Dark Mofo returns to brighten up Tasmania's winter

Tasmania's Dark Mofo mid-winter solstice festival,will return in 2026 from Thursday, June 11-Monday, June 22.

Alongside large-scale public art installations, live performances and musical acts, Dark Mofo 2026 will include familiar rituals: Winter Feast, Night Mass, the Ogoh-Ogoh burning and the Nude Solstice Swim as the sun rises after the longest night of the year.

While the full festival program will be announced next year, organisers have revealed that a strictly limited first release of tickets to Night Mass - Dark Mofo's late-night takeover of Nipaluna/Hobart CBD - will go on sale at 10am on Wednesday, November 5, to those who have pre-registered via the Dark Mofo website.

"Mark your calendars," urged Dark Mofo artistic director Chris Twite. "It’s exciting to share Dark Mofo’s 2026 dates today as we take our first steps towards next year’s festival where we’ll once again bathe the streets in red, feast by firelight and indulge in a smorgasbord of art, music and performance.

"With plenty of surprises in store, revellers have an opportunity this week to access an early release of tickets to Night Mass and get a head start on planning their winter debauchery."

Following a one-year hiatus, the return of Dark Mofo in 2025 attracted over 50,000 interstate and overseas visitors to Tasmania and delivered over $67 million in economic benefit to the state.

"We’re so grateful for the continued support from David Walsh, and that of the Tasmanian Government, not to mention Tasmanian businesses, residents and visitors - all of whom enable us to continue celebrating the dark," Twite says.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Jane Howlett, said: "Dark Mofo is an iconic Tasmanian event, which drives visitation to the state during the off season and one that is recognised as a world-class winter festival. The Tasmanian Government is a proud supporter of this event.

‘Dark Mofo has something for everyone and we know how important it is to our tourism and hospitality sector during the quieter months. Visitors to Tasmanian events stay longer than the average visitor, and stays have grown, now 2.5 nights longer than they were in 2019."

 # Dark Mofo is a project of the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania, with additional support provided by the City of Hobart.

Tasmanian stargazing, wine and the Winter Solstice

Two of Tasmania’s leading drinks producers: Tamar Ridge and Turner Stillhouse are joining forces to host a one-off Winter Solstice stargazing event: NOIR NOIR.

This one-night-only event will take place at the Tamar Ridge cellar door on Saturday, June 21, from 6:30pm.  

The collaborators are inviting wine lovers, whisky drinkers and budding astronomers to sip, savour and stargaze under Tasmania’s bright winter sky - and be among the first to taste some new releases, including Tamar Ridge's 2023 Reserve Pinot Noir and Turner Stillhouse's inaugural whiskies, which includes Tasmania’s first ever Bourbon-style whisky: Rosevears Three Grain Whiskey and Rosevears Single Malt Whisky, matured in old Tamar Ridge pinot noir oak barrels. 

Guests at Tamar Ridge cellar door will be guided through a stargazing session by local astronomy expert Chris Arkless.

Arkless says the event will provide insights into Tasmania’s unique location in the Southern Hemisphere and the stellar beauty of Tasmania's night sky on the longest night of the year.

“Stargazing is a powerful way to connect with the natural world and ignite a sense of wonder. As we gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice with exquisite, locally made pinot noir and whisky, we will embark on a celestial journey, discovering the stars that have guided humanity for millennia.”

NOIR NOIR is being promoted as a “rare opportunity to connect the earthly pleasures of our Tasmanian landscape with the vastness of the universe”. 

Huddled around outdoor fire pits, guests will get a tasting of all new releases and can add the option of a cheese and charcuterie platter.

"NOIR NOIRis a chance to celebrate not only these two exciting new releases, but also theincredible natural beauty of Tasmania," said Tamar Ridge winemaker Tom Wallace.

"We're thrilled to partner with Turner Stillhouse to create a truly memorable night that showcases thebest of our cool-climate pinot noir and their exceptional new whisky, and to share the magic of a Tasmanian winter with our guests. 

Tickets for NOIR NOIR are $45 per person including a tasting of new releases, meeting Tamar Ridge winemakers, live music and stargazing session. Guests can add a cheese and charcuterie platter for $35 (for two people).

Tickets at tamarridge.rezdy.com/709946/noir-noir-winter-solstice.

Wine and food to the fore as small producers get together

Enjoy visiting smaller wine producers? Fancy a day or two in the Yarra Valley? 

The Shortest Lunch festival returns on June 20-21 with 13 family-run wineries linking up for two days of cool-climate wines, hearty winter fare, fireside tastings and live music, all in celebration of the winter solstice.

The Shortest Lunch offers the chance to meet the makers behind the cellar doors and discover small-batch wines. 

Guests will be able to taste over 100 wines, including exclusive aged and new-release drops, with food menus that span wood-fired flatbreads, slow-cooked ragu, vegan Mediterranean fare, and spiced apple desserts, all priced under $25. 

It is a family- and dog-friendly event, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at every stop, and live music and vineyard views included.

Tickets start at $35 for a full weekend pass (including a souvenir tasting glass), with Wine & Dine ($70) and VIP packages ($100) also available. 

The line-up of participating wineries includes: Boat O'Craigo, Fin Wines, Helen's Hill Estate, Seville Estate. Seville Hill, Soumah (a must-visit),  Steels Gate, Sutherland Estate, Tokar Estate, Yering Farm, Bilanook Estate, Whispering Hills and Yileena Park. 

Expect sparkling, rosé, red, white, orange, Pet Nat and dessert wine styles, along with small-batch ciders and beers. 

Use the code EARLYBIRD before June 1 to receive 10% off all ticket types. Proceeds from the event support vital local causes, with over $100,000 raised to date for groups such as the local CFA, SES and Make-A-Wish Australia.

See www.shortestlunch.com.au for tickets and more information on the wineries, menus, ticket types and transportation.

Festival offers a chance to take some roads less travelled in the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley has some special treats for wine lovers over the weekend of the winter solstice.

The popular winter wine festival The Shortest Lunch returns from June 17-18, celebrating its 22nd birthday

Wine lovers can enjoy two days of special tastings and a range of gourmet bites across nine family-owned, boutique wineries in the Valley - many are off the beaten track and offer something different to the region's bigger operations.



The hosts are all members of Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries and will be offering over 80 wines to taste. Several venues will feature live music and special offers to guests.

Tickets cost $35 for a single day, or $50 for a weekend ticket, including a souvenir wine glass to keep.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Wineries involved in the vent include Billanook, Boat O'Craigo, FIN, Seville Hill, Steels Gate, Sutherland Estare, Tokar Estate, Whispering Hills and Yering Farm. Each will be offering signature plates to complement their wines.

All will have entrée-sized bites with menu offerings ranging from authentic Mexican tacos and cheese platters to classic Italian fare and American barbecue.