13 Ways to Get Your Summer Thrills in Tasmania
Make the most of the longer days this summer with adrenaline-fueled adventures and nature-rich experiences, right on your doorstep.
What’s On In Hobart & Around the Island – July 2026
by James Marten
July
7 Peter Manthorpe, a Tug Master with TasPorts, reflects on his life working different types of ships at today’s lunchtime talk at the Royal Society Room, TMAG, 12pm. Free.
8 The Festival of Voices is in full swing. Want to hear Lior’s lovely voice paired with a string quartet in a warm and intimate setting? You can, tonight, at the Theatre Royal, 7:30pm.
9 More festival fun at The Peacock Theatre: Cassandra Charlick’s When I Grow Up is at 6pm, then at 8pm Tom Wolfe and Scott Targett present an intimate acoustic tribute to The Beatles.
10 The Karate Australia National Championships – the pinnacle event for the sport – is on at MyState Bank Arena today til the 12th.
11 The Tasmania Devils host the inaugural Mental Health Match at North Hobart Oval today. Enjoy a night of firelight, food and wine at Uplands Vineyard, Cambridge for Dark Shed, also on the 18th.
12 Make your own compost after the home composting workshop this morning at Mathers House, 9am-10am. It covers chickens, small and large compost options, worm farms and more.
13 See rare atlases and maps, Bowie lyrics and a Shakespeare First Folio at Mona’s new library, Phrontisterion. Open Thurs- Mon, 10am–5pm, via the main entrance.
14 Mark Bastille Day with a classic french menu (and, of course, wines) at WunderBar & Restaurant tonight from 6:30pm.
15 International guitar sensation Alexandr Misko is in Australia for the first time and playing live at the Hobart Town Hall tonight from 7:30pm.
16 Celebrate Australian whisky with tastings from Callington Mill Distillery and Corowa Distilling Co. MACq 01, from 6:30pm.
17 Hobart’s Town Hall becomes a 1920s street-style bar scene tonight for The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans, from 6:30pm.
18 Meet over 120 makers, creatives and food vendors at the Tasmanian Made Winter Festival, PW1, all weekend. The Tasmanian ADHD Conference is at Hotel Grand Chancellor, 10am-5pm.
19 Abbie Chatfield’s new show is dedicated to men: ‘the good, the bad, the wildly overconfident…’. She’s in The Hanging Garden tonight, from 6:15pm, 15+.
20 All good things must come to an end: FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for 5am AEST today.
22 The Drag Roast Tour (an Australian first) comes to Hobart, with stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race and hosted by Reuben Kaye. The Odeon, 7pm.
23 Naomi Parry Duncan is the author of Musquito, one of the First Nations resistance warriors of the early colonies. She’s in conversation with Lucy Christopher at Fullers, 5:30pm.
24 Let’s go girls, to Still the One, The Music of Shania Twain, at Wrest Point tonight from 7:30pm.
25 PAW Patrol fans of all ages are going to want to get to MyState Bank Arena this morning for the PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue”, 10am- 11:30am.
26 Two giants of the Australian blues and roots scene, Jeff Lang & Dom Turner, are together at Altar Bar tonight at a very respectable 5pm. All ages.
27 St Lukes is running a series of Adaptive Yoga classes for every body – wheelchair users, seniors, anyone with limited mobility. 11am.
29 Mures hosts Kelp & Casks tonight, a winter series pairing Tassie whisky makers with premium quality seafood. Tonight it’s with Heartwood Distillery, 6pm.
30 Crafts & Cocktails is a weekly creative evening for grown-ups in the relaxed, colourful space of Lumina Studio, North Hobart, 6pm.
31 The Second Noise Edition featuring Ryosuke Kiyasu (and a whole lot more on the bill) goes from 7pm tonight til 1am tomorrow at The Grand Poobah.
August
1 Speakers at this year’s TEDxHobart will riff on the theme of ‘identity’. It’s at the Ian Potter Recital Hall, 11am- 4pm.
2 The Kunanyi Trail Series returns with the Tolosa half, quarter and 5km races. Or try Latin Dance for free with Healthy Hobart, 2pm- 3pm, Lenah Valley Community Hall.
3 The Downshift Festival at Moonah Arts Centre is a music and ideas event seeking to empower resilient community engagement with the climate crisis. 11am- 7pm.
4 Over the past few years in Tasmania, photographer David Stephenson has been tracing the daily passage of the sun. See his resulting exhibition Sun Drawings at Bett Gallery til the 15th.
