What's On In Hobart & Surrounds, Australia?

Travel Australia and one thing becomes abundantly clear: Tasmania likes to do things differently. Which goes some way to explaining why March in Hobart serves up an eclectic blend of comedy, art, derring-do and beards. Here’s what is on in Hobart this month.

Tasmanian International Arts Festival (formerly Ten Days on the Island)
The festival celebrates island culture from Tasmanian, Australian and international artists. There’ll be a diverse selection of theatre, dance, music, comedy and visual arts. Other smaller events take place all year round.

Where: Venues across Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and further afield
When: 20 Mar 2015 to 29 Mar 2015 (Biennial)
How much: Event prices vary – and lots are free. Check the festival website for details

Photo courtesy of Tasmanian International Arts Festival

Raw Comedy 2015 – TAS State Final
Oz loves its open mic competitions. You’ll find them in pretty much every capital you visit in Australia and some regional centres. You can’t enter unless you’re a permanent resident, but those who do perform a 5 minute set in a bid to reach the national final in Melbourne. The ultimate champion then goes off to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

This state final follows two heats, and as you’re not allowed to enter you can relax and enjoy the proceedings without the pressure of having to participate!

Where: Playhouse Theatre, 106 Bathurst Street, Hobart
When: Fri 20 Mar 2015, 7:00pm
How much: $15 online; $20 on the door (cash only, if not sold out)

Photo courtesy of Melbourne International Comedy Festival Website

Matthew Fagan
He’s toured with Shirley Bassey, Natalie Cole and the Buena Vista Social Club. Billy Connolly called him “the best guest artist I ever toured with.” You can discover his skills for yourself as Matthew performs music from his new album Ukuleleland which includes African dance, gypsy dance, Cuban, Latin, Celtic and Cajun music amongst its influences. Expect performances on the ukulele (obviously), custom 10 string Spanish guitar and a Celtic string guitar.

Where: MONA, 655 Main Road, Rosetta, Hobart
When: Sun 22 Mar 2015, 12pm

The Beards – The Strokin’ My Beard Tour
This Adelaide-based beard-themed band (now there’s a line we never thought we’d write) has just started its latest Australian tour in support of The Beard Album. It was recorded last year and features songs devoted to facial fuzz including: Beards are Back, I Like Beards and the impressively commanding Hey You, Grow a Beard. Needless to say, it’s bonkers but weirdly good.

The Beards will be accompanied by Melbourne art-rock band The Stiffys on their tour of every Oz state. They also play in Tasmania on 26th in Launceston.

Where: Republic Bar, 299 Elizabeth Street, Hobart
When: Friday 27 March 2015 7:00pm
How much: $25

Photo courtesy of The Beards Website

Nitro Circus
If Barnum & Bailey had access to dirtbikes and quadbikes the results would probably have looked something like this. 17-time X Games medallist Travis Pastrana will be joined by forty of the biggest stars in FMX, BMX, skate and, er, rocking horses for a retro celebration of insane daring, terrifying stunts and improbable machines.

Look out for quad bike and snowmobile synchronized riding, a four-person back flip and ‘launch and splat’ (no idea). This will all happen off the end of the Gigant-A-Ramp which is either massively impressive or something from Wallace and Gromit.

Where: Blundstone, 15 Derwent Street, Hobart
When: Saturday 28 March 2015 3:00pm
How much: Tickets from $39.76

Photo courtesy of Nitro Circus Website