia's largest public events.

Regional celebrations offer more intimate experiences, with country towns hosting local events that reflect their community character. Agricultural shows, historical re-enactments, and community gatherings provide alternatives to capital city crowds.

Many Australians also use the long weekend for the Big Bash League cricket finals, combining sporting entertainment with Australia Day celebrations. The domestic Twenty20 competition reaches its climax during this period, drawing large crowds to venues across the country.

Easter and Autumn Festival Season

Easter 2026 falls in early April, coinciding with numerous autumn festivals and the conclusion of summer event seasons. The four-day weekend provides excellent opportunities for festival attendance and cultural exploration.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs throughout April, making the Easter long weekend an ideal time to catch international and local comedians across venues throughout the city. The festival is one of the world's largest comedy events, with hundreds of shows catering to diverse tastes.

Sydney Royal Easter Show attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Olympic Park during the Easter school holidays. This agricultural show combines livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, shopping, and entertainment, offering something for all ages and interests.

Wine harvest festivals occur across Australian wine regions during the Easter period. The Barossa Vintage Festival, Clare Valley events, and similar celebrations in other regions offer wine tastings, gourmet food, and cultural performances amid autumn vineyard landscapes.

Byron Bay Bluesfest, one of Australia's premier music festivals, traditionally runs over the Easter long weekend. This internationally renowned event attracts top blues, roots, and world music artists to the Northern Rivers region.

Perth's Margaret River Pro surfing competition and associated events bring world championship tour surfing to Western Australia during autumn, with the Easter period often falling within the competition window.

Anzac Day Commemorations and Events

Anzac Day on 25 April 2026 falls on a Saturday, creating a three-day weekend with commemorative ceremonies and community events. The day holds special significance as Australia's most important day of remembrance.

Dawn services occur at war memorials nationwide, with the most prominent ceremonies at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, and Sydney's Martin Place Cenotaph. These solemn occasions draw large crowds who gather in darkness to honour Australia's war veterans.

Anzac Day marches follow the dawn services, with veterans, current serving members, and descendants parading through major cities and country towns. These processions provide opportunities for communities to show appreciation for service and sacrifice.

Gallipoli commemorations attract thousands of Australians who travel to Turkey to attend the dawn service at Anzac Cove. This pilgrimage has become increasingly popular, requiring advance planning and ballot entry for limited attendance spots.

Traditional two-up games, normally illegal in Australia, are permitted in licensed venues on Anzac Day. RSL clubs and pubs host these games as part of afternoon socialising following morning commemorations, maintaining a tradition dating back to the First World War.

Sporting events traditionally scheduled for Anzac Day include the Anzac Day AFL clash between Collingwood and Essendon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This match has become an iconic sporting tradition, drawing large crowds and television audiences.

Queen's Birthday Weekend Activities

The Queen's Birthday public holiday falls in June for most states and October for Queensland, creating winter and spring event opportunities respectively. Each timing offers distinct attractions and activities.

June long weekend in southern states coincides with the start of the ski season. Victorian and NSW ski resorts often host opening weekend events with discounted lift tickets, snow sports demonstrations, and apres-ski entertainment. Even without guaranteed snow, the mountain atmosphere creates a celebratory start to the season.

Dark Mofo festival in Hobart transforms Tasmania's capital during the June long weekend with art installations, performances, and events exploring themes of darkness and light. The festival has gained international recognition for its adventurous programming and dramatic winter setting.

Queensland's October Queen's Birthday coincides with the spring racing carnival season. While not matching Melbourne Cup festivities, Brisbane and Gold Coast racing events offer fashionable entertainment during the long weekend.

Regional food and wine festivals occur during Queen's Birthday weekends across various states. Truffle festivals in regional Victoria, olive harvests in South Australia, and seafood events along coastal regions provide gourmet experiences away from city centres.

Use our 2026 Australian Calendar to check exact Queen's Birthday dates for your state and plan attendance at relevant events.

Melbourne Cup Carnival and Spring Events

Melbourne Cup Day, observed as a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne on the first Tuesday of November, anchors Australia's famous spring racing carnival. The period surrounding this date features numerous events beyond the racecourse.

The Melbourne Cup itself represents the pinnacle of Australian horse racing, with the "race that stops a nation" commanding attention across the country. Flemington Racecourse hosts over 100,000 attendees, while offices, pubs, and homes everywhere pause to watch the famous two-mile handicap.

Fashion takes centre stage during the carnival, with Oaks Day, Derby Day, and Melbourne Cup each offering opportunities for glamorous trackside outings. Fashions on the Field competitions attract creative entries from professional designers and everyday racegoers alike.

Melbourne's cultural institutions take advantage of increased visitor numbers during cup week with special exhibitions, extended hours, and related programming. Galleries, museums, and theatres offer alternatives for those seeking entertainment beyond racing.

Garden festivals coincide with spring's peak flowering period across southern states. Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and similar events in other cities showcase horticultural excellence during this season of growth and colour.

School holiday periods in some states overlap with Melbourne Cup week, creating family-friendly event opportunities. Theme parks, zoos, and attractions offer special programming to accommodate the increased leisure time available to families.

Christmas and Summer Festival Kickoff

The Christmas period marks both a time for intimate family celebrations and the beginning of major summer festival seasons. From carols by candlelight to beachside concerts, December offers diverse entertainment options.

Carols by Candlelight events occur in capital cities and regional centres throughout December. Melbourne's event at Sidney Myer Music Bowl represents the largest, attracting thousands of attendees and broadcast nationally. Community versions bring neighbours together in parks and public spaces nationwide.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race departs Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, providing spectacular viewing as the fleet navigates through the Heads and begins the journey south. The race finish in Hobart creates celebration opportunities in Tasmania's capital during the new year period.

Boxing Day cricket Test matches have become an Australian summer tradition, with the Melbourne Cricket Ground typically hosting matches against touring international teams. The day-after-Christmas fixture draws large crowds and creates a festive sporting atmosphere.

Summer music festivals begin their season during the Christmas-New Year period. Falls Festival, Beyond the Valley, and various touring artists launch summer programming that continues throughout January and into February.

Regional events including beach festivals, agricultural shows, and community celebrations provide alternatives to city-based entertainment. Coastal towns transform with holiday visitors, creating vibrant atmospheres in usually quiet communities.