August is the last month of winter in Byron and the days are getting a little warmer and a little longer.

Whale watching is in full swing, our header image has been provided by Out of the Blue Adventures, who offer a fantastic, award winning whale watching tour.

Here are some highlights for August, if you’re planning to stay a while, browse our Byron Bay accommodation guide and take advantage of the great winter rates on offer.

Bangalow Music Festival 11-14 August

The 19th Bangalow Music Festival 2022 (BMF), proudly owned, operated, and presented annually by Southern Cross Soloists (SXS), one of Australia’s most formidable and long-running chamber music ensembles.

Its sensational 14 event lineup across four days 11 – 14 August 2022, includes Bite Size side events taking place in venues around the Bangalow township, a Local’s Night highlighting local talent, School Concerts, and benefit activities to support the Northern Rivers Conservatorium Student Fee Relief Program including sponsored participation for flood affected schools to attend the School Concerts for free in the wake of two devastating floods that has hit the broader community recently.

The full ticketed program is on sale now via www.southernxsoloists.com/bangalow

North Coast Mud Trail – 13 & 14 August

After two hard years, 17 ceramic artists will once again open their inspirational studios to the public. Mud Trail offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the region and connect directly with artists to experience first hand the diversity of skills, breadth of experience and bottomless creativity that motivates their passionate lives.

15 local studios featuring 17 local potters open to the public – across the Byron, Ballina and Tweed Shires. Full details at www.northcoastceramics.com

An Afternoon at the Opera with International Mezzo-Soprano Rosel Labone 21 August

Mezzo-soprano Rosel Labone has performed opera, oratorio and concert repertoire at venues throughout Australasia with Opera Australia, New Zealand Opera, the Song Company, the Consort of Melbourne, and the Kronos Quartet.

Ms. Labone’s distinctive timbre and dramatic intensity have allowed her to traverse a wide range of styles and genres in her career to date. Her diverse creative background combines with a broad theatrical and vocal range, flair and musicality to create captivating moments on stage.

Tickets are available online byroncentre.com.au/event/an-afternoon-at-the-opera-with-international-mezzo-soprano-rosel-labone/

Byron Writers Festival 26-28 August

Byron Writers Festival 2022 has revealed an inspiring program of celebrated authors as well as powerful new voices to mark its welcome return after a two-year hiatus. Themed ‘Radical Hope’, Byron Writers Festival 2022 will feature more than 140 writers and thinkers gathering together at the Festival’s beautiful new site at North Byron Parklands on Bundjalung country. The festival also offers writers’ workshops, an engaging program for children and several feature and satellite events in venues across the Northern Rivers region.

A separately ticketed program of Feature Events in venues throughout the region offer a diverse range of storytelling to inspire and delight. For all tickets to Feature Events please visit byronwritersfestival.com/feature-events

Full program available and tickets on sale via byronwritersfestival.com/festival

Sample Food Festival 3 September

The 10th Anniversary Sample Food Festival, a taste of Northern NSW. Join us for $5 and $10 tasting plates from the region’s top restaurants, some of the best beverages Northern New South Wales has to offer, browse the market stalls and participate in our series of festival workshops. Live music, Guest Chefs and more to be announced including pop-up events.

Sample a taste of Northern New South Wales, is the premier food event for Northern NSW. It takes place on the 1st Saturday in September at the Bangalow Showgrounds, in the Byron Bay hinterland.

Full details via samplefoodevents.com/sample-food-festival/

Byron Bay Regional Markets – every weekend

Byron Bay is a hub for talented creatives, and there is no better place to discover the region’s artisans than the colourful community markets. Byron Bay, The Channon, and Bangalow are amongst the most popular markets in the region.

As well as the crafts, clothes, arts, and homewares, enjoy an exciting array of exotic foods and coffee, baked goods, and local live music.

See the full schedule at byronbay.com/byron-bay-regional-markets/