For more than 30 years Festivale has taken Tasmania’s booming food and wine scene and placed it in the hands of locals and visitors alike.
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The premier summer event moved to Launceston’s beloved City Park in 1996 and never looked back.
Former Festivale chairwoman Lou Clark previously told The Examiner the three-day event developed an identity of its own after moving to the park.
From international performers to cooking classes in the park, the festival offers an abundance of not-to-be-missed entertainment and activity for the whole family.
So find a spot on the grass and listen to Brandish with a cool climate wine in hand, or check out the Fresh Comedy stage while feasting on a share platter, either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy what Festivale has to offer.
Opening hours
Friday: 5.30pm to 11pm
Saturday: 11am to 11pm
Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Where is it
Festivale is held at Launceston’s iconic City Park from February 2 to 4. The park is located at 45 to 55 Tamar Street, Launceston, and is a short stroll from the CBD.
Entry price
Friday (Aged 15+): $20.00*
Saturday (Aged 15+): $25.00*
Sunday (Aged 15+): $15.00*
3 Day Pass: $45.00*
Children (Aged 10 to 14) : $7.50*
Children (Aged nine and under): Free (if accompanied by an adult)
Family Pass (includes two adults, and four children under 14)
Friday: $50.00*
Saturday: $60.00*
Sunday: $40.00*
*plus booking/credit card fees
Masterclass tickets will be available for purchase at the Tassie Instant Marquee information booth.
- Companion Card accepted. No concession for students or pensioners.
The important stuff
Buy your Festivale glass for $6 from the Tassie Instant Marquees Information Booth or from win stallholders, alternatively bring your glass from previous years and keep the extra cash for something delicious. Free breath testing will occur from 5.30pm to 10pm on Friday and 5pm to 10pm on Saturday.
There will be an ATM near the Tassie Instant Marquees Information Booth, or plan ahead and get cash out before you enter City Park.
- Festivale is a smoke free event;
- Patrons are not permitted to bring their own alcohol;
- Patrons are permitted to bring bottled water (no glass), food, low-line chairs, picnic rugs;
- Bag searches will be conducted at the gates;
- Free Wi-Fi will be available thanks to Launtel;
- Tickets are non-refundable; and
- No animals are permitted into venue with the exception of seeing eye and assistance dogs.
Getting there
Taxi ranks are located on Cameron Street and Lawrence Street. Disabled parking is available on Tamar Street and the Tamar Street entrance is the best access point.
Tamar Bicycle Users Group’s cycle racks will be near the Tamar Street entrance on Friday from 5.30pm to 11pm, Saturday from 11am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Bicycles are left at the owner’s risk.
Festivale’s must-see events
Friday: The Raw 2 winner will perform at the KPMG stage at 6.15pm, Fresh Comedy will have you laughing the night away from 8.15pm and International street performers will trapeze into Festivale from 8.30pm.
Saturday: See some of Launceston’s finest talent perform at the RAW3! Young Talent on Stage at midday, see who takes out the Best Stall Award at 5.15pm or check out Chris Williams cooking Spanish Scallops at Cooking in the Park from 3pm.
Sunday: Award-winning chef, restaurateur, author and television presenter Karen Martin will be Cooking in the Park from 12.30pm, keep the kids entertained at Kid’s Kingdom or check out some incredibly talented locals performing on the KPMG stage.
The program
Visit Festivale’s stallholders
Need more of the delicious food and drinks you sampled at Festivale? Use our interactive map to locate stallholders open to the public.