6 Beaker Street kicks off today with a ‘shrimply irresistible’ Krill Party from 5:30pm at the Waterside Pavilion.
7 Lano & Woodley In Space (or at the Theatre Royal today and tomorrow), or check out Rosie Treasure’s An Eggibition: Life on “Little Big Farm” at Rosny Schoolhouse til the end of the month.
8 Step back in time at the Heritage & Bullock Festival in Oatlands, today and tomorrow, 10am-4pm.
9 It’s the last day of Balfour House in Cygnet’s The Winter Collection – an exhibition featuring over 40 works showcasing a diverse range of mediums and forms, 10-3pm.
SPOTLIGHT ON…
3 July – 2 August
The popular Clarence Open Art Exhibition is a biennial prize open to all Tasmanian artists working in painting, photography, drawing and printmaking. It’s held across both The Schoolhouse and The Barn at Rosny Farm.
17-29 July
Bytewise is Questacon’s interactive travelling exhibition exploring mathematics and computer science through hands-on challenges, inspiring all ages to discover logic, programming and problem-solving concepts. Bringing some of the best of the Canberra science museum’s exhibits to Tasmania this month, it’s designed for ages 10–15, but engaging for all visitors to Glenorchy Library on these dates and various other Tasmanian libraries until September.
17 July
The Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) and Handmark Gallery have collaborated on a new exhibition to celebrate the TLC’s 25th anniversary. Ten of the gallery’s artists have spent time responding to the landscape at TLC’s latest land protection, Fiver Rivers Reserve north of Bronte Park. The beautiful works are available to purchase with funds going to TLC, and are on display until 3 August. Opening night tonight starts at 5pm.
19 July
Tasmanian Song Company are performing, Australian Made, featuring Australian composers and writers Tim Minchin, Paul Kelly, Peter Allen and Neil Murray. Clarence Uniting Church, corner of York Street and Cambridge Road, Bellerive, from 2.30pm–4.30pm. Tickets at TryBooking.
21 July – 20 August
Hadley’s Art Prize is now open at Hadley’s Orient Hotel. See Australian landscapes from the likes of Ken Done, Luke Wagner and Agnes Rubuntja. The winner is announced on the 31st.
6-17 August
Happy 10th birthday to our favourite science + art festival, Beaker Street! The festival will feature Hobartica (a bit of Antarctica on the Hobart waterfront), plus sessions on mushrooms, bats, psychedelics and more. There’s sauna and music and even a panel of forensic experts discussing the realities of the true crime we see portrayed on tv.Beakerstreet.com.au for more.
AROUND THE ISLAND
July
6 Explore North West Tassie as private properties unlock their gates for Permission to Trespass, until the 15th. Long table feasts, creative workshops, markets, whisky tastings and more.
7 Head to Du Cane Brewery for Pub Juggling, a social juggling club for jugglers and non-jugglers. 5:30pm-7pm.
8 Winter in the Vineyard: A Vine Pruning Masterclass is at Clover Hill Vineyard, Lebrina today from 11:30am- 3:30pm, plus a tasting masterclass and cheese platter. Various dates.
9 George Town Council presents Funerea Procession, a contemporary exhibition by Alastair Mooney, inspired by the yellow tailed black cockatoo. Until the 11th, Jim Mooney Gallery.
10 Walk alongside a member of the Palawa community for tunapri Patuyala, and discover local Palawa culture at Patuyala (Boat Harbour) on guided tour and hands-on activity. Other dates too.
11 Experience Moonlight Stories at Table Cape Light House, featuring a free sound and light experience through projected artwork by Alex Moss. Other dates, various times.
12 Head to Westella Sunday School at Rowella to explore a rotating Pinot Noir theme, for a small and relaxed deep dive into the varietal. Various Sundays, book ahead.
13 Music for Minis is a free music class for babies, toddlers and their carers. The fun sessions build confidence, language and numeracy. Various dates/times at St Lukes Launceston.
14 QVMAG is currently showing Between the Details: Video Art from the ACMI Collection, showcasing five moving image artworks by Australian artists. Until 6 Dec
15 Fantastic Forms features the work of Merric Boyd, with over 200 drawings and ceramics, alongside works by Rubyrose Bancroft, Stephen Benwell and Nabilah Nordin. Until 27 Sep, QVMAG.
16 PandaBeats hosts a Kids Silent Disco at Midnight Rambler, $15, two sessions from midday. Head to Devonport Library for Book Chat. No reading list, just a chat and cuppa. 2pm-3pm.
17 Enjoy free entry and hot drink every morning between 8am-10am at Woolmers Estate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 15 tickets daily, book at www. woolmers.com.au.
