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 May 2026 - 24 May 2026
The Tasmanian Mushroom Festival 2026
The Tasmanian Mushroom Festival Field Day is an event that explores the world of fungi, offering activities like mushroom appreciation expeditions.
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.
16 May 2026 - 9 Aug 2026
The Winter Collection – Art Exhibition at Balfour House
A dynamic group exhibition has opened in Cygnet stretching across the Winter months featuring artists of the Huon Valley. Balfour House presents - The Winter
1 May 2026 - 23 May 2026
Hermannsburg Potters | “Thepa Kwatja-Rinya | Birds Of Water” | Exhibition
The internationally renowned Hermannsburg Potters return for their annual exhibition with Bett Gallery.
1 May 2026 - 23 May 2026
Kate McKenzie Lewis | “Ember” | Exhibition
Bett Gallery is delighted to present Melbourne-based artist Kate McKenzie Lewis in her first solo exhibition with the gallery.
19 May 2026 - 19 May 2026
Guy Sebastian 100 Times Around The Sun Tour (Hobart)
TEG Live proudly presents ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian on his 2026 National Tour in celebration of his brand-new album, 100 Times Around The Sun.
6 Feb 2026 - 31 May 2026
Restoring the Past
Step into the world of art conservation and discover the intricate process of preserving history.
20 May 2026 - 12 Aug 2026
Kelp & Casks
Kelp & Casks is a limited run of five cocktail-style events showcasing a rotating lineup of standout distillers paired with fresh Tasmanian seafood from Mures
21 May 2026 - 21 May 2026
Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared – Hobart
After racking up over a million followers online and making audiences across the globe laugh until they cry, Blake Pavey is touring Australia.
22 May 2026 - 18 Sep 2026
The Cavatelli Craft: Masterclass & Lunch
Step into the heart of the 196 year old heritage guest kitchen for an intimate afternoon of flour, flavour, and fine Tasmanian hospitality.
All events