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Launceston’s event calendar is front-loaded into summer and early autumn. The two big dates are Festivale in February and the Launceston Cup in late February, with MONA FOMA bringing art to the city in January and Junction Arts Festival filling the streets each September. Use this Launceston travel guide to tie the events into a full trip.
Launceston Events and Festivals in Summer (December to February)
MONA FOMA, the Museum of Old and New Art’s summer festival, runs in mid January with music and art across the city. Festivale is Launceston’s main food and wine festival, held in early to mid February in City Park with stallholders from across Tasmania. The Launceston Cup at Mowbray Racecourse in late February is the biggest race day of the year and a regional public holiday. Check the best time to visit page for weather at this time of year.
Launceston Events and Festivals in Autumn (March to May)
Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Cimitiere Street car park and is Tasmania’s largest farmers market. Autumn is also harvest season in the Launceston neighborhoods guide’s Tamar Valley, with cellar-door events and long lunches at the vineyards.
Launceston Events and Festivals in Winter (June to August)
Winter is the quiet season. June to August is black truffle season in the Tamar Valley, with truffle-hunt experiences and restaurant dinners built around it. Dark Mofo in Hobart in late June draws visitors who often stop in Launceston en route. Most indoor attractions stay open, and the things to do in Launceston list works well in cold weather. See the Launceston weather by month page for what to pack.
Launceston Events and Festivals in Spring (September to November)
Junction Arts Festival runs in mid September as a free street festival of art installations, theatre and music across the city centre. The Royal Launceston Show follows in October, and the Breath of Fresh Air film festival closes out November. Book accommodation early for September using the where to stay in Launceston guide, and read the travel tips and FAQ page for transport to the venues.
