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.

3 Jun 2025 - 5 Jul 2025
2025 Classical Choral Workshop: Verdi’s Requiem
Festival of Voices is Australia's annual festival of choirs held annually in Tasmania, primarily in Hobart.
5 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025
Dark Mofo 2025
Dark Mofo, Mona’s midwinter festival in Tasmania, delves into centuries-old winter solstice rituals.
5 Jun 2025 - 15 Jun 2025
Dark Mofo Winter Feast
Dark Mofo, Mona’s midwinter festival in Tasmania, delves into centuries-old winter solstice rituals.
5 Apr 2025 - 29 Jun 2025
Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life
Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life is a breathtaking exhibition showcasing the evocative photography of Luigi Spina.
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.
23 May 2025 - 16 Jun 2025
Max Mueller | Emerging Artist | Solo Exhibition
Handmark invites you to experience emerging artist Max Mueller's inaugural solo exhibition at Handmark.
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.
17 Mar 2025 - 21 Sep 2025
On Island
On Island is an exhibition of artworks that respond to Tasmania/Lutruwita from a wide range of perspectives. All of the artworks are from the Tasmanian
1 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025
Paint The Town Red 2025
As the winter chill descends, nipaluna / Hobart and southern Tasmania will once again come alive in a blaze of red for Paint The Town
20 Mar 2025 - 27 Jul 2025
The World of Beetles
The World of Beetles exhibition celebrates the incredible diversity, beauty, and scientific importance of beetles. At the heart of the exhibition is the work of
All events