What’s On in Ballina NSW – 2025
Events Calendar
Discover What’s On in Ballina and Beyond
Looking for upcoming events in Ballina NSW? From farmers markets and food festivals to live music, surfing comps and cultural celebrations, the Ballina region is buzzing with activity all year round.
Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or here for a coastal escape, check out our curated calendar of what’s on in Ballina, Lennox Head, Byron Bay, and the wider Northern Rivers.
Weekly & Monthly Markets
- Ballina Farmers & Producers Market
📍 Missingham Park, Ballina | 🗓️ Every Sunday, 7am to 11am
Fresh local produce, baked goods, plants, and crafts from Northern Rivers growers and makers. A short walk or drive from the resort. - Bangalow Market
📍 Bangalow Showgrounds | 🗓️ Fourth Sunday of every month
The biggest market in the Northern Rivers, with more than 250 stalls covering produce, fashion, homewares, and live music in the hinterland village of Bangalow, about 30 minutes from Ballina.
Sport & Outdoor Events
- Ballina Boxing Day Races
📍 Ballina Jockey Club | 🗓️ 26 December 2026
A long-running Northern Rivers tradition. Trackside racing, fashions on the field, and a festive crowd at the local jockey club, just a few minutes from the resort.
Music, Arts & Culture
- Casino Beef Week
📍 Casino | 🗓️ 23 to 31 May 2026
A nine-day country celebration of the region’s beef industry, with a street parade, rodeo, live music, market stalls, and family entertainment. About 40 minutes inland from Ballina. - Lismore Lantern Parade
📍 Lismore CBD | 🗓️ 20 June 2026
A winter-solstice community parade through Lismore with thousands of handmade lanterns, music, and fire performances. About 30 minutes from the resort. - Byron Writers Festival
📍 North Byron Parklands | 🗓️ 14 to 16 August 2026
A weekend of Australian and international authors in conversation across multiple stages, plus workshops, panels, and book signings. About 35 minutes from Ballina. - North Coast Mud Trail
📍 Northern Rivers (self-drive trail) | 🗓️ 21 to 24 August 2026
A self-drive open-studio trail across the region’s ceramic studios. Watch potters at work, browse new collections, and pick up one-of-a-kind pieces. Studios within a 20-kilometre radius of Ballina. - Lismore Show
📍 Lismore Showground | 🗓️ October 2026 (date for 2026 TBC)
The region’s annual agricultural show: ring events, sideshow alley, livestock judging, woodchop, and evening fireworks. The program is typically published in September. - Byron Bay International Film Festival
📍 Byron Bay and surrounds | 🗓️ October 2026 (date for 2026 TBC)
The 20th edition of one of Australia’s largest regional film festivals, screening features, documentaries, and shorts across multiple venues. - Tyalgum Music Festival
📍 Tyalgum | 🗓️ September 2026 (date for 2026 TBC, biennial event)
A weekend of classical and chamber music in the hinterland village of Tyalgum near Mount Warning, about 50 minutes from Ballina.
Plan Your Stay Around a Local Event
Whether you’re attending a festival, catching a wave at Lennox, or just love the vibe of weekend markets, we’re here to help you make the most of your trip.
Looking for accommodation close to the action? View our rooms or contact our team to book your stay.
Past Events
Looking back at what’s happened in the Northern Rivers and Byron Bay region.
- Oz Grom Open – 3–8 July 2025, Lennox Head. Australia’s biggest junior surfing competition at the famous Lennox Point break.
- Evans Head Fishing Classic – 4–11 July 2025, Evans Head. A family-friendly fishing comp with cash prizes, live entertainment, and daily giveaways.
- Byron Writers Festival – 9–11 August 2025, Byron Bay. One of Australia’s leading literary festivals with writers and thinkers from around the world.
- Bangalow Music Festival – 11–14 August 2025, Bangalow. An elegant classical music festival held in intimate Bangalow venues.
- North Coast Mud Trail – 16–17 August 2025, Northern Rivers. Self-drive open-studio trail across the region’s working ceramic studios.
- Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Regatta – 30 August 2025, Ballina. Teams paddled it out on the Richmond River. Colourful, loud, and spectator-friendly to watch from the riverbank.
- Sample Food Festival – 6 September 2025, Bangalow Showgrounds. Northern NSW’s signature food event featuring gourmet tastings and celebrity chefs.
- Tyalgum Music Festival – 26–28 September 2025, Tyalgum. Boutique classical and contemporary music festival set in a quaint mountain village near Mt Warning.
- Oceania Cup – Alstonville Football – 4–5 October 2025, Alstonville. High-level youth football tournament drawing teams from across Oceania.
- Lismore Show – 16–18 October 2025, Lismore Showground. Traditional agricultural show with rides, farm animals, food stalls, and competitions.
- Byron International Film Festival – 18–27 October 2025, Byron Bay & surrounds. Independent films from around the world with a focus on social change and storytelling.
- Nimbin Roots Festival – 24–26 October 2025, Nimbin. Laid-back music and arts festival celebrating folk, roots, blues, and Indigenous performers.
- Murwillumbah Show – 31 October – 1 November 2025, Murwillumbah Showgrounds. Agricultural heritage with live music, market stalls, and fun rides in this scenic riverside town.
- Rotary Duck Race – 10 November 2025, Richmond River, Ballina. Hundreds of rubber ducks raced down the river, all for a good cause.
- Ballina Boxing Day Races – 26 December 2025, Ballina Jockey Club. One of Ballina’s most anticipated social events of the year.