Festivals … no more FOMO
Splendour In the Grass – 21-24 July 2023
A legendary three day, all ages music festival featuring both established and emerging artists in the indie, hip hop, electronic, alternative and popular music genres.
Splendour offers something for everyone. Get ready to rock out in the Tipi Forest, Splendour’s beating heart. Check out the lively discussions, panels and debates in The Forum or chill out to the rhythmic sound of drumming, sound healing or dance performances in the Global Village. The World Stage showcases exciting fusion acts, amazing performance art and traditional First Nations dancers – 2023 Line Up
Where: North Byron Parklands, Tweed Valley Way, Yelgun, Northern New South Wales. NBP is located 25 minutes north of Byron Bay, 9 minutes from Brunswick Heads and 40km south of Tweed Heads.
Need to know: Heading to the Splendour? Avoid being caught in traffic by taking advantage of the frequent shuttle buses that run from Tweed Heads, just north of Byron Shire, within the Byron Shire and Ballina/Lennox Head areas. For more information on bus schedules, visit the Splendour website. Pre-booked camping is available at North Byron Parklands, including toilets, showers, food stalls, security and medical facilities.
More info and tickets: https://splendourinthegrass.com
Falls Festival – Postponed till 2024
Friends drinking beer and having fun at music festival. Back view
After an impressive 28 years ringing in the New Year with some of the world’s biggest acts, the Falls team are today switching on their OOOs and taking this New Years’ season off to rest, recover and recalibrate.
Cya soon!
Love Falls
Tyalgum Music Festival – September
Regarded as one of Australia’s finest music gatherings, the Tyalgum Music Festival is a celebration of classical artists, diverse musical flavours, and a shared love of music and the arts.
Nestled in a peaceful corner of the beautiful Tweed Valley, Tyalgum seems an unlikely venue for a classical music festival, but this one has been running for over 30 years now. Lovers of fine music will find music around every corner with a range of concerts and free events. Enjoy performances from many bright young music stars of chamber music and often cabaret as well.
When: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd September, 2023
Where: Tyalgum Village, 30 minutes’ drive west of Murwillumbah
Need to know: In the green caldera of the stunning Tweed Valley, Tyalgum Village awaits with its array of delightful dining and accommodation facilities. Tyalgum is an easy drive for a day trip from Brisbane or less than an hour’s drive to Gold Coast Airport.
The full festival program and tickets are available on the website. https://www.tyalgumfestival.com.au/
Byron Bay Bluesfest – Easter Long Weekend
Join lovers of blues, folk, roots, jazz and soul this Easter at the iconic Byron Bay Blues Festival. This year’s stellar line-up is one not to be missed!
Did you see the line-up for 2023? Gang of Youths, Beck, Counting Crows, Tash Sultana, Jackson Browne, The Cat Empire and Lucinda Williams…
When: March 28 to April 1 2024
Where: Byron Events Farm, a dedicated event space on Bundjalung country. 15 minutes north of Byron Bay and 8 minutes south of Brunswick Heads, just off the Pacific Highway.
Need to know: Festival facilities include campgrounds, car parking and stalls. Regular shuttle buses run to the site from north of the Byron Shire, within the Byron Shire and from Ballina/Lennox Head areas (see the festival website for details). Catching the bus is often the best way to avoid being stuck in a traffic jam when the festival ends!
More info and tickets: https://www.bluesfest.com.au/
Cultural Festivals – Northern Rivers Tweed Region
Lis-a-More – June
For more than 135 years, Italians have made an invaluable contribution to the Northern Rivers region, and the Lis-a-More! Festival recognises and honours this remarkable effort. The 2023 event will be chock full of free family fun.
In 2023, the Lis-A-More! Festival (formerly Piazza in the Park) promises to bring thousands of people together to recognise and celebrate Lismore’s longstanding connection with Conegliano from Northern Italy. Food, wine, dancing and games will be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. This unique celebration of culture is set to continue its legacy as an exciting event for the whole family.
When: Main event: Sunday 18th June 2023, with workshops and activities on Saturday 17th June.
Where: Lismore Turf Club, 9a Woodlawn Road, North Lismore
Need to know: With an array of accommodation options in both Lismore and the neighbouring towns, it’s always prudent to book early so that you’re assured of your top choice.
