Grinspoon and Mauboy Headline Festivale 2026

Festivale, a three-day event known for its unique blend of food, drinks, comedy and entertainment, has unveiled its star-studded lineup for the 2026 event.

The main stage will feature Grinspoon and British India on Friday night, Jessica Mauboy and Thelma Plum on Saturday, and Boy & Bear on Sunday.

In addition to the musical acts, the Festivale 2026 will welcome Dublin-born chef Colin Fassnidge as the guest celebrity chef. Festivale will also bring back its comedy program, “Fresh Comedy,” featuring headliner Luke McGregor. Over 70 stallholders will showcase Tasmanian produce and beverages.

A family-friendly Sunday will include a variety of children’s entertainment, from face painting to soft play zones.

Tickets are now on sale.

Media release – Festivale 2026, 5 September 2025

ICONIC LINE-UP FOR 2026 FESTIVALE GRINSPOON; JESSICA MAUBOY; BOY & BEAR BRITISH INDIA ; THELMA PLUM
LUKE MCGREGOR; THE WINE BLUFFS & COLIN FASSNIDGE

After an incredible event in 2025, Festivale is back with an event to rival all others. Our three-day event was launched today and we’ve announced a star-studded line-up for next year’s Festivale on the VJAM stage.

Known for their incredible live performance and hits over 25 years, Grinspoon and Indie rock band British India will kick off the entertainment on Friday night. Known for their high energy live shows & 30 year catalogue of indie rock hits & iconic smash hit Chemical Heart, Grinspoon plays Festivale as part of their 30th Birthday Bonanza tour -now including Tasmania. Sharing the main stage with Grinners, is British India the 10th most played Oz band for over a decade on the youth broadcaster triple J.

Saturday evening will see one of Australia’s most celebrated R&B/pop artists songwriter and actress Jessica Mauboy along with Thelma Plum, a Gamilaraay woman, musician and creator, bring Festivale patrons to their feet as they bring their incredible music to the stage.

Sunday afternoon we will enjoy Boy & Bear one of Australia’s most loved indie-folk live bands– a uniquely compelling experience.

It’s the perfect way to end your Festivale weekend.

In addition, a carefully curated local talent program will also entertain patrons through the day and evening ensure Festivale present a music program second to none.

Committee chairman David Dunn says “Festivale offers a unique mix of food, beverages, comedy and entertainment and this keeps Festivale as one of the premier events on the Tasmanian events calendar, and they are, coming to us, to Launceston – all in one location over three days. It’s terrific”.

COLIN FASSNIDGE NAMED GUEST CELEBRITY CHEF

Festivale presents five one-hour cooking demonstrations with guest chef, Colin Fassnidge and local chefs from around the state. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Colin is best known for his sharp wit, bold flavours and no-nonsense approach to food. Firstly appearing as a guest judge on My Kitchen Rules in 2012, he quickly became a fan favourite and joined the series as a full-time judge. Away from the camera, Colin is a pinot-noir loving, motor bike riding family man who credits his parents as his earliest culinary influences.

Colin is also Festivale’s guest Chef at the Festivale lunch on Friday 30 January at Stillwater Restaurant. Working in collaboration with Stillwater executive chef, Craig Will and his team, Colin will design a lunch menu showcasing Tasmanian produce with each course matched with premium Tasmania wines.

FRESH COMEDY BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER

Fresh Comedy returns to Festivale on Friday and Saturday evening in the IGA Chefs in action marquee.

Luke McGregor, a writer, actor and one of Australia’s favourite comedians joins us to headline Fresh Comedy on Friday evening. When not touring, Luke is often seen on television shows including Spicks and Specks, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering and Have You Been Paying Attention? He has been described as having “An impeccable sense of comic timing”, and will leave you wanting more.

Saturday afternoon we will see The Wine Bluffs join us on stage in the IGA Chefs in Action Marquee. Damian Callinan and Paul Calleja will help you match wine to beer, translate over-written blurbs, try to sell you a pair of their patented “Good Pants” and identify the biggest ‘Wine Wanker” in the room. You will never look at a wine tasting class the same again after seeing these two in action.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

There are over 70 incredible stallholders for Festivale 2026 all offering an array of delicious and unique food and beverage offerings. These stallholders have been selected from over 130 applicants and will showcase the very best Tasmania produce and beverages.

Our popular masterclasses will return showcasing the best Tasmanian sparkling, still wine, beer and spirits.

SUNDAY IS FAMILY DAY AT FESTIVALE

Families can look forward to a fantastic line-up of children’s entertainment, from colourful face painting to Swimagination—a stunning digital installation inspired by the beauty of underwater movement. Kids can colour their own jellyfish or fish (or design something completely unique!) and watch it come alive on our interactive screens.

For our youngest guests, there are soft play zones designed especially for crawlers, along with sensory play experiences including ball pits, climbing frames and more. And don’t miss the live shows guaranteed to keep kids of all ages entertained. And that’s just the beginning—there’s plenty more still to be announced!

For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit festivale.com.au. Tickets are now on sale.

ROTUNDA PRIZE – CHARITY FUNDRAISING EVENT

Festivale is proud to support local charities and have opened a competition for charities to go in the draw to win a Rotunda Prize for us on Sunday at Festivale. The charity who wins this will use the prize for fundraising activities to assist them continue the great work being done with the community.

The winner of this prize will be announced 30 September, 2025.

Festivale 2026 is proudly presented in conjunction with funding from the State Government through Events Tasmania and the City of Launceston. We thank all our sponsors for their ongoing support.

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