Uke Mullum at Laneways Festival 2024 Mullumbimby.   Credit: Lyn McCarthy

Behind the sunsets, fashion and incredible food, one of the things that makes Byron Shire so special is its fascinating home grown art and culture. This also sees a connection to traditional Aboriginal Culture and the local people of The Bundjalung of Byron Bay, much of which is strongly embraced throughout the Shire.

The Arts and the Industry estate at North Byron, Mullumbimby and Bangalow are all home to a myriad of local designers, craftsmen, galleries and showrooms all dedicated to showcasing the constructed beauty and artistic talent on offer in the Byron Bay area.

As well as our permanent cultural fixtures the Byron community also loves a festival…or two!

Byron Bay is home to the 35 years running Bluesfest, formerly known as Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival, a 5-day event which, over the years, has seen performances from a diverse array of world-class artists such as John Butler Trio, Buddy Guy, Kendrick Lamar, Tom Jones, Jack Johnson, Bonnie Raitt, Patty Smith and Joss Stone. Bluesfest is an all ages event, offering an abundance of arts and craft and delicious street foods that the whole family can enjoy. 2025 is billed as their last festival but let’s wait and see!

The Byron Writers Festival is a well established and essential yearly addition to the arts and culture calendar. In August every year many from all over Australia make the pilgrimage to the Shire to listen to an array of fascinating writers speak not only about their personal experiences with writing but also on a wide variety of topics concerning writing, publishing and associated trials and tribulations.

As well as the large and established festivals, Byron Bay shire offers an array of annual smaller events, festivals and local festivities – Laneways Festival in Mullum, Old and Gold Festival in Brunswick Heads, Mullum Roots Festival, Billy Cart Derby in Bangalow, and Ocean Shores Art Expo just to name a few.

Anyone wanting to know what feeds the backbone of this Shire need go no further than the hub of food festivals available throughout the year. The Harvest Food Trail or Sample Food Festival or Caper are all fine examples of the produce, the integrity of the growers and the sumptuous foods that can be made from our bountiful local ingredients. Along with these food driven festivals is Festival of the Stone – a nod to medieval brewing, it’s a tradition held dear where everyone gathers to celebrate the release of the year’s Stone Beer and the first tapping of the keg.

Last but not least the Byron Bay Surf Festival is an iconic member of this local culture festival group. Renowned for celebrating surf culture, environmental sustainability, and community spirit, the Festival is an unforgettable experience with surf all day and a lineup of events and activities all night.

There is always something interesting and unexpected to celebrate within the arts and culture of Byron Bay. Keep an eye on our Events page for updated info on festivals big and small.