Australia Day, held on 26 January, is a day for celebrating what we love about our country – our home, history, and people. Every year, the National Australia Day Council delivers Australia Day events throughout the country, in partnership with community organisations, businesses, and local and state governments.
However, there are some cultural sensitivities around celebrating on this date. It is also Survival Day, or Invasion Day, for Australia’s Indigenous peoples. With this in mind, event creators should be respectful and considerate of all First Nations People and their historical and ongoing experiences of colonisation.
Read on to discover examples of memorable and respectful Australia Day celebrations, as well as creative and inspiring Australia Day activity ideas.
Join local council celebrations
Australia Day events held by local councils around Australia often include ceremonies to welcome new Australian citizens and other culturally inclusive celebrations. When exploring ideas for Australia Day, piggy-back on or add to these established gatherings with your own event, such as a:
- Community barbeque
- Family fun day
- Sports competition
- Charity working bee
The non-profit Australia Day Council of South Australia (ADCSA) uses Eventbrite to promote Australia Day events in partnership with local councils. It aims to inspire national pride and enrich the lives of all Australians. The ADCSA works with governments and the public to celebrate excellence in our communities and to promote discussion of our national identity. Its events promote the meaning of Australia Day, and it works to encourage reflection and discussion about what it means to be Australian.
Head to the beach
Take advantage of the public holiday and festive mood in your community, and hold a festival, market, and/or live music event near the beach. Put out some free sunscreen and encourage attendees to Slip, Slop, Slap. Lots of that happens at the Surf and Turf Games Summer Festival on the Gold Coast, run by Turf Games. Their inclusive functional fitness two-day events see hundreds of athletes battling it out across a weekend, with one- or two-day event tickets available. Athletes and spectators are involved in a unique fitness event with a great atmosphere, DJ vibes, delicious street food, and pop-up brand activations.
Host a Survival Day event
The debate around changing the Australia Day date is about more than just timing. For First Nations people, the ritualised anniversary of the landing of Captain Cook in Botany Bay can be seen as a day of mourning mixed in with a celebration of cultural strength and survival. An inclusive approach could be to join events featuring or organised by First Nations people – such as Survival Day events and Invasion Day events. These events offer an opportunity to understand and learn more about Australian history.
Promote culture
With schools closed and people off work for the public holiday, Australia Day is the perfect time to attract attendees looking to soak up culture. Consider hosting events such as:
- A community art display
- Musical recital
- Theatre experience
It is respectful to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their ongoing connection to the land where your event takes place. Consider paying respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and to Elders from other communities who may be at your event. You could also invite a representative of the local Indigenous community to your event to deliver a Welcome to Country speech.
Organise a charity cricket match
Bringing together two opposing teams in a game of cricket is an effective way to raise money for a good cause. Organise teams – either semi-professionals or members of the local community – who can play against each other in an exhibition match, charging spectators to attend. Think about partnership opportunities to bring in other vendors for food and beverages, too.
Screen a movie at an outdoor cinema
Make the most of January’s mid-summer weather by getting outdoors and watching a movie when the sun goes down. You can host an outdoor cinema experience for kids and/or adults. You can then offer ticket add-ons and include extras such as:
- Beanbags for hire
- Picnic hampers
- VIP seating areas
- Early bird and group discounts
Plan an outdoor concert
Australians love music that’s as diverse as our multiculturalism. Outdoor concerts for Australia Day events have become increasingly popular, so it’s crucial to get in early, lock in your program, and start selling concert tickets.
Outdoor concerts held on Australia Day from a variety of prominent event creators include:
- Australia Day Live at the Sydney Opera House
- Birak Concert (Perth)
- Stage 88 (Canberra)
- Whitehorse Australia Day Concert (Melbourne)
For more Australia Day events in Perth, check out Auspire Australia Day Council WA.
Host a fireworks display
Most capital cities have a fireworks display to mark Australia Day. If you want to offer your own fireworks, consider additional engagement opportunities for your attendees. For example, work with food and beverage vendors, DJs, stall holders, buskers, etc., to create a real buzz around your Australia Day fireworks event.
Collaborate with Eventbrite, and celebrate with ease
From Australia Day events in Melbourne to Australia Day events in Brisbane, there are many different fun and exciting ways to celebrate Australia Day. Use Eventbrite tools to help you create, manage and market your next Australia Day event.
