March is one of Australia’s best “all-rounder” months: late-summer energy in the south, warm nights up north, and a national calendar stacked with sport, arts, food, and long-weekend festivals. The key thing to know is that public holidaysvary by state and territory, so your best travel plan depends on where you’ll be.

Here’s a detailed, up-to-date guide to March 2026 in Australia, including official public holidays, headline festivals, and the biggest events worth building a trip around.

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Public holidays in Australia in March 2026 (by state/territory)

Australia doesn’t have a nationwide public holiday in March, but several states and territories do. These are the official March 2026 public holidays listed by Fair Work Ombudsman:

Western Australia (WA)

  • Labour Day — Monday, 2 March 2026

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Canberra Day — Monday, 9 March 2026

South Australia (SA)

  • Adelaide Cup Day — Monday, 9 March 2026

Victoria (VIC)

  • Labour Day — Monday, 9 March 2026

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Eight Hours Day — Monday, 9 March 2026

Travel tip: If you want the most “festival density,” aim for the long weekend around 6–9 March in South Australia and Victoria. That weekend lines up with some of the month’s biggest cultural events.

March 2026 at a glance: best weekends to plan around

• 2 March (Mon): WA long weekend (Labour Day) — good for Perth/WA road trips.

• 6–9 March (Fri–Mon): The powerhouse long weekend in parts of Australia (VIC/SA/TAS/ACT have major March holidays on the 9th).

• Mid-March (14–22): Canberra turns into balloon country at sunrise.

• Late March (20–29): Melbourne’s food-and-wine calendar ramps up.

• From 25 March: Comedy season begins in Melbourne (perfect add-on to a VIC trip).

Read more: Religious Holidays in Australia 2026: Complete Calendar, Meanings & Traditions

The biggest festivals and events in Australia in March 2026

1) Moomba Festival (Melbourne) — 5–9 March 2026

Australia Calendar in March 2026: Public Holidays, Festivals, and the Biggest Events
Moomba Festival in Australia

If you want a classic, family-friendly Melbourne week, Moomba is the anchor. The city leans into free outdoor fun across the Yarra River precinct: parades, community performances, carnival vibes, and packed riverfront spaces. It’s timed for the long weekend, so expect busy trams, fuller hotels, and a real “city party” feel.

Plan it: Book accommodation early if you want to stay walkable to the CBD/Southbank.

2) Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) — 5–8 March 2026

March 2026 is huge for motorsport fans: the F1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park runs Thursday 5 March to Sunday 8 March 2026.
Even if you don’t have race tickets, you’ll feel it in the city: packed venues, brand pop-ups, increased nightlife, and a noticeable buzz around South Melbourne, St Kilda Road, and the CBD.

Plan it:

  • Arrive a day early if you want to explore without crowds.

  • Use public transport; road access around the park gets tight during race week.

3) WOMADelaide (Adelaide) — 6–9 March 2026

WOMADelaide is one of Australia’s most loved music-and-culture festivals, and in 2026 it runs 6–9 March over the March long weekend in Adelaide’s Botanic Park.
This is a great pick if you want a “single-site festival” experience that’s easy to navigate, with a broad lineup spanning global music, arts, and dance.

Plan it: Pair it with Adelaide’s wider festival season (below) and give yourself at least 3 days.

4) Adelaide Fringe — 20 Feb to 22 Mar 2026 (major March coverage)

Australia Calendar in March 2026: Public Holidays, Festivals, and the Biggest Events
Adelaide Fringe

Adelaide Fringe is a massive arts festival with shows spread across venues and pop-up spaces citywide. In 2026 it runs 20 February to 22 March, which means most of March is still Fringe season.
If you like comedy, cabaret, circus, theatre, and late-night variety, this is one of the best-value cultural trips you can do in Australia—especially if you build your schedule around a curated “must-see” list.

Plan it: Weekends get busy. Aim for midweek shows if you want easier bookings and smaller crowds.

