Must see festivals and events from around Australia

FROM skating and surfing in Manly to folk rock in Australia's capital, Scott Podmore keeps you up-to-date with what's going on around the country

NEW WAVE: Manly hosts the Australian Open of Surfing

FROM skating and surfing in Manly to folk rock in Australia's capital, Scott Podmore keeps you up