More info and tickets: https://lismorefriendshipfestival.com.au/program/
Lismore Lantern Parade – June
This popular street festival is a family-friendly event combining music, markets, kid’s games and lantern making activities, and art, before culminating in the spectacular Lantern Procession and evening’s fiery finale.
Community groups and representatives from both North and South Lismore, and the surrounding towns and villages, come together to affirm their connection and sense of inclusion. A wide array of beautiful lanterns are custom made each year, ready for the vibrant parade that wins its way through the streets of Lismore on the solstice.
When: 24th June, 2023
Where: Starting in Magellan Street, near the Lismore Library, the parade makes its way along Molesworth Street and finished in Victoria Street with the Fiery Finale.
Need to know: You’re invited to dress up, bring your musical instruments and create a link to the festival’s annual theme. Your lantern much either be illuminated or play music – or both. Participants can register their interest via the registration form on the festival website.
More info and tickets: https://www.lismorelanternparade.com.au/
Byron Bay Writer’s Festival – August
Every year, the Byron Bay Writers Festival attracts thousands of passionate visitors for a three-day gathering of inspiration, captivating stories and stimulating conversations in an idyllic corner of the world.
The Byron Writers Festival is one of Australia’s premier regional locations for exchanging stories and engaging in thought-provoking conversations.
This remarkable festival celebrates Australian writers and their stories, which draws renowned national and foreign authors, readers, and artists. They have an extraordinary school workshops and children’s program as well, so there truly is something for everyone at this fabulous event.
In addition, the BBWF proudly celebrates Australia’s diverse writers and stories throughout the year, engaging audiences with fresh ideas while improving access to literature and literacy for individuals regionally and nationally.
When: Friday 11th – Sunday 13th August, 2023
Where: Bangalow Showgrounds, Market Street, Bangalow
Need to know: The full program and tickets are available on the festival’s website https://byronwritersfestival.com/
Sample Food Festival – September
Immerse yourself in the delicious tastes of Northern New South Wales at the 11th Annual Sample Food Festival. Held at Bangalow Showground, this celebration brings together renowned guest chefs, local farmers and producers from the famous Northern Rivers region.
Don’t miss out on an incredible culinary experience at the 2023 event. We are bringing you live cooking demonstrations from some of the most acclaimed regional restaurants, as well as sampling plates. You can also tantalize your taste buds with a selection of drinks from local brewers and distilleries in our dedicated bar area. Additionally, explore over 100 exhibitors displaying their delicious food products, artisan breads and cheeses, homeware items and gifts.
Sample Food Festival is the ideal event for your family. This awesome fest has something to amuse everyone, from kid-friendly activities to an interactive live music stage, workshops and pop-up events for adults. All the details plus tickets are at Sample’s official website. https://samplefoodevents.com/sample-food-festival/
When: 2nd September 2023
Where: Bangalow Showground, Market Street, Bangalow
Byron Bay Film Festival – October
The Byron Bay Film Festival (BBFF) is a vibrant and remarkable platform for talented independent filmmakers, featuring an extraordinary range of entertaining, inspiring, and intellectual films.
The spirit of this festival lies in the independent filmmakers whose work constantly astounds audiences with its captivating, thought-provoking and eye-opening films. The selection includes a wide range of genres such as surf films, short films, documentaries, dramatic features, music videos created by Australian youth talents and more.
When: October 20 to 29, 2023
Where: Palace Byron Bay, 108-110 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Byron Bay Theatre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Lennox Head Cultural Centre, 1 Mackney Lane, Lennox Head
BBFF XR Dome, Shirley Street, Byron Bay
Need to know: Tickets are available at the Byron Bay Theatre box office – open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-1.30pm and one hour prior to screenings. Or call (02) 6685 6807 to purchase tickets over the phone.
Byron Latin Fiesta – November
With Latin Dance workshops and parties hosted by renowned international, national, and local instructors & performers, Byron Bay’s very own festival is alive with colour and excitement. This is Australia’s longest running Latin Dance Festival and it is held over 4 nights and 3 days.
Get ready to be wowed and inspired by the dazzling performances at Byron Bay’s Latin Fiesta. The Fiesta has been running for 17 years, and offers a phenomenal experience that will light up your life.
When: November 2-5, 2023
Where: Byron Theatre & Community Centre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Need to know: A wide range of accommodation is available in Byron Bay, however, it is advisable to book early. The closest airports are located at Coolangatta, 45 minutes north, and Ballina Byron Gateway, 30 minutes south.