18 Celebrate community at the Lightwave Festival, with a spectacular sound and light show, music, food and drinks, fires and a light parade starting at 6pm, Nubeena CWA Hall.
19 The Church Campbell Town hosts a traditional Christmas In July buffet in an 1857 sandstone church. Festive feast, desserts and drinks included. BYO welcome. 12pm, tickets $59.95.
20 Join Denise Fletcher as she discusses her debut novel Unspoken at Devonport Library, a gripping work of political fiction. 5:45pm-7pm
21 Join a JackJumpers and Jewels Holiday Clinic for 5-12 year old basketballers looking to hone their skills, today and/or tomorrow, Devonport Recreation Centre.
23 With 32 events across 19 venues and a rich mix of ticketed and free experiences, Devonport Jazz invites you to explore the city while it’s truly in full swing. Until the 26th.
24 Get ready for a chill night with The Echo Band tonight bringing their vibes live and loud as part of the Devonport Jazz. Mersey Yacht Club, licensed bar, bring nibbles. 7pm.
25 Tonight is the last night to enjoy the spectacular Bicheno Beams lightshow. Check-in from 6:00pm for a 6:30pm show.
27 Head to Gaming for Youth at Kinimatatakinta/George Town Library today (and lots of other Mondays), 3:15pm-4:15pm
28 Working It Out host Crafternoons at Devonport Library. It’s a safe space for LGBTIQA+ folks and allies to chat and craft. All sexualities, genders and identities are welcome, 18+, 2pm-4pm.
29 Newstead College’s musical production The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical opens tonight until 1 Aug. A rock musical about a teen who discovers he’s a demigod son of Poseidon.
31 Pull on your dancing boots for a Bush Dance at Geneva, Latrobe featuring country artist James Blundell, line dancing, gourmet bbq and sweet treats. From 6pm, tix Eventbrite.
August
5 Take a virtual tour exploring the history of Carr Villa and hear stories of interesting people laid to rest there. 1pm. Reserve your spot via the Launceston Library at Eventbrite.
6 If you’re after Art, craft and conversation, head to Burnie Library today from 10am-12pm. All welcome.
7 Head to Youth meetup: Board games, cards and chess at Longford Library. No experience needed, just drop in. Fortnightly on alternating Fridays, 4:30pm-5:30pm during term, 12-17 years
8 Dive deep into your soul with a session exploring a shamanic healing journey to reset and recharge. Okines Community House, Dodges Ferry. 9am, $47 via Eventbrite.
9 The Longley Pub hosts Longway to the TOP, an Australian rock tribute show. 2pm, tickets via Oztix. Adults $25, kids $15.
More Around The Island
11 July
Do you love to pickle and padel and eat pizza? Then join in the fun at The Racquet Collective x Du Cane Pickle, Padel and Pizza Party. Your ticket includes 2.5 hours of organised pickleball and padel play, all equipment provided (or bring your own), Du Cane pizzas throughout the event, a drink token, spot prizes and giveaways throughout the night, music, social games, and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. No experience? No worries. Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying pickleball or padel for the first time, they promise to make sure everyone gets involved. Dress code: Channel your inner Wimbledon champion – whites encouraged, as well as comfortable activewear/shoes. Tickets ($60) are limited to 40 people to ensure plenty of court time for everyone. 7pm-9:30pm.
17 July
This winter, step beyond the daylight and into the ruins of the Port Arthur Historic Site by night. Lumière, the opening night for Lightwave Festival, transforms the historic site after dark – layering light, art, sound and performance across one of Tasmania’s most iconic spaces. Journey through the ruins at your own pace. 6pm-10pm, $140 general admission or $125 for groups of 4+. Your ticket includes a banquet dinner, light, art, performance. Mulled wine, cider, and drinks are available for purchase. www.visit.portarthur.org.au.
18 July
Join Piermont for a fireside feast celebrating Tasmania’s winter harvest with chef, author, environmental activist and changemaker, Jo Barrett. Named Chef of the Year in the 2024 Good Food Guide and recognised as a World’s 50 Next Pioneer, Jo Barrett is one of Australia’s most compelling culinary voices. Set on the open-air terrace of Homestead at Piermont, this one-night event brings together open flame cooking, seasonal produce and the wild beauty of Tasmania’s East Coast. Gather by the fireside as Jo prepares a four-course menu inspired by Tasmania’s winter bounty. Mulled wine in hand, long candlelit tables, open firepits and great company will carry the evening well into the night. Live music by XO Sounds Alex Reid. 5pm till late. Tickets $300 adult or $80 child (4-17yrs) at www.piermont.com.au
