Mark your calendars – Ultimate guide to 2026 festivals and events in the Northern Rivers

IF there’s one thing the Northern Rivers is known for, its festivals and events, offering everything from food and sport to music and our much-loved agricultural shows. While some dates are still being finalised, here’s a roundup of the biggest and best events to mark in your diary this summer—so you won’t miss a moment of the fun.

 

January

Bulls in the Bay Rodeo, Byron Bay 3 January

Brunswick Heads Woodchop 8-10 January

Ballina Cup 16 January

Australia Day 26 January

February

Tweed Enduro 14 February

North Coast Show n Shine, Ballina Jockey Club 22 February

March

Kingscliff Triathlon 1 March

Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge 6-7 March

Bangalow Film Festival TBC

International Women’s Day 8 March

Bright Sky Australian Adaptive Surfing Championships 22-29 March

 

April

Bluesfest 2-5 April

Alstonville Bulls, Broncs & Barrels Rodeo 25 April

Anzac Day 25 April

Byron Bay Triathlon 26 April

Bangalow Film Festival 30 April-10 May

May

Nimbin Mardigrass 1-3 May

Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic 3 May

Byron Coast Charity Walk TBC

Our Kids Day Out, Ballina 3 May

Chillingham’s Family Fun Day 9 May

Bangalow Billycart Derby 17 May

Lava Arts Festival, Tweed 22–24 May

June

World Environment Day Festival, Murwillumbah 7 June

Lismore Lantern Parade 20 June

Seas the Day Women’s Surf Festival, Kingscliff 20-21 June

Head of the Tweed 28 June

 

July

LisAmore! 5 July

NAIDOC Week 5–12 July

Mullum Roots 11–12 July

Winter Food Festival at Summerland Farm, Alstonville

Tweed 30 Paddle Marathon 25–26 July

Australian Longboard Titles 25–30 July

August

Newrybar Bonfire and Fireworks night TBC

Byron Writers Festival TBC

Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Regatta 22-23 August

Darrel Chapman Fun Run, Lismore 30 August

September

Sample Food Festival, Bangalow 19 September

Tyalgum Music Festival 26-28 September

October

Byron International Film Festival 16-25 October

Savour the Tweed TBC

Lismore Show 15-17 October

Alstonville Show October 23-24

Byron Latin Fiesta TBC

Murwillumbah Show 30-31 October

 

November

Bangalow Show – 13-14 November

December

Bangalow Christmas Eve Carnival 24 December

Ballina Boxing Day Races 26 December

Tropical Fruits New Year’s Eve 31 December