As big pop culture moments, world-class exhibitions, festivals and sporting events pop up all across the globe, more travellers are planning their itineraries around them.
With event tourism on the rise, Australia has emerged as a popular stop in 2023 for sports and music fans since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the announcement of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour coming to Melbourne and Sydney.
In 2024, Australia continues to excite music lovers and die-hard sports enthusiasts, with an exciting line-up of summer events to kickstart the new year. Here are seven key events taking place this Aussie summer that will be worth a trip across the ocean:
Australian Open 2024 returns from 14 to 28 January, with an expanded Opening Week and more opportunities for tennis lovers to catch their favourite stars on the court, including Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal. Fans can comfortably partake in resounding stadium cheers under more shade on Grand Slam Oval and Garden Square, as they witness the players’ journey to bring home the first Grand Slam of 2024.
51 years in the making, the Tamworth Toyota Country Music Festival is one not to be missed for country music fans. Pull up to Tamworth’s beautiful Bicentennial Park with a picnic rug and enjoy 10 whole nights of free entertainment. Immerse fully in the Summer festival atmosphere with performances by buskers that line the streets of Tamworth and make your way to the 2024 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards on 27 January.
Taking place over 24 and 25 February, the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix is back on the waters of Sydney with heart-stopping races and thrilling experiences for fans on and off the water. This is the eighth event of SailGP Season 4, and national pride is on the line for participating teams. Fans can also get up close to the heart of the action on Spectator Boats or embark on a Team Base Tour to catch the athletes in preparation for the big race.
Australia’s biggest arts festival in South Australia is back – now bigger and better. Join in the fun on stage and along the streets, and at the tons of exhibitions at the Adelaide Fringe Festival running from 16 February to 17 March. With nearly 6,000 performers and artists participating in the festivities, visitors can attend a myriad of delightful shows ranging from theatre shows to comedic acts and workshops while making full use of the special perks for ticket holders. As they say in SA, just show us your tix!
Canberra comes alive this year from 1 March through to 11 March with Enlighten Festival! Think gorgeous illuminations around Australia’s capital city after the sun sets and exciting sets played by headline act Hoodoo Gurus and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra at the all-free Symphony In The Park event on 10 March.
Celebrate the diversity of stories and tunes within the rich folk traditions in Australia at the 2024 National Folk Festival, from 28 March to 2 April. Experience folk culture in a new light through musical performances, dances, spoken word, and more. On the list of performers are seven-time ARIA award winning singer-songwriter and pianist David Bridie and acclaimed artist Charles Maimarosia.
Probably the biggest motorsport event this summer, Formula 1® returns to Melbourne’s Grand Prix Circuit this year between 21 to 24 March. Don’t miss out on the heart-thumping on-track action against the city skyline from the premium grandstand and take time to fully indulge in the off-track celebrations with a line-up of popular musical acts.
