What’s On In Byron This Easter Long Weekend
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List
In the wake of Bluesfest's sudden cancellation a mere 5 weeks before their 36th year was scheduled to kick-off, many are wondering if there's much else happening this Easter long Weekend in Byron. Good news, 2026 brings a seriously abundant calendar of beautiful events to lift your spirits and quench your thirst.
I grew up in the Northern Rivers and this is by far my favourite time of year to experience the region. Days are crisp and the sun sets on summer heat, reviving the cool coastal air Byron is famous for. Bright blue skies become the new norm, and beachfront breezes mix perfectly with the live music always floating through the air. From buskers to market setups and fully fledged gigs.
Within the idyllic setting of Byron, a whole swag of activations, events and community fairs are getting ready to kick off this Easter long weekend. Lucky for us, they stretch right across the Northern Rivers region, into village towns and seaside pitstops.
Here's exactly what to do, eat and prepare for over the Easter Long Weekend in Byron Bay/Arakwal Country and across the Northern Rivers in 2026.
Easter Long Weekend in Byron At A Glance
The Festive Forecast For Easter in Byron in 2026
Long-range forecasts from BOM indicate an unusually low rainfall predicted this Easter in Byron. Temperatures look to hang around 26 degrees celcius, with lows around 17 degrees. According to Weather2travel, sea temps are predicted to sit around 25 degrees. And this all paired with a dipping UV rating and lower humidity makes for prime beaching weather.
What Past Year's Weather Tells Us
Typically, Autumn in Byron Bay is mild, but not cold. Temperatures remain around the mid 20s right up until wintertime. With the end of daylight savings, mornings present perfect conditions for a dip.
Last year's Easter long weekend saw a low of 17 and high of 26, with no rainfall. These conditions are reflected in 2026's forecast. So it's safe to say, Byron's a winning place to spend Easter in 2026.
What Does This Mean For Your Easter Plans?
If the sun's out as expected, you'll be privvy to a classic Byron Bay Easter, perfect for swims, hiking, long lunching or wandering around an Easter hunt.
Temperatures will peak around midday, so it's the perfect time to book in a show, cool off in a bay or get cosy under a lunchtime umbrella with waterfront views. Oh, if you must.
Your Byron Bay Easter Cheat Sheet
While the temperatures are the definition of perfect, your hat, sunscreen and covered shirt are outdoor essentials. Here's a little planning for a smooth Easter long weekend, Friday 3 through Monday 6 April, 2026
- Check the UV forecast daily. Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide when the UV is above 3 - this will likely be between 10am and 3pm
- Head to the beach early. Car parking around Byron Bay can fill up from mid morning, through to mid afternoon. Start your day at the sea any time from 6am, and you'll have a wide range of carparks to choose from on the main drag
- For quieter beaches, head early to Wategos, Torakina or Shores Bay. They're off the beaten track and true gems of the region
Things To Do Over The Easter Period
Byron Markets
Friday 3-Sunday 5 April, 2026
I might be biased, but there's something mighty special about Byron's grassy knoll right by the beloved Bay. There's always someone with a hacky sack, a coconut cart or a group fitness session wrapping up and cooling down. This Easter Long Weekend, it'll be shared by Byron Bay Markets on Friday from 8am. Then, Saturday's markets turn twilight from 4pm at Railway Park tucked up behind the main street. And if you're still left hungry for street food and small goods, head back to the same spot Sunday from 8am.
INSIDER INTEL
- Byron Bay's markets are the perfect way to lap up the local culture and taste the goods of the region. These markets have been around since the 80s and home a beautiful showcase of arts and music from across Northern Rivers
Where: Main Beach Foreshore and Railway Park, Byron Bay NSW 2481
When: Friday 3-Sunday 5 April
Cost: Free
For more info, click here
Easter Charters With M.V. Jasmine
Friday 3 April-Sunday 5 April, 2026
This Easter, the newly launched M.V, Jasmine welcomes you aboard their luxe charters for a festive long weekend of cruising. Whether you glide down the Brunswick River on this European-style eco-cruise Friday at sunset with a Prosecco in hand, or opt for the Saturday brunch cruise with bites and coffee, even a midday soiree under an autumn sun from top deck, there really is no wrong choice. Check out the full lineup to choose your charter.
INSIDER INTEL
- Special guests are secured to set sail on the Friday sunset and weekend midday cruises. Will it be a feature chef, a live act or something else entirely? We can't say much more, though keep your eye on socials for the official drop
Where: Boat Harbour, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
When: Friday 3-Sunday 5 April
Cost: From $70
For more info, click here
Ten Years Of Cheeky Cabaret
Friday 3-Sunday 5 April, 2026
It feels surreal to say, but Brunswick Picture House is celebrating 10 years of operation. It's the retro theatre and culture hub that genuinely uplifted Brunswick Heads' entertainment scene from the moment its doors swung open. Easter 2016 was actually when it all went down. The launching event was a Cheeky Cabaret show. So it's fitting that their comedy, circus and burlesque extravaganza is back with a celebratory show to make the anniversary. This show comes with a potential nudity warning and runs for about 100 minutes. So basically, it's a hoot.
INSIDER INTEL
- Want to kick off your Easter long weekend early? There's the option to attend the preview night on Thursday 2 April. This is Cheeky Cabaret's dress rehearsal where tweaks, tricks and tightenings happen. If you want a BTS look at how the show takes shape, this one's for you
Where: Brunswick Picture House, 30 Fingal St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
When: Friday 3- Sunday 5 April, 8am-2pm
Cost: From $30
For more info, click here
Brunswick Heads Market
Saturday 4 April, 2026
Lap up the vibrant culture of Brunswick Heads at their eclectic markets this Easter Long Weekend. You'll find the usual suspects, like a tent filled with items made entirely from cork, through to psychics, artists and luxe loungewear designers.
