AWBF is Tasmania's largest free event and the largest celebration of wooden boats and maritime culture in the Southern Hemisphere.

Founded in 1994, the four-day festival is held biennially in Hobart, spanning the entire waterfront and feeding into the city beyond.

Hobart's historic port bursts to life with a vibrant atmosphere, offering a curated blend of experiences. The festival features a stunning collection of 400+ wooden vessels, from historic tall ships and classic yachts to traditional fishing boats.

Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the opening Parade of Sail, and the closing Admiral's Sail, along with on-water displays, boat cruises and tours, symposium talks, workshops, cooking demos, exhibitions, theatre, film, live music at the festival tavern, delicious Tasmanian food and drink, and a dedicated kids' maritime precinct with shaded areas and plenty of activities.

What's on:

Events and points of interest around Hobart.

9 Dec 2023 - 30 Nov 2025
Leap and Wander Studio, pottery workshops
Leap and Wander Pottery Workshops will help you discover your inner potter. Workshoppers pinch, roll, sip and nibble our way through a few hours.
21 Nov 2025 - 8 Dec 2025
Michael McWilliams | Solo Exhibition
Handmark invites you to experience Adrian Barber's exhibition of paintings. Join us for the opening: Friday 24 October - 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
11 Jun 2022 - 27 Dec 2025
Salamanca Market – Weekly
Salamanca Market offers food, music, art and craft, clothing, antiques, collectables, books, bric-a-brac, jewellery.
11 May 2024 - 2 May 2026
Geeveston parkrun
A free, weekly, timed 5km walk/jog/run at 9am every Saturday. Open to all ages and abilities. Organised entirely by volunteers. Friendly and fun. Join us!
22 Nov 2025 - 23 Nov 2025
Highlands Bushfest 2025
Highlands BushFest outdoor festival, ignites the heart of the Central Highlands – Bothwell, the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Join us in November each year
15 Nov 2025 - 28 Feb 2026
Art Farm Birchs Bay Annual Sculpture Prize
Celebrating art in nature, Art Farm Birchs Bay's Annual Sculpture Prize invites people to come and explore sculptures installed along a 2km trail.
20 Apr 2024 - 11 Apr 2026
Willie Smith’s Artisan Market
Willie Smith's Artisan & Produce Market, every Saturday 9am - 12pm at The Apple Shed.
20 Aug 2025 - 26 Jan 2026
The World of Butterflies
Explore the beauty, diversity and resilience of butterflies. Featuring hundreds of specimens from around the globe.
6 Jun 2025 - 6 Apr 2026
Arcangelo Sassolino: in the end, the beginning
Italian sculptor Arcangelo Sassolino brings his experiments with force, change and some very hot steel to Mona.
15 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2026
Théo Mercier: MIRRORSCAPE
Five countries, five exhibitions: France, Germany, Estonia, Denmark, and now Australia. The latest iteration of Jeremy Shaw’s new venture arrives at Mona.
All events