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.

6 Oct 2025 - 26 Oct 2025
A Natural Escape
Embrace the Tasman Region for 'A Natural Escape' - Celebrate nature, conservation and outdoor adventure with local culture and community.
26 Sep 2025 - 20 Oct 2025
David Edgar | Steven Carson | Joint Exhibition
Handmark invites you to experience David Edgar's latest exhibition of drawings, alongside new ceramic works by Steven Carson.
23 May 2025 - 12 Oct 2025
Oliffe Richmond
An exhibition of works by Oliffe Richmond (1919–1977) who was a Tasmanian-born sculptor who built a distinguished career in Britain.
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.
26 Sep 2025 - 18 Oct 2025
Britt Fazey | ‘This Moment with You’ | Exhibition
To celebrate the final month of 'On Island', Bett Gallery invites you to attend 'On Island NOW'.
26 Sep 2025 - 18 Oct 2025
Brigita Ozolins | ‘Strength in Numbers’ | Exhibition
To celebrate the final month of 'On Island', Bett Gallery invites you to attend 'On Island NOW'.
19 Jun 2025 - 27 Dec 2025
High Tea, Asian Style!
Get ready for an afternoon stacked with flavour. On your savoury tier: house-made pork siu mai, crispy prawn wontons, and golden spring rolls.
3 Oct 2025 - 5 Dec 2025
Hobart Twilight Market Long Beach Sandy Bay
The Hobart Twilight Markets showcases a wide variety of Tasmanian eats, drinks and artisans, along with live music from local talent.
All events