Lightwave is a friendly, community-connected festival experience that celebrates people and place.

Lightwave is a free, family-friendly and intergenerational festival with loads of great activities and experiences for all ages and is held over the middle weekend of the Tasmanian winter school holidays.

The main festival, in the sea-side village of Nubeena, is spread across multiple venues and sites, with light-based ART installations, live music across two stages, food vans, and toasty outdoor fires.

The festival's signature event, The Light Parade, is a huge community celebration with hundreds of people wearing light-based costumes. The theme for this year's Parade is 'Wild Colour', and everyone is welcome to participate. Meet outside the CWA Hall for a 6 pm start.

The Opening Night function at Port Arthur Historic Site - is a veritable feast for the senses with art, music, and a three-course dinner curated by 1830 restaurant chef, John Churchill. See the website for more information on the ticketing link.

The Sunday, Wind Down in the Orchard is a relaxed day in a bare-branched pear orchard, with singer/songwriters, visual ART in the Pear Shed Gallery, kids' art activities and superb food and coffee with Pickers Pantry and Tasman Wood Fired.

See the website for all the details, including satellite events at McHenry Distillery.

What's on:

Events and points of interest around Hobart.

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.
9 Aug 2025 - 7 Feb 2027
High Tea at The Tasman
Partake in the timeless rituals of High Tea at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart.
20 Jun 2026 - 20 Jun 2026
Go Skateboarding Day
It's the one day a year the streets belong to you — and Skate of Mind is going all out. Go Skateboarding Day is back
12 Jun 2026 - 21 Jun 2026
Dark Day by Solo Season
Hartz Peak Day Hike (Ex Hobart): Shake off the chaos of Dark Mofo with a guided 7km alpine hike to Hartz Peak. Expect sweeping southwest views, crisp mountain air, and a brave (totally optional) nude plunge at Ladies Tarn. We’ll keep things social and relaxed with a delicious Huon Valley bakery sandwich, a cheeky glass of wine on the trail, and a cider stop on the way home. Fresh air. Good company. A little bit bold. Winter done properly.
26 Feb 2023 - 7 Feb 2027
Farm Gate Market
Tasmanian Farm Gate is Hobart's farmers' market showcasing and selling direct from the producer to the public.
6 Apr 2025 - 28 Mar 2027
Lunawanna Makers and Produce Market
Every first and third Sunday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 pm, the Lunawanna Makers and Produce Market is sure to inspire.
21 Jun 2026 - 21 Jun 2026
Run the Dark: Knockers Solstice Run
A truly Tasmanian winter adventure, the Knockers Solstice Run takes you through native bushland, with spectacular views of the glowing lights of Hobart below.
22 Jun 2026 - 22 Jun 2026
Dark Mofo Nude Solstice Swim
Dark Mofo, Mona’s midwinter festival in Tasmania, delves into centuries-old winter solstice rituals.
25 Jun 2026 - 28 Jun 2026
Indian Film Festival – Tasmania
The National Indian Film Festival of Australia (NIFFA) is Australia's first and only national celebration of Indian cinema.
28 May 2026 - 27 Aug 2026
The Ember Cellar
Held on the last Thursday of each month from May through August, this exclusive series invites guests to a guided tasting of four exceptional wines.
All events