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 September 2024
by Hobart Magazine
September
2 Michelle Joy Gopal’s latest exhibition, Faces, Shapes & Landscapes, is on at the Salamanca Arts Centre today 9am-4:30pm and until the 14th.
4 Join an expert panel for a discussion on the future of William Crowther’s statue in the UTAS event Tasmania’s Hidden History: Art, Power and Truth. Sir Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre, 6pm.
5 Choose from Greg Well and the Blackwater Band at Grinners Dive Bar, 7pm or Michael Hing at The Clubhouse, Hobart Brewing Co, 6-9:30pm.
6 The relaxed Young Readers Club, for readers aged 8+, is on this afternoon at Hobart Library, 3:30- 4:30pm.
7 The Kunanyi Folk Club takes over the Fern Tree Tavern with its monthly gig night, this time featuring Luke Plumb and Jim Green. Tonight enjoy some hot dancing with Burn the Floor at Theatre Royal
8 Wanna try croquet? Give it a go with Healthy Hobart’s free session today at Sandy Bay Croquet Club, 10-11:30am.
9 Head to Richmond Village Green for Something In The Exchange, a public art experience re-examining perceptions of the iconic town. Thursday to Sunday, 11am-4pm, until 6 October.
10 A local production of Nosferatu by Keziah Warner, set in Bluewater – a mining town with no mine – is on tonight until the 14th at the Peacock Theatre.
11 Enjoy a special fusion dinner where Italian and Asian cuisines meet, curated by Tesoro chef Glen Tilly and Mr. Good Guy Hobart chef Ted Lee. Book at www.tesorohobart.com.au.
12 Ever eaten blindfolded? Trust the chef at Dining in the Dark at T42, Elizabeth Street Pier. A secret three-course menu to discover. It’s also R U OK? Day today, so check in on your mates, today and any day.
13 The Spring Show, with Daffodils and Camellias as the focus, takes over the Hobart Town Hall Ballroom today 1-5pm and tomorrow 10am-4pm. Tonight, party with Teenage Dads at the Uni Bar.
14 The Dead Right Quiz Night supports the work of Palliative Care Tasmania. 7-10pm at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, book via humanitix.
15 At 2pm, Virtuosi Tasmania performs a brass band concert at All Saints Church, South Hobart. It is sure to be ”note-worthy”.
16 Perhaps it’s time to get the leg warmers out and try an adult’s jazz class with the Jazz Cats at Encore, 6:30-8:30pm.
18 Theatre Royal and Australian Christian College Hobart students present Disney’s The Lion King Junior on stage for an epic school musical. 6pm, also tomorrow.
19 Learn about the history on our doorstep with Salamanca Walk, a vibrant exploration of the area’s colonial past. Starts at 1pm. 20
20 Get your tickets for the Unite In Yellow Lunch at Crowne Plaza. A fundraising event for women’s cancers, with speaker Stephanie Trethewey – 2024 Australian of the Year for Tasmania.
21 Head to the Tasmanian Produce Market at Kangaroo Bay Park this morning to pick up your supplies, from 9am-1pm. The Rubens grace The Odeon stage, with special guests The Moving Still and Bean Magazine.
22 Enjoy wizardly delights at Harry Potter High Tea, featuring Mandrake cupcakes and more, Riversdale Estate. At 12pm the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra performs Serenity & Solitude at Federation Concert Hall
24 The Chinese Opera Gala sees select masterpieces performed by the finest opera singers from the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre at the Federation Concert Hall, 7:30pm.
25 Get some new (secondhand) treasures at the Hanging Garments In The Hanging Garden, 4-8pm.
26 Follow the Rain, a feature documentary about the wonder of fungi, screens at the State Cinema tonight at 6pm.
27 Game on! Discover local games at Level Up Tasmania Video Game Showcase, a two-day event at PW1. Tonight, see Tassie songwriter Tessa Lee for her album launch at Moonah Arts Centre.
