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.

18 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026
Brilliant Pairings | Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
In the early 20th century, composers reshaped chamber music by blending tradition and innovation.
15 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026
Trophy Boys
This uproarious satire exposes the insecurity, privilege, entitlement and misogyny that runs rife in Australia's private boys' schools.
3 Apr 2026 - 10 May 2026
La Ronde
A Daring Spectacle Where Boundaries Blur.
20 Feb 2026 - 24 May 2026
Maritime Museum Tasmania presents Sue Pedley’s ‘Prevailing Gales’
Maritime Museum Tasmania presents a remarkable new exhibition by Tasmanian-born artist Sue Pedley.
3 Apr 2026 - 10 May 2026
Spiegeltent Hobart: La Ronde
For the first time in Hobart, the high-flying, five-star hit La Ronde lights up the stage of The Spiegeltent!
20 Mar 2026 - 2 May 2026
Fighting Spirit: The Art of Boxing
Arising from postwar disaffection, combined with the political and countercultural youth movements of the 1960s, the European avant-garde rejected the cinematic conventions of the past.
14 Apr 2026 - 21 Apr 2026
2026 Hockey Australia U16 Championships
TThe FIH Hockey Pro League is an annual global competition featuring the world's best mens and womens national hockey teams.
1 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2026
Southern Tasmania Autumn Photography Competition
The Southern Tasmania Autumn Photography Competition invites locals and visitors to capture their favourite autumn moments across the region.
11 Apr 2026 - 25 Jul 2026
Tasmanian Produce Market
Tasmania is renowned for its quality produce, and that’s what you’ll find at this market.
1 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2027
Tasmanian Autumn Festival
The Tasmanian Autumn Festival brings together the rich history, culture and natural wonders of the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands in a month-long celebration.
All events