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Byron Bay’s event calendar is driven by music festivals, surf culture, and the region’s creative community. The two heavyweights are Bluesfest at Easter and Splendour in the Grass in July, both drawing international headliners and selling out months in advance. Between the big festivals, the town hosts writers’ gatherings, food events, surf competitions, and community markets that keep things interesting year-round. For more on planning your trip, see our Byron Bay travel guide.
Events and Festivals in Byron Bay: Music Festivals
Bluesfest (Easter Weekend, April)
Australia’s premier blues and roots festival takes place over five days across the Easter long weekend at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, 11km north of Byron Bay. The 2025 lineup included Jack Johnson, Tom Jones, and Ben Harper across seven stages. Five-day passes cost approximately AU$600 and single-day tickets start at AU$200. Camping is available on-site (AU$30/night). Shuttle buses run from Byron Bay town centre (AU$10 return). Book tickets in October when they go on sale: the festival regularly sells out by December. Expect some rain; the grounds can get muddy. See our Byron Bay weather by month for more details. See our best time to visit Byron Bay for more details.
Splendour in the Grass (July)
Splendour in the Grass runs over three days in July at North Byron Parklands, 25 minutes north of town. It draws 35,000-50,000 people for a lineup heavy on indie, rock, and electronic acts. Three-day passes cost approximately AU$450-500. Camping sells out within hours of the on-sale date, typically in April. Daytime temperatures sit around 20°C but nights drop to 10°C: pack warm layers and waterproof boots (the site gets muddy). Shuttle buses operate from Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, and Gold Coast Airport. See our things to do in Byron Bay for more details. See our Byron Bay neighborhoods guide for more details.
Events and Festivals in Byron Bay: Surf and Beach Events
Byron Bay Surf Festival (February)
A three-day celebration of surf culture held in late February at various venues around town. The festival combines a surf competition (classic longboard and alternative craft categories) with art shows, film screenings, live music, and a surf market at Main Beach. Most events are free; the film night and gala dinner are ticketed (AU$30-80). The “Freedom Sessions” surf expression session on Sunday is the spectator highlight at Wategos Beach. See our where to stay in Byron Bay for more details. See our Byron Bay travel tips for more details.
Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic (March)
Held on the first Sunday of March, the 2.2km ocean swim runs from Wategos Beach to Main Beach around Cape Byron. Entry costs approximately AU$60. Water temperatures sit at 25-26°C. About 1,500 swimmers participate. Spectators can watch from the Cape Byron walking track or Main Beach. Registration opens in January.
Events and Festivals in Byron Bay: Community and Cultural Events
Byron Writers Festival (August)
A three-day literary festival in early August at the Byron Bay Community Centre and surrounding venues. It draws 150+ Australian and international authors for panel discussions, workshops, and book signings. Day passes cost approximately AU$80-100. The festival runs alongside a food and drink program at the Festival Village in Denning Park. Book early: popular sessions sell out.
Byron Bay International Film Festival (October)
Running for 10 days in mid-October, the BBFF screens independent films, documentaries, and surf cinema across venues including the Byron Theatre and Palace Cinema. Single session tickets cost AU$18-25. The opening night gala at the Byron Community Centre includes drinks and a Q&A with filmmakers (AU$45). The program is released in September.
Sample Food Festival (September)
Held on the first Saturday of September at Bangalow Showground, the Sample Food Festival showcases Northern Rivers produce with 80+ restaurant and producer stalls. Entry is a gold coin donation (AU$2). Tasting plates cost AU$5-10 each. Live cooking demonstrations run throughout the day from 9am to 4pm. It draws about 8,000 people so arrive early for parking.
Byron Bay Markets
The Byron Bay Community Market runs on the first Sunday of each month at Butler Street Reserve, 8am to 3pm. It features 100+ stalls with artisan crafts, vintage clothing, local produce, and live music. The Byron Bay Artisan Market runs Saturday evenings from October to April at Railway Park (5pm-9pm) with food trucks and local designers. The Bangalow Markets (fourth Sunday) and Mullumbimby Markets (third Saturday) round out the rotation.