28 Dance all night at Garba Night, hosted by The Indian Festivals Association at City Hall from 6pm, or rock out to Barkaa at Altar, 8:30pm.
29 Blind Golf Tasmania invites all blind and low vision people to attend a free golf session at Kingston Beach Golf Club, 1pm.
October
1 The Cat Empire are back on the island and playing a unique gig with the TSO at Wrest Point, 7:30pm.
3 A new show from Terrapin Puppet Theatre comes to Theatre Royal until 5 Oct, The Riddle of Washpool Gully. Suitable for kids, about a creek bed that awakens mythological creatures.
FURTHER AFIELD
6 September
Be taken back to a simpler time (a.k.a. the nineties) as Jebediah and Magic Dirt play at the Forth Pub from 6pm.
14 September
Ben Lee plays at the Du Cane Brewery and Dining Hall in Launceston tonight from 7:30pm. He’s also playing solo at Mount Gnomon Farm, Penguin on the 13th and he’s got an afternoon gig at The Longley International Hotel on the 15th.
14 September
Tassie’s Tessa Lee & The Cold Weather Band are back with some new tunes. They play the Little Sisters General Store at Sisters Beach tonight from 5pm.
19-22 September
Junction Arts Festival merges local art, music and performance across Launceston. Heaps of free and ticketed events, from family friendly shows to late night delights, and circus, cabaret and light installations. There’s also Tassie food and drinks, as always.
22 September
The Ross Running Festival offers runs across the iconic Ross Bridge and around the outskirts of the historic township with relatively flat routes. With a 2km kids race, 5km, 10km, half marathon and marathon options, plus 5km and 10km walks, there’s lots to choose from. See www.rossrunning.org.au for details.
4-5 October
The Nubeena Bee Festival is back for a second run. Gain valuable knowledge about sustainable beekeeping practices and the importance of protecting our pollinators and preserving the natural world, with interactive exhibits, stalls, and presentations plus a Bee Ball. Find more info at www.nubeenabeefestival.org.
AROUND THE ISLAND
September
2 The Tasmanian Rock Challenge comes to Ulverstone for its north-west heat, where you can see high school and college bands show off their skills. 5pm at River Arms Hotel.
3 Launnie residents can take part in a free Bollywood dance class at the Northern Suburbs Community Centre in Newnham. Welcome to all ages and abilities. Every Tuesday at 1pm.
4 Join a working bee at the Carr Villa Flora Reserve and help preserve this Launceston bush patch. Tools provided, bring water. First Wednesday of every month at 1pm.
6 Sip it up at the Great Eastern Wine Week, a 10-day festival with over 30 events all along the east coast. Enjoy award-winning wines, meet winemakers, and explore a glass-full of activities.
7 Take in the atmosphere of Launceston’s Harvest Market and bring home the freshest fruit and veg, artisan bread, pastry and dairy.
8 The Women’s 5K Walk/Run is an annual fun run event in Launceston. Setting out from City Park, the 5km route through the city is open to all ages an experience levels.
9 Spend a day in Smithton for the CHArts Festival (previously Art About Town), a month-long event showcasing local artists and their work. Runs through September to 6 October.
11 Burnie’s Girl Guides turns 100 this year. Celebrate a century of achievements, contributions, and connections at Burnie Regional Museum, on show until November.
12 The Deloraine & Districts Folk Museum’s Past the Post exhibit showcases Meander Valley’s horse racing history with stories and memorabilia. Check it out before it bolts on 30 September.
13 Catch He Huang, the comedy sensation who’s won and been nominated everywhere, live in Launceston tonight at The Sports Garden Hotel, 7:30pm.
14 Grab your friends and hit Launceston’s craft beer scene with a self-guided Urban Craft Beer Crawl. Explore bars at your own pace, redeem beer vouchers, and enjoy a fun afternoon.