Of all the Northern Rivers markets, this has got to be one of the best in my opinion. Especially on the food front. There's basically a micro-city of food trucks and passionate chefs ready for you to taste your way around their delights.
INSIDER INTEL
- This is one of the only markets where cutlery and plates are reuseable. Aligned with the region's sustainability mindset, you're encouraged to place used dishes in specific areas to be washed and used again. It's a vibe.
Where: Banner Park, 28 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
When: Saturday 4 April, 8am-2pm
Cost: Free
For more info, click here
Easter Picnic at Elysian Hills
Saturday 4 April, 2026
If your favourite part about the Easter Long Weekend is having no one interrupt your constant grazing, then add Elysian Hills' Easter Picnic to your hitlist. Usually reserved exclusively for weddings and events, you'll experience the lush grounds while induldging in a seasonal grazing box and wine or beer. There's also the option to add an Easter goodie bag, children's sandwiches or Champagne upgrade to your picnic.
INSIDER INTEL
- The views here are stunning and if wedding planning's on the horizon, you could kill two birds with one stone on your visit here
Where: 515 Carool Rd, Carool NSW 2486
When: Saturday 4 April, 11am-2pm
Cost: $120 per person, children under 12 welcome for free
For more info, click here
Easter Egg Hunt at Summerland Farm
Saturday 4 April
Summerland Farm is an all-in-one Northern Rivers venue that homes a splashpad, playground, sprawling gift shop, cafe, rolling meadows and farmyard animals. This Easter they'll host a clue-scattered Easter egg hunt and macadamia forage perfect for little hands and imaginative minds. This inclusive venue is a definite highlight for hinterland explores and is well worth adding to your long weekend hitlist in the Northern Rivers.
INSIDER INTEL
- Spend a decent amount of time scour the shelves of the gift store. There's an impressive array of smallgoods and in particular, the plant pots here are beautiful and reasonably priced
Where: Summerland Farm, 253 Wardell Rd, Alstonville NSW 2477
When: Saturday 4 April, 10am-2pm
Cost: $5 per person
For more info, click here
The Farm's Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday 5 April, 2026
Just off the M1, The Farm has built a solid reputation for its wholesome culture and tapestry of passionate business owners. This 80-acre working farm is home to a community of growers and eateries that offer 100% spray and chemical-free produce and dishes. There's honestly, a lot to see and aligned with their grow, feed, educate philosophy you're invited to experience their 'farm for the people' approach to life this easter long weekend. There'll be an Easter Egg Hunt, animal feeding, horse demo, kids craft, face painting and live music scattered around the farm.
INSIDER INTEL
- Jess at on-site Poppy and Fern Flower Farm has been a florist since she was 14 and is genuinely the loveliest person who would love to chat to you all about how her blooms come to be on The Farm
Where: The Wishing Well at The Farm, 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale NSW 2481
When: Sunday 5 April, 9.20am onwards
Cost: Free
For more info, click here
Easter Sunday at Shaws Bay Hotel
Sunday 5 April, 2026
Half an hour south of Byron Bay, the lesser known Shaws Bay is Ballina's answer to a smaller scale bayside affair. Its communal watering hole is Shaws Bay Hotel which features a labryinth of dining terraces, nooks and a sprawling beer garden on the lawn, overlooking its own private beach.
This is one of the Northern Rivers' best kept secrets and pulls a largely local crowd. This Easter Sunday they're trading from 11.30am with live music kicking off from 3pm. This is a dog-friendly spot and perfect if you have kids. Nab a spot on the umbrella shaded beer garden and wander up and down from the beach, shaded by a towering tree.
INSIDER INTEL
- The Feramones are a renowned band that frequent the region, known for their personality-packed covers of The Doors, Led Zeppelin and a range of rock classics. The dancefloor goes off at The Shawsy, but I suspect it'll be next-level when The Feramones take to the stage
Where: Shaws Bay Hotel, 3 Brighton St, East Ballina NSW 2478
When: Sunday 5 April, trading from 11.30am, music from 3pm
Cost: Free
For more info, click here
Bunny Racket at North Byron Hotel
Sunday 5 April, 2026
Bunny Racket is an iconic rock n roll band for kids, and their adults. They honestly put on a stellar show and it's obviously super fitting that they're playing this Easter long weekend event in Byron. It all kicks off from 4pm at North Byron Hotel, with pony rides, face painting, an Easter egg hunt and open skies BBQ. This is a quintessential Byron Easter and one that'll guarantee good times to round out the weekend.
INSIDER INTEL
- Over 90% of the fruits, vegetables and meats used here are sourced within a 350km radius, so its super local and super fresh
Where: North Byron Hotel, 61 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481
When: Sunday 5 April, 4pm onwards
Cost: Free
For more info, click here
Mystery Act at Hotel Brunswick
Sunday 5 April, 2026
Brunswick Heads is the sleepy riverside town that's widely loved for its laid-back feel, adorable beaches and, noteably, the live music scene at Hotel Brunswick. From time to time they throw a free mystery gig where the act is announced just moments before they're on-stage. I've been along to Wolfmother and Dune Rats, but this Easter long weekend it looks like they'll hail from further abroad, with an act headed here from Europe. These gigs are always free and pull an exciteable crowd, join in for an arvo of surpise entertainment.
INSIDER INTEL
- If you get a chance, pack your snorkel and wander across the bridge to Torakina Beach. There's a tonne of marine life to spy on beneath the surface. Plus, it's the perfect protected beach to explore with kids.
Where: Hotel Brunswick, 4 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
When: Sunday 5 April, 4pm onwards
Cost: Free
For more info, click here
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Main image credit: The Farm Byron | Supplied