Local Events
What's on in Hobart
Looking for things to do in Hobart, Tasmania? Want to know which markets and fairs in Tasmania are nearby? If any Tasmanian international arts festivals are happening? Are there any big Princes Wharf Hobart events on? What are some things to do in Hobart this weekend?
We’ve put together a list of links for those interested in discovering our local markets and events while enjoying their stay at Bay Hotels Hobart apartments.
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Local Markets | Hobart Performances & Events | Tasmanian Festivals
Local Markets
Tasmania is home to an array of artisans, entertainers, farmers, culinary geniuses, and expert distillers and winemakers. Experience a concentrated dose of our local culture through our markets and fairs in Tasmania.
Local Markets
Salamanca Market (Every Saturday)
If you’re looking for things to do in Hobart this weekend, walk down to the Salamanca Market on Saturday. With over 300 stalls to explore, the Saturday Salamanca Market offers a great range of products from local Tasmanian makers, artisans, craftsmen, collectors and producers.
If you’re looking for accommodation near Salamanca, Bay Hotel’s Apartments are a great affordable choice. The Salamanca Market is only a 15 minute walk from our Sandy Bay accommodation.
Farm Gate Market (Every Sunday)
Add the Farm Gate Market to your things to do in Hobart this weekend. On every Sunday in Bathurst Street in Hobart, the best produce Tasmania has to offer arrives for the Farm Gate Market. Open from 8.30 am to 1 pm, explore the wide range of tasty treats produced right here in Tasmania. From fresh fruit and vegetables to locally baked goods, spreads, sauces and more! Not to mention several food vans for a scrumptious breakfast or lunch.
Hobart Twilight Market (Check Dates)
If you’re looking for good times, good food and good gifts, then see if the Hobart Twilight Market is on during your stay. One of the best things to do in Hobart at night, the city comes alive at the Hobart Twilight Market – a family and dog-friendly Friday night market showcasing the best of Tasmanian eats, drinks, design, and music.
The Hobart Twilight Market is held in two locations. When at Long Beach, it becomes Hobart’s Sandy Bay night market just a 7 minute drive from our hotel. Otherwise, you will find it at Brooke St Pier on the Hobart Waterfront just an 8 minute walk. Please see their website for dates and location.
Tasmanian Produce Market (Every Saturday)
If you're looking for a small, local market, then check out the Tasmanian Produce Market at Kangaroo Bay every Saturday. A great place to visit for breakfast or lunch, the market offers a range of quality food vans and local Tasmanian produce. Going to the market, you can drive (there is plenty of parking), or take the ferry across to the river from the Hobart Waterfront.
Richmond Village Market (Every Sunday)
Located in the beautiful town of Richmond, the community hosts a market every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. Discover fresh produce and local crafts at this cosy village market.
It’s only a 30-minute drive from Sandy Bay to Richmond Tasmania. So, if you’re planning to visit this historic town, add the market to your things to do this weekend.
Hobart Performances & Events
Want some things to do in Hobart at night? Or things to do in Hobart this weekend? Then check out our local performance and conference venues for events and shows during your trip to Tasmania. The Bay Hotel Apartments are conveniently located a short drive to all of Hobart’s Event Venues. So, if you’re after a self contained room near Wrest Point Casino or Princes Wharf 1, there is no better hotel deal than our Bay Hotel Apartments.
Hobart Events
Princes Wharf 1
When staying at our Bay Hotel holiday apartments in Hobart, make sure to check out what is on at PW1 (Princes Wharf 1) on the Hobart Waterfront. Within walking distance (or a very short drive), the PW1 venue is known for running many events including conventions, festivals, makers markets and fairs in Tasmania.
You can see what’s coming up at the venue by checking the PW1 Facebook Events Page.
Salamanca Arts Centre & Peacock Theatre
The Salamanca Arts Centre is a vibrant arts community and cultural icon located in historic sandstone warehouses at Hobart’s Salamanca Place. It hosts artist studios, galleries, art organisations, public spaces, and venues, including the Peacock Theatre. If you’re looking for accommodation near Salamanca, Bay Hotel’s Apartments are a great, affordable choice.
Find out what events are on during your stay by visiting their website.
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO)
If you are one for classical music, then explore the upcoming events from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at the Federation Concert Hall. Having been established in 1948, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has been inspiring, invigorating, and delighting audiences through music for over 75 years. Their 47-piece orchestra performs an extensive and varied concert season in Hobart. So for things to do in Hobart this weekend or during your stay, explore their website for performance dates.
Theatre Royal
Did you know that Hobart has the oldest working theatre in Australia? Discover the creative and innovative performances of the Theatre Royal. Showcasing the best of comedy, musical talent and live talk shows for over 185 years! You can also book a tour to explore the theatre and learn more about its history. The theatre is less than a 10 minutes drive from our Bay Hotel apartments in Hobart making us a great place to stay while visiting a Theatre Royal performance.
Wrest Point
The Wrest Point Casino and Conference Centre is Hobart’s home for entertainment, and just 5 minutes drive from our Hobart motel. The Wrest Point Conference Centre hosts a range of conferences and shows throughout the year, so make sure to see what’s on while you’re visiting Hobart. You can drop by the casino to enjoy a game or two and dine at their bespoke restaurants (including the famous Point Revolving Restaurant for great views).
If you’re looking for affordable casino tas accommodation within the Wrest Point Casino to Battery Point area, then check out our serviced apartments in Hobart.