More info and tickets: https://byronlatinfiesta.com.au/
Ocean Film Festival World Tour – March
Embark on a voyage of discovery and explore the ocean’s beauty with the Ocean Film Festival World Tour. Their remarkable array of films incorporates topics such as ocean exploration, environmental awareness, sea life, and coastal cultures, all with varying lengths and styles, this is an event sure to satisfy even the most passionate of ocean lovers.
Now touring across Australia, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, the US and UK, viewers are taken to an underwater realm in over 2 hours of dazzling films directed by independent filmmakers from all around the world.
Ocean Film Festival World Tour is devoted to protecting our oceans. To ensure their mission gets fulfilled in each venue, they collaborate with several local ocean charities so that everyone can help contribute towards safeguarding and sustaining our valuable aquatic resources.
Where: Lennox Head Cultural Centre, 1 Mackney Lane, Lennox Head
Need to know: https://oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au/
Agricultural Shows – Northern Rivers Tweed Region
Casino Beef Week Festival – May
Casino Beef Week Festival brings this country down to life with savoury food, bustling markets, lively music, engaging educational events and entertainment.
Visitors will be enthralled by 11 days of fun-filled activities, offering entertainment, culture and a genuine country experience for the whole family. The festival is full of over 100 vibrant events that’ll keep you on your toes – with no shortage of exciting things to see and do.
There’s also plenty of competitions and rides for the kids, a fashion parade and you have the chance to get up close and personal with the real stars of the show – the cattle and farmers! https://casinobeefweek.com.au/
When: Saturday 20th to Tuesday 30th May, 2023
Where: Casino, Northern New South Wales
Need to know: Situated at the crossroads of the Summerland Way and the Bruxner Highway, Casino is just a 229km drive away from Brisbane or 719km journey from Sydney.
Lismore Regional Airport is only 25km from Casino, the Ballina Byron Gateway is only a 45-minute drive away or Gold Coast Airport is a 1 hour 45-minute drive north of Casino. Alternatively, Casino is accessible by train from Sydney or Brisbane.
Norco Primex Field Day – May
The Norco Primex Field Day is recognised as one of Australia’s premier agribusiness hubs, aiming to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities, while highlighting sustainably sourced Australian primary production and cuisine.
The Norco Primex event, held annually at Casino, has experienced tremendous growth throughout the years. What was once a relatively small trade show with about 40 exhibitors and a few thousand visitors has now become an iconic primary industries event boasting 300+ companies exhibiting over 1000 products to an audience of 25,000+.
This strategic agribusiness event is now serving as the crucial connection between farmers and suppliers, unlocking a vast collaboration between more than 30 local businesses, industry, government, growers and producers. The event also creates connections and builds awareness across the customer base of agribusiness. https://www.primex.net.au/
When: Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th May, 2023
Where: Richmond Valley Events Centre, Cassion Drive, Casino
Need to know: For those seeking the most out of their PRIMEX visit, there are a range of accommodation options available nearby with top-notch local hospitality. Make an occasion of your trip to Primex by staying nearby and taking full advantage of all this incredible event has to offer.
and there are more:
Nimbin Agricultural Show
Date: Saturday 23rd to Sunday 24th September 2023
Where: Nimbin Fairground, 33 Cecil Street, Nimbin
Kyogle Show
Date: Friday 6th to Saturday 7th October 2023
Where: Kyogle Showground, 43 Summerland Way, Kyogle
Casino Agricultural Show
Date: Friday 13th to Sunday 15th October 2023
Where: Casino Racecourse & Showground, Summerland Way, Casino
North Coast National Show
Date: Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st October 2023
Where: Lismore Showground, Corner Alexandra Parade & Dunoon Road, North Lismore
Alstonville Show
Date: Friday 27th to Saturday 28th October 2023
Where: Alstonville Showground, 6 South St, Alstonville
Murwillumbah Show
Date: Friday 3rd to Saturday 4th November 2023
Where: Murwillumbah Showground, Queensland Road, Murwillumbah
Mullumbimby Show
Date: Friday 10th to Saturday 11th November 2023
Where: Mullumbimby Showground, Main Arm Road, Mullumbimby
Bangalow Show
Date: Friday 17th to Saturday 18th November 2023
Where: Bangalow Showground, Market Street, Bangalow
