As the final weeks of winter give way to the first hints of spring, Australians are embracing the outdoors, flocking to coastal walks and scenic hikes to soak in the rejuvenating sunshine. Many are indulging in the country's rich culinary scene, exploring local markets and dining al fresco at vibrant cafes and restaurants. Cultural pursuits are also on the rise, with Australians immersing themselves in art exhibitions, theatre performances, and live music, celebrating the creative energy that thrives in this transitional season.

Online, of course there's also Afterpay Day to look forward to, one of the internet's favourite bi-annual shopping events happening 15–18th August.

If you're looking for any excuse to get out of the house while the weather warms, we've got you covered with our list of the most exciting things to do across Australia in August 2024...

 

NSW

Dine at the award-winning RAFI URBNSURF in Western Sydney from the start of this month until the end.

Ace Hotel Sydney's rooftop restaurant Kiln announces Taste Buds – a collaborative chef series between Mitch Orr and friends starting 1 August.

CHALK HORSE gallery’s next exhibition, from one of Australia’s most successful and highly regarded contemporary painters, Jasper Knight called Talking Underwater, will be on show from 8 August until 8 September.

Paramatta's Riverside Theatres will play host to two exciting new productions this month, Murder For Two (showing 9–10 August) and La Bohème (showing 24 August).

From the Tony Award-winning writer of Once, Enda Walsh's acclaimed dystopian drama Arlington, will be making its Australian premiere at the University of Sydney's Seymour Centre from 2–24 August.

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will perform with special guest Japanese soprano Yukie Sato in her highly anticipated Australian debut for the concert series Handel’s House on 30 August.

Fabbrica Darlinghurst will be doing a one-night neighbourhood collaboration with Bones Ramen on 28 August with an eight-course set menu. Bookings for the Fabbrica Darlinghurst x Bones Ramen can be made online now.

Comedy Club will open its doors to a brand series at the Log Cabin from Thursday 2 August - 29 August as the Penrith pub hosts the hilarious ‘Super Seven’ Grand Masters of Comedy. These comedic titans include the legendary Peter Berner, joined by Cam Knight, Daniel Townes, Simon Kennedy, Chris Radburn, Frida Deguise and Rakhesh Martyn.

 

VIC

Melbourne International Film Festival is returning from 8–25 August. This year's programme includes a suite of local and international films straight from the festival circuit, including some of the most talked about films from A24.

Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australia's leading Indigenous performing arts company producing contemporary dance works, will premiere their brand-new main stage production Horizon to Melbourne audiences at the Arts Centre Melbourne on 29 August.

This August, Peninsula Hot Springs invites guests to 'Bring a Friend for Free' in the Bath House, indulge in the new Twilight Reset Bathing experience at the Spa Dreaming Centre, and enjoy the enhanced dining experience at the transformed Amphitheatre Cafe.

 

QLD

Quandamooka Music & Cultural Festival returns to Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) from 30–31 August, with a music line-up headlined by Meanjin favourite Jem Cassar-Daley, alongside acclaimed artists Uncle Joe Geia and Quandamooka musician Sachem.

 

WA

Chocolate Starfish are bringing their Best of Everything 30th Anniversary Show to the Astor Theatre Perth as part of a four-month tour taking in six states.

 

NT

On 8 August, Tactile Arts will be opening their latest exhibition, the first solo show of Wendy Huberts entitled Ngurra Goonmardii.

 

SA

Barossa Weekend of Music, a new bespoke chamber music festival experience in South Australia's most renowned wine region, the Barossa Valley, will be happening from 30 August until 1 September.

Full Flower Moon Band will play Lion Arts Factory on 31 August.

Sala Festival, happening all month from 1–31 August, celebrates South Australia’s locally grown talent at the South Australian Living Artists festival (Sala), where artists come together each year and showcase a wide range of exhibitions and artistic workshops around the region.

 

ACT

From 23 August you can watch Ari Wegner's Lady Macbeth adaptation at the National Film & Sound Archive starring Florence Pugh.