Six Curious Winter Events to Book in Tasmania

Culture-vultures flock to Tasmania through winter for these big-ticket events.

Dark Mofo

Tasmania’s winter solstice festival, Dark Mofo, returns from June 10 to 21. A project of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the festival celebrates the dark through large-scale public artworks, a film and music program, exhibitions and installations in and around Hobart. Highlights on the bill include Dark Park, an industrial art playground at Macquarie Point, Field Lines by structural artist Cameron Robbins and the City of Hobart Dark Mofo Winter Feast. Tickets available at darkmofo.net.au.

June 10-21

Tempest

The Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery’s (TMAG) flagship winter exhibition, curated by Juliana Engberg, is inspired by Shakespeare’s stormy masterpiece, The Tempest. Featuring artists at the forefront of contemporary culture, works by Fiona Tan, Rodney Graham and Valerie Sparks will be on display, juxtaposed alongside colonial Tasmanian pieces of shipwreck, piracy and wild weather. 

June 10-November 20

Festival of Voices

A remarkable line-up of singers, choristers and conductors brings soaring harmonies to Hobart for its annual Festival of Voices. This year’s bill includes the world premiere of Meow Royale, when Australia’s own “Kamikaze Queen of Cabaret”, Meow Meow, takes to the Theatre Royal backed by the Tasmanian Lilliputian Choir. Tickets available at festivalofvoices.com.

June 30-July 17

Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest

This family-friendly event celebrates the Huon Valley’s apple-picking history. Enjoy craft cider, wine and artisan cheeses with live music around the bonfire. There will be a range of acts, from storytelling to folk music and street theatre, including psychedelic gypsy rockers Ungus Ungus Ungus and cabaret artist Annie Lee. 

July 15-17

Devonport Jazz Festival

Catch a jazz set at Devonport’s unique venues – including pubs, clubs, vineyards and churches – during a four-day festival that celebrates genres from Irish trad to Latin and blues. Don’t miss award-winning vocalist Emma Pask, who will headline the festival. 

July 28-31

Chocolate Winterfest

Celebrating the “food of the gods”, this year’s festival in Latrobe, a short drive from Devonport, will host a variety of chocolate-themed activities that are sure to invigorate the quaint town. 

August 14