Tasmanian Festivals
Discover Tasmania's colourful and vibrant festivals held year after year – they are some of the best things to do in Tasmania offering a showcase of what Tasmania has to offer. Below are some festival highlights from each season in Tasmania. We recommend checking your visiting times to see what local festivals are on during your stay or plan your trip around a local festival to ensure you can enjoy everything it has to offer.
Summer Festivals in Tasmania
Tasmania’s Taste of Summer
Celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of another with Tasmania’s Taste of Summer! Held at the Princes Wharf 1 in Salamanca Place each year, the Taste Festival offers a chance to enjoy Tasmania’s amazing produce, performances and live music. Enjoy fresh summer fruits, local seafood, and tantalising desserts! Only a 15-minute walk away, if you need accommodation near Salamanca, Bay Hotel’s serviced apartments in Hobart are a great affordable choice.
Australian Wooden Boat Festival
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is a highly regarded maritime event held in Hobart, Tasmania. It is a biennial festival that celebrates the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and culture associated with wooden boats. During the festival, the picturesque waterfront of Hobart's historic port comes alive with a vibrant and bustling atmosphere of wooden boats, workshops, performances and displays.
With the Bay Hotel just a few minutes’ drive (and 15 minute walk) from the water front, we are an ideal Hobart accommodation option for those wishing to travel for the Wooden Boat Festival.
Cygnet Folk Festival
The Cygnet Folk Festival is one of Australia’s most iconic folk music festivals. Highly regarded by musicians and festival goers from all over Australia and overseas! The festival is a showcase of eclectic music genres featuring both local and international talent, dance, poetry, masterclasses, film, kids' entertainment, food, wine, art and local handicrafts all set in the breathtaking scenery of Tasmania's Huon Valley.
Autumn Festivals in Tasmania
Tas Wine Fest
Each autumn, Tasmania celebrates our favourite tipples at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens with the Tas Wine Fest! Discover Tasmania’s local wines, meet their makers and gain a deeper understanding of Tasmanian wines. Accompanied by live music and the beautiful surroundings of the Botanical Gardens, this is a must-attend event for any wine lover.
Ten Days on the Island
Ten Days on the Island is Tasmania’s original arts festival and Australia’s only state-wide celebration. The festival seeks to foster artistic innovation, community empowerment, and cultural exploration in Lutruwita/Tasmania. On for ten days each year, if you are visiting during the festival, make sure to explore their program of events.
Tasmanian Autumn Festival
The Tasmanian Autumn Festival brings together the rich history, culture and natural wonders of the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands in a month-long celebration that throws a spotlight on the beauty and bounty of the season. In Autumn, Tasmania’s vibrant foliage, unique fungi and lush landscapes create the ideal backdrop for wandering extraordinary landscapes, indulging in seasonal produce and wine, and discovering the creations of the region’s artisan community.
Winter Festivals in Tasmania
The Off Season
Not exactly a festival, but The Off Season encourages businesses to create engaging winter tours and events for the adventurous travellers coming down for Winter. With exclusive events, workshops, tours and discounts, if you’re staying at Bay Hotel Apartments during winter, you should check out The Off Season’s website for interesting things to do in Hobart.
Winter Feast
Hosted by MONA, the Winter Feast arrives each year to celebrate the culinary arts under Tasmania’s obsidian winter sky. Accompanied by local and international music guests and performances, the festival is a must-see if in Hobart at the right time. The festival is held at Princes Wharf 1 on the Hobart Waterfront, and just a 15-minute walk from our Sandy Bay accommodation. We are an affordable accommodation option near Salamanca for those planning to attend the feast.
Festival of Voices
Held every winter, The Festival of Voices, celebrates the transformative power of singing that brings people together. Inspired by the age-old tradition of gathering around a fire, this Tasmanian winter event has become Australia’s leading singing celebration.
If in town during the festival, explore their program for events that will revitalise your soul during a cold Tassie winter.
Willie Smith's Mid-Winter Fest
If you are in Hobart during mid winter, make sure to check if the Willie Smiths Mid-Winter Fest is on during your visit. Located in the Huon Valley, the Mid-Winter Fest celebrates the coming of spring as the days finally start to get longer. Featuring live musical acts, storytelling, pagan finery, fun for the kids, the ritual of Wassailing the old apple tree, and of course watching Big Willie burn.
There is no parking available at the Winter Fest, and the best way to get there is by booking a shuttle bus with your ticket. For full details, see their website.
Spring Festivals in Tasmania
Royal Hobart Show
Each October, The Royal Hobart Show is hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania. The event celebrates Tasmania’s country heritage and agriculture. From demonstrations and competitions to fair rides and entertainment, there is something for everyone at the Royal Hobart Show!
Tasmania Chamber of Music Festival
Looking for things to do in Tasmania this weekend? See if the Tasmanian Chamber Musical Festival is on! Covering two successive weekends in November, the Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival invites you to a superb variety of music performed by a stellar array of musicians from Australia and overseas. While enjoying the wide variety of music, you will also explore historic and contemporary spaces and venues in both Hobart and Richmond.
Highlands Bush Fest
The Highlands Bushfest Outdoor Festival (also known as the Bothwell Bush Festival) is held in the heart of the Central Highlands – Bothwell – during November. Over a thrilling weekend, Bothwell is packed with family-friendly activities and a showcase of the outdoor industry’s finest experts, guest speakers, and live demonstrations. With plenty on offer, if you’re in Hobart during the event, plan a day trip up to Bothwell.
