January

6 Summer means tennis, with the Hobart International on at the Domain Tennis Centre. Various games from 4-11 January. Lots of action on and off the court!

7 This year’s Big Monkey Theatre show in the Botanical Gardens is Alice in Wonderland. It’s on at 11am today and various other dates and times. Until 19 January.

9 Kim Churchill plays a sweet gig at Source Eco Hub in Sandy Bay tonight from 6:30pm, part of his The Lovely Tour.

10 Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta, Trial by Jury, is performed at the actual Supreme Court at 6pm and 7pm tonight. Also Rosny Barn and Calverton Hall. Thirsty Merc play the Dodges Ferry Hotel tonight, 7pm.

11 Birds is an exhibition of original paintings plus limited edition prints by artist Belinda Kurczok at the Long Gallery at Salamanca. On until the 20th.

12 Rufus Wainwright is in town, playing at The Odeon tonight. In the mood to stretch your thinking muscles? Head to the pop-up escape room Escape The Mariner’s Dread at Hobart Town Hall.

13 Kids on school holidays might like to make puppets with Fran Reeve in a three day workshop at Kickstart Arts in New Town. Info at kickstartarts.org.

14 Step back in time with Notorious Strumpets & Dangerous Girls, a one-hour, in-person storytelling experience at the Cascades Female Factory. Everyday, 1pm.

15 This summer’s Shakespeare in the Gardens performance at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is the hilarious Twelfth Night. See it tonight at 7:30pm, or until 1 February.

16 Kids bouncing off the walls? Send them to the Jack- Jumpers School Holiday Camp at Moonah Sports Centre today 9-3pm. Book via jackjumpers.com.au.

17 Creative kids can learn to hand build a clay bird at an Archaica Schola’s holiday workshop. This one is for 8 years+. Later, Street Eats Franko takes over Franklin Square, 4:30-9pm.

18 Happy Ginuary! The Hobart Gin Festival brings over 100 Tassie spirits (mostly gin, but not only gin!) for you to try at PW1 today and tomorrow. Tickets on Eventbrite.

19 It’s Sunday in Hobart, which means it’s time to visit the Farm Gate Market. Whether you go every week or haven’t been in a while, this is a great place to buy local produce and meet the makers.

20 Learn to make rice paper rolls with the chefs from Niko Niko at the Kingborough Community Hub, 4pm- 5:30pm, Ages 12+

21 Head to TMAG for free school holiday activities. Today you can make and test mini boats. 10am and 1pm daily til the 24th in the Watergate Courtyard.

22 Twisted Broadway: A Musical Cabaret is a fundraiser from brand new local theatre company, Parker Productions. 7pm at The Hidden Theatre in New Town.

23 The Vengaboys have caught the vengabus all the way to Hobart for their 90s Mania tour. They play tonight at 7:30pm at Wrest Point Hotel Casino.

24 The Hobart Twilight Market is at Brooke Street Pier this evening from 4:30pm-9pm. The market is dog and family-friendly, see the schedule hobarttwilightmarket.com.au.

25 The Sandy Bay Regatta is one of the longest-running regattas in the world! At Long Beach Reserve from 8am. Later, just down the road you can see Suzi Quattro play live at Wrest Point.

26 See some seriously tough skating at the Tasmania Inline Hockey Cup, today til the 28th at PW1, tasmaniacup.com.

27 luna rrala: strong women is a new exhibition at Bett Gallery by a large group of acclaimed palawa artists. See shell stringing, kelp vessels and woven baskets, until 18 February.

28 Last call for OnTrack Tasmania’s Creatives of Tasmania exhibition at Salamanca Arts Centre, featuring paintings, photography and more made by NDIS participants. From 23 January until today.

29 See some beautifully crafted teeny tiny boats at Fine Lines: the art and purpose of ship models, a new exhibition at the Maritime Museum. Open everyday 9am-5pm.

30 Nath Valvo, Aussie standup comedian, screenwriter and actor, headlines The Clubhouse tonight at Hobart Brewing Co, 7:30pm.

31 The Government House gardens are open to the public on select summer dates for lunch on the lawns – byo picnic, spread a rug and spend a Friday arvo enjoying the spot. 12pm-2pm.