5) Adelaide Festival — 27 Feb to 15 Mar 2026

Running alongside the Fringe energy, the Adelaide Festival brings big-name performing arts and headline productions. In 2026 it runs 27 February to 15 March, placing its peak right in early March.

Plan it: This is the trip for people who want a polished program (often theatre, music, dance, and major productions) alongside the Fringe’s anything-goes vibe.

6) Port Fairy Folk Festival (Victoria) — 6–9 March 2026

For a coastal alternative to big-city Melbourne, Port Fairy hosts its celebrated folk festival across 6–9 March 2026 (the long weekend).
Think seaside village atmosphere, multiple stages, and a strong community feel—great if you want a festival weekend that’s more relaxed than a major city.

Plan it: Accommodation in Port Fairy and nearby towns can sell out fast for this weekend.

7) Canberra Balloon Spectacular — 14–22 March 2026

If you’ve never watched dozens of hot air balloons lift off at dawn with a city skyline behind them, Canberra’s Balloon Spectacular is an easy “wow.” In 2026 it runs 14–22 March at Patrick White Lawns.
It’s family-friendly, early-morning focused, and perfect for photographers.

Plan it: Build your mornings around the balloons, then spend afternoons at Canberra’s museums and galleries.

8) Melbourne Food & Wine Festival — 20–29 March 2026

Australia Calendar in March 2026: Public Holidays, Festivals, and the Biggest Events
Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

Late March is prime time for food lovers in Melbourne. The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival runs Friday 20 March to Sunday 29 March 2026.
Events range from market festivals and tastings to chef collaborations and special dinners, so it works whether your budget is casual or “once-a-year splurge.”

Plan it: Popular events can sell quickly, so shortlist early and stay flexible with backups.

9) Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (wrap-up and final events into early March)

Mardi Gras season often straddles February and early March. In 2026, the Mardi Gras program runs 13 February to 1 March, with the Parade on Saturday 28 February 2026, and additional events continuing into 1 March.
If you’re planning a Sydney trip, late February into the first days of March still delivers the atmosphere, parties, and community events.

Plan it: If you’re visiting for the parade weekend, lock in accommodation early—Sydney prices spike.

10) Melbourne International Comedy Festival (season start) — from 25 March 2026

Melbourne’s comedy season kicks off 25 March 2026 and runs into April, so it’s a strong late-March add-on if you’re already in Victoria.
This is ideal for travellers who like building nights around shows and keeping days open for wandering laneways, galleries, and cafés.

Read more: 2026 Australia Calendar: All Public Holidays, Long Weekends, Observances and Key Events by State

Sample itineraries

• Melbourne “Mega Weekend” (5–9 Mar): F1 + Moomba + Labour Day long weekend.

• Adelaide “Festival City” (6–9 Mar): WOMADelaide + Fringe + Adelaide Festival overlap.

• Canberra “Sunrise Week” (14–22 Mar): Balloon Spectacular + national museums and galleries.

• Late-March Melbourne “Eat & Laugh” (20–29 Mar): Food & Wine Festival + comedy season start.

FAQs: Australia in March 2026

1) Does Australia have a national public holiday in March 2026?

No nationwide public holiday in March, but several states and territories have their own March public holidays.

2) When is Labour Day in March 2026 in Australia?

It depends on where you are. WA has Labour Day on 2 March 2026, while Victoria has Labour Day on 9 March 2026 (Tasmania’s equivalent is Eight Hours Day on 9 March).

3) What are the biggest events in Australia in early March 2026?

Early March highlights include F1 Australian Grand Prix (5–8 Mar), Moomba (5–9 Mar), and WOMADelaide (6–9 Mar).

4) Is Mardi Gras in March 2026?

The 2026 Mardi Gras season runs into early March. The Parade is 28 February 2026, and the broader program runs through 1 March 2026.

5) What’s the best March 2026 event for families?

Moomba in Melbourne and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular are both very family-friendly, with lots to see without needing an all-day ticketed schedule.

6) When is the Canberra Balloon Spectacular in 2026?

It runs 14–22 March 2026.