Tasmania turns it on for two months of summer fun

Tasmania's summer season of festivals kicks off today with the start of the Taste of Tasmania wine and food festival on the waterfront - and the simultaneous arrival of the slower Sydney-Hobart yachts. The Taste of Tasmania December 28-January 3, 2018 A celebration of the finest Tasmanian food and drink as well as live entertainment and a twilight cinema for kids. The Taste of Tasmania features 70 stallholders from around the state from local restaurateurs to regional and boutique producers. The ticketed Midsummer Night’s Eve party on New Year’s Eve features The Whitlams and Monique Brumby. More information and tickets available at thetasteoftasmania.com.au Rolex Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race Until December 31 Constitution Dock welcomes sailors crossing the finish line after 628 gruelling nautical miles from Sydney. One of the world’s toughest ocean races pits sailors against the might of the great Southern Ocean and the wild winds of the Roaring Forties. More information at rolexsydneyhobart.com Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) The Remarkable Tasmanian Devil Until May 6, 2018 Discover all you need to know about the endangered Tasmanian Devil at TMAG’s summer exhibition. Explore the biology, ecology and behaviour of these fascinating creatures as well as learn more about why the devil has endured while the thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) did not. More information at tmag.tas.gov.au The Falls Music and Arts Festival December 29-31  Tasmania's biggest open-air music festival features acts ranging from old favourite Daryl  Braithwaite to newer attractions including Flume, Fleet Foxes, Peking Duk, Liam Gallagher, Run the Jewels and Grinspoon. Tickets cover three nights of free camping on site at Marion Bay. Tickets on sale now at fallsfestival.com Royal Eve Launceston December 31 Launceston’s lively New Year’s Eve party is on again this year with festivities kicking off at 4pm at Royal Park. There are twilight and midnight fireworks displays, quality Tasmanian food, wine, beer and cider, jumping castles and slides, as well as music from The Wolfe Brothers, Tommy Franklin, The Bad Dad Orchestra, Pete Cornelius Band and Sumner. Tickets and VIP packages at royaleve.com.au Hobart International Tennis January 7-13, 2018 This is Tasmania’s premier international women’s sporting event and a lead-in tournament for players to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the Australian Open. Star names include defending champion Elise Mertens and former title winners Alize Cornet and Mona Barthel, alongside Canadian Eugenie Bouchard and rising Australian star Jamie Fourlis. More information at hobartinternational.com.au Cygnet Folk Festival January 12-14, 2018 The vibrant little town of Cygnet in the pretty Huon Valley loves a party - each year they play host to the Cygnet Folk Festival, Tasmania’s leading celebration of folk and world music, dance, poetry, performance art, food and cultural pursuits. Now in its 36th year, the festival is highly regarded by musicians and festival goers around the world. Tickets available at cygnetfolkfestival.org MONA FOMA - MOFO January 12-21, 2018 Tasmania's most eccentric arts and music festival will run for 11 days in Launceston (January 12-14) and Hobart (January 15-22). Expect art installations, world premieres and Australian exclusives, the Mofo lineup also features Canadian post-rockers Godspeed You! Black Emperor, who will also perform alongside fellow Canadians and contemporary dancers The Holy Body Tattoo while the Violent Femmes will perform alongside the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. One- or three-day passes at www.mona.net.au Barnbougle Polo January 20, 2018 Attracting some of Australia’s best polo players, Barnbougle Polo gets visitors up close to all the excitement and drama. Fashion, entertainment and Tasmanian produce also have their moment in the sun, Tickets at barnbougle.com.au Gin-uary Hobart Festival January 27, 2018 Gin lovers and learners will enjoy tastings from local distilleries such as McHenry, Southern Wild, Sud Polaire, Forty Spotted, Redlands and The Able Gin Co, alongside complimentary tacos from Taco Taco and Lady Hester gin and plum doughnuts. There’s also a cocktail bar and a keepsake glass to take home. Tickets are $60 via ginuaryhobart.com.au Burnie Platypus Festival January 28, 2018  This event celebrates the local platypus population and Fernglade Reserve. Highlights include platypus and bird tours, face painting and other children's activities, live music, food and market stalls and wildlife exhibits. Details at burnie.net/News/Whats-On/Burnie-Platypus-Festival  Festivale February 2-4, 2018 From the best Tasmanian food and wine, beer, cider and spirits, to the quality arts and entertainment program, this three-day outdoor festival is a firm local favourite. Congregating in Launceston’s historic City Park. thousands of visitors enjoy more than 75 stalls, sideline events, cooking demonstrations, the Kids Kingdom and music. Tickets on sale now at festivale.com.au Koonya Garlic Festival February 24, 2018A uniquely Tasmanian food festival that celebrates everything to do with garlic. The heart of the festival is the annual garlic growers competition which is open to professional and amateur growers.There are also free talks by respected horticultural experts, cooking masterclasses, a music program, kids program and artisan garlic products. More information at koonyagarlicfestival.com Evandale Village Fair and National Penny Farthing Championships February 24, 2018 The historic village of Evandale celebrates the Penny Farthing bicycle with a big village fair and racing program. Now in its 34th year, the event attracts competitors and enthusiasts from across Australia and around the world. There’s also a grand parade, vintage car display, kids activities, colonial costumes and lots of delicious food. More information at evandalevillagefair.com  MOMA Market Mona’s weekend market returns in 2018 with an eclectic and fascinating selection of food, art, science and crafts, as well as a program of music and entertainment. More information at momahobart.net.au For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events, and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website discovertasmania.com.au.