February

1 Hold onto your souvlaki, the Estia Greek Street Festival is here with two days of Greek food, music and dancing at 67 Federal Street, North Hobart.

2 Listen to Rodney Croome and Martine Delaney on a Hobart LGBTIQA+ History Walk, 1pm – 3pm. Via trybooking.com.

3 The Tasmanian Tigers take on the ACT Meteors in the WNCL at Ninja Stadium from 10:30am.

4 ‘Platypus Guardian’ Pete Walsh leads a platy-spotting walk along the rivulet in South Hobart with Beaker Street. It’s breeding season, so you may see some action! Various dates, see beakerstreet.com.au.

FURTHER AFIELD

3-5 January Ready, set, lets go gumnuts as the Good Gumnuts music and camping festival returns to Burnie after two sell out years. With music, comedy, art and a lineup including San Cisco, Hockey Dad, Jack River and more. Organisers say it’s suitable for all ages too!

10 January Forth Pub’s Summer Series continues with Boy & Bear alongside special guests Kim Churchill, Holiday Mystics and Jed Appleton playing today from 6pm.

10-12 January The Cygnet Folk Festival is back for another year of singing, dancing and community in various venues across central Cygnet. See Formidable Vegetable Sound System, The Stiff Gins and way more. www.cygnetfolkfestival.org.

24-27 January Deloraine hosts a veritable cèilidh all weekend with the Deloraine Celtic Music Weekend. There will be a range of instrument- focused classes plus public events, all held at Meander Valley Performing Arts Centre.

31 January – 2 February Festivale takes over Launceston’s City Park for three days of food, drinks and entertainment. It’s a blast from the past with headliners Killing Heidi, Birds of Tokyo and Pete Murray, plus there’s comedy from Nat’s What I Reckon and Mel Buttle. With a focus on local produce, you can watch celebrity Chef Manu Feildel plus terrific Tassie chefs at work in the Chefs In Action marquee. www.festivale.com.au.

Various dates in January The Festival of Small Halls tours a whole bunch of Tasmanian community halls, from Stanley to Surges Bay, Koonya, Swansea plus more. Headlined by Susan O’Neill and Monique Clare. All the details at www.festivalofsmallhalls.com.

AROUND THE ISLAND

January

6 Illuminating Lampshades is a solo exhibition by artist Sherrie Jewson in which creative uses of textiles and fibres are displayed at Harmony on High Street in Campbell Town until 29 January.

7 Head to Bass Strait Maritime Centre to learn all about the histories of Bass Strait and Devonport, with heaps of fun stuff for the kids, like a realistic and immersive maritime simulation aboard the SS Woniora.

9 William Crighton and Beans on Toast play Valentino Safe Co in Lilydale tonight from 6pm. Crighton has won an ARIA and supported Midnight Oil, Beans on Toast is a UK folk legend.

10 The Cygnet Folk Festival is on from today until 12 January, showcasing music, dance, poetry, masterclasses, film, food, wine, and crafts in the Huon Valley.

11 Thirsty Merc bring their Electric Summer tour to Frankie J’s in Devonport. Fans can expect a jampacked setlist of hit songs and singalongs.

12 Finish the weekend with a trip to the beach. Here’s some classics: Boat Harbour Beach near Wynyard, Anderson Bay in Bridport, and Coningham Beach near Snug.

13 For a group and personal healing experience, join a Sacred Dance Circle at beautiful Bells Parade in Latrobe, 7pm-8pm, $10 a ticket.

14 Take the family, a friend or date to the Devonport Family Funfair, on Devonport Oval, for fun rides and carnival snacks.

16 The Festival of Small Halls hits Swansea Town Hall today with folk musicians Susan O’Neill and Monique Clare. Find out where else they’ll visit in Tassie at www.festivalofsmallhalls.com.

17 Held in the centre of George Town is the Tamar Valley Folk Festival, running until 19 Jan. There will be plenty of concerts, workshops, and children’s events, as well as a writers circle.

18 The Latrobe Lilium Show at the Latrobe Memorial Hall will have oriental, trumpet, and hybrid liliums, along with stunning floral art. On today and tomorrow.

