One of the best parts of living in the golden shire of Byron Bay there is always some fun-filled event happening a stone's throw away. Our diaries fill up year-round with various festivals covering everything from food to music to the environment, and we are here for them all! There is no better way to jump head first into the rich sense of community and culture than with one of these five fantastic festivals.
The Byron Writers Festival is an opportunity to meet like-minded creatives and listen to the latest in literature. This annual gathering of storytellers and novelists is a unique occasion for connection through the written word and interesting interactions. It highlights the important role of writing, both fact and fiction, in moulding our minds and sharing ideas. The festival houses a range of activities and events to attend, including workshops, public readings and exclusive access to unpublished manuscripts. This year it will be held at the North Byron Parklands on the weekend of the 26-28th; find out more here and book your tickets before they sell out!
Splendour in the Grass is always one of the highlights of the year. It is one of the biggest music festivals across Australia, presented by Secret Sounds; it is a celebration of contemporary artists from all over the world (and a chance for a serious boogie). This year aims to be the biggest yet with an epic lineup to honour Splendour’s 20th anniversary! The set-up at the North Byron Parklands is always an innovative display, with markets, stalls and arts galore; it is a place of pure inspiration and good vibes. With Gorillaz, The Strokes and Tyler the Creator as the 2022 headliners, you simply can’t miss it. Choose from a selection of ticket options to suit your party limits or lack thereof, and get ready for the 22-24th of July!
This last year’s Blues Fest was well worth the wait. With a disappointing couple of years of Covid cancellations, we were itching for the one-of-a-kind Easter weekend festival. Blues fest is a family-friendly 5-day event hosted at the stunning Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm. Each year we go to witness an elevation of all things music, art and culture. No matter the weather, attendees turn up in the tens of thousands every year and no surprise with past performing artists such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Angus and Julia Stone (to name a few). This festival's tremendous success is founded on director Peter Noble's passion -we are so grateful to have this amazing festival on our doorsteps every year and are already looking forward to 2023.
The Northern Rivers Food & Harvest Trail is an occasion that is close to our hearts at Byron Bay Gifts. We love discovering local produce and understanding where our food and wine come from. It covers the essential regenerative methods farmers use to grow crops and focuses on sustainable manufacturing. Enjoy the farm-to-table experience and discover the unique journey of over thirty leading Australian restaurants, breweries and more. Sample fresh food and connect with the families and friends behind some of our favourite regional brands, including Cape Byron Distillery and Duck Creek Farm. Hosted in the Byron Bay Industrial estate on the 30-31st of July, it is guaranteed to be a scrumptious weekend - we will see you there!
Gold Coast Whale Festival is an exceptional winter weekend for the whole family. Humpbacks and Highrises host this free event; it is a two-day event aiming to increase awareness about the health of our oceans and their incredible inhabitants. Take this chance to learn from leading organisations and marine specialists who are dedicated to protecting our beloved local coastlines. With live music, science talks, stalls, exhibits and a large-scale beach clean, it is an excellent opportunity to get involved and educate future generations on how we can safeguard whales and dolphins through the severe effects of climate change. Don’t miss this experience on Saturday 6th August 2022 - bring the whole crew for a fun day out.