15 Check out the Ross Village Market in Ross Town Hall today from 9am. Enjoy homemade pies, cakes, and preserves. Browse local crafts and explore Ross’ historic sites and shops.
17 Singfest is a combined primary schools’ choral concert, where students from public and private schools join together in a joyful celebration of song. At the Launceston Conference Centre.
18 New to Launceston or looking to make new friends? Fast Friends (Women) is like speed dating for pals. Meet people, chat in quick rounds, and enjoy a free drink at Saint John Craft Beer Bar.
19 The Junction Arts Festival returns to Launceston until 22 September. It celebrates spring with vibrant art, music, and performance, with both free and ticketed experiences.
20 Rock out with KISSTERIA at The Royal Oak Hotel in Launceston. Australia’s top KISS tribute band, they nail the glam rock vibe with all the iconic looks, sounds, and showmanship.
21 Take the Launceston Art Walk from 4:30- 6pm. Join the group at dAda mUse for a guided tour through local art studios, you can meet artists and dive into Launnie’s creative scene.
22 Equip your running shoes for the Ross Running Festival. There’ll be 5 and 10km runs, a 2km kids’ race, and a walk. Run past the Ross Bridge and enjoy the town’s beauty while supporting charity.
23 West coast parents can join Rock and Rhyme at Queenstown Library with exciting activities for the little ones. 11- 11:30am.
24 Join QVMAG Senior Curator Jon Addison for a talk on photographer Olegas Truchanas, exploring his resilience, artistry, passion for Tasmania, and environmental impact. 11am.
26 Learn to grow veggies and herbs at the Inveresk Community Garden every Thursday at 10am.
27 Pride Coffee is a monthly catch-up for Ulverstone’s LGBTQ+ community, friends and allies. Held at Hey Buddy on the 4th Friday of every month. 10:30am. RSVP to garry@workingitout.org.au.
28 Maydena Bike Park’s opening weekend starts today, with new trails and facilities ready for the 24/25 season. Book early as this tends to sell out!
29 Get your tap-dancing shoes on (figuratively) for The Tap Pack in Burnie Town Hall, a high-energy show that blends slick tap dance and humour with modern hits and classic tunes.
30 Visit Devonport’s Paper on Skin exhibition, which will be open for six weeks. Paper on Skin challenges artists to create garments from 80% paper. Wouldn’t want it to rain…
October
1 Head to Smithton Library for a free digital skills session. Bring your iPad, phone, or tablet to learn and troubleshoot in a relaxed environment. Contact the library for details.
3 Secure your tickets for the JackJumpers School Holiday Camp in Burnie. From 9am-3pm at Burnie Sports Centre, kids aged 5-12 can learn basketball skills and have heaps of fun.
4 Drop into Devonport’s Twilight Market & Street Eats for local craft and food vendors. 4-8pm.
5 Enjoy unique brews, spirits, great food, and local music at A Festival Called George. Located on the St Helens foreshore, this is a good excuse for a weekend getaway.
6 Choo choo! Hop on the Ulverstone Miniature Railway for $3 rides all day. Check their Facebook page for more details.
WHAT’S ON TASSIE
Beautiful Bicheno
While enjoying Great Eastern Wine Week, take a break in Bicheno to soak up those east coast vibes. This relaxed beach town is ideal for unwinding. Be sure to savour some fresh seafood while you’re there – like a lobster roll from The Lobster Shack or some local fish and chips.
Calming Cataract Gorge
With the main walk recently renovated, Cataract Gorge in Launceston is perfect for a sunny day. This 5km stretch of river reserve offers a blend of city and nature, just a short stroll from downtown. Keep an eye out for peacocks and wallabies, and don’t miss the chairlift ride.
Lovely Lavender Farms
Spring is blooming, so visit one of Tasmania’s many lavender farms. We’re spoilt for choice. Some notable ones are Bridestowe Lavender Estate in the north, Port Arthur Lavender Farm, or Campo de Flori in the Huon Valley.
