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.

16 Apr 2025 - 16 Apr 2025
Autumn Photography Meetup – Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens
Join us for a relaxed and friendly photography meetup at the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens, Hobart. All photographers—from beginners to seasoned pros—are warmly invited.
13 Apr 2025 - 25 May 2025
Exhibition: “Purusing Oatlands”
The Weaver's Cottage Studio presents Patricia Hopwood-Wade and Jean-Michel Brunet - Perusing Oatlands - watercolour and ink portraits of the charming Georgian cottages in the
23 May 2024 - 15 May 2025
Build & Booze in Hobart
Enjoy a glass of complimentary wine while you spend the evening Handbuilding your heart out! This guided workshop will teach you the basics of Handbuilding.
5 Sep 2024 - 18 Dec 2025
Friends of Knocklofty Bushcare
Helping transform the city-fringed bushland of Knocklofty Reserve.
13 Dec 2024 - 21 Apr 2025
Namedropping
Five countries, five exhibitions: France, Germany, Estonia, Denmark, and now Australia. The latest iteration of Jeremy Shaw’s new venture arrives at 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.
9 Nov 2024 - 27 Apr 2025
Leather Tote Bag Workshop
Handmade Leather Tote Bag Workshop with Ella Jackson. Discover the art of leather craftsmanship and design your own custom leather tote bag with me, Ella
9 Nov 2024 - 27 Apr 2025
Private Leather Clutch Workshop
Handmade Leather Clutch Workshop with Ella Jackson. Looking to create something beautiful and truly unique? Join me, Ella Jackson, for a hands-on leather clutch workshop
9 Nov 2024 - 27 Apr 2025
Leather Apron Workshop with Ella Jackson
Handmade Leather Apron Workshop with Ella Jackson. Join me, Ella Jackson, for a creative deep-dive into the world of leather crafting with this immersive 6-hour
6 Dec 2024 - 2 May 2025
Street Eats @ Franko
Brought to you by the creators of Sunday's Farm Gate Market, Street Eats @ Franko is about showcasing the best Tasmanian food and craft beverages.
All events