19 The Wynyard Foreshore Market is held from 8am-2pm along the East Wynyard foreshore, with local produce and crafts, including jams, cakes, preserves, and secondhand goods.

20 From today until 3 February, head to Oatlands Library for Fascinating Science, a free exhibition that lets families explore all sorts of sciencey things. No bookings needed.

21 View the first ever public exhibition of the works of muchloved Tasmanian artist, Michael McWilliams, at QVMAG until 23 March.

22 Prepare for laughs and lagers at Penguin Beer Co. in, yep, Penguin, for a double bill stand up show from Dylan Hesp and Stewart Bell. 8pm start.

23 Spend a couple hours at Hive in Ulverstone. See their current exhibition, A Town is a Tapestry, about local history. Their Planetarium is showing Phantom of the Universe – The Hunt for Dark Matter.

24 From today until the 27th it’s the Deloraine Celtic Music Weekend, which is a series of events at the Meander Valley Performing Arts Centre, a mix of classes led by top tutors and public concerts.

25 Explore the Forestier Art Trail in Dunalley and Murdunna until 27 January. Follow the yellow flags to visit local artist studios and connect with creators reflecting the region’s natural beauty.

26 GoatFest, held in Longford, is one of the most GOATed festivals around. Celebrate everything goat. If it’s goat, it’s here.

27 In the mood for a fun water activity? The Ulverstone Waterslide is open for the summer, 12pm-5pm, at 2 Beach Road. 10 rides for $15. All ages welcome.

28 The best of tennis talent serves up in the North West for the week-long Burnie International Tennis festival, until 4 February.

29 Check out the tidal.24 Festival at the Devonport Entertainment Centre, until 8 February, inviting the public to explore the theme of “tidal” through art, workshops, and performances.

30 For the first time at Devonport Golf Course is a Come and Try Golf clinic for people living with a disability to try golf for the first time, or be reintroduced to the game. 2pm-4pm, book via eventbrite.

31 Experience Festivale, one of Tassie’s biggest summer events, at Launceston’s City Park. Over three days enjoy local food, wines, and entertainment at a lively outdoor setting.

February

1 Young people aged 13+ who love all things anime and manga can join a meetup at Launceston Library for free. Make connections, enjoy screenings of anime, swap manga with others, and make art.

2 The Penguin Undercover Market returns today on Arnold Street, 9am-3pm. It’s northern Tasmania’s largest market with over 70 stalls, all under cover, shielded from the summer sun.

3 Step into the East Coast Heritage Museum in Swansea to view its exhibitions exploring the area’s history, from First Nations artefacts to a curious egg collection.

7 The world’s toughest downhill mountain bike event, Red Bull Hardline, returns to Maydena Bike Park. This twoday event features top international bikers showcasing their skills.

8 Test your fitness at the Coles Bay Triathlon, easily one of the most scenic spots to do so. Half and Sprint races are running on the day, or cheers from the sidelines.

WHAT’S ON IN TASSIE

Captivating Coal Mines The Coal Mines Historic Site, 25 minutes from Port Arthur, is an underrated gem among Tasmania’s convict sites. It was Tasmania’s first operational mine, and the “worst class” of convicts from Port Arthur worked there as punishment. Like the nearby Port Arthur, it offers a peaceful, educational experience with fascinating ruins to explore. The walk around the mines is part of the 60 Great Short Walks. To fully explore the site is a relaxing half-day.

Huon Valley Voyage A scenic drive through the Huon Valley is a perfect way to spend the day. Once the heart of Tasmania’s apple industry, the valley is now home to cideries and wineries offering tastings and bottles to take home. There are plenty of picturesque spots to photograph the Huon River, or even enjoy a cruise with Huon River Cruises. Explore charming towns like Franklin and Geeveston, with highlights like the Kermandie Boardwalk, a lovely riverside stroll offering views of the water and landscape.

Lovely Longford This town in the northern Midlands is set to host GoatFest this summer. Take the time to explore its picturesque streets lined with convict-era buildings on a self-guided tour. The nearby Woolmers Estate, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a step back in time and Bridgerton vibes. For an overnight stay, there’s cosy bed & breakfasts around like Cressy House Estate, a self-contained cottage on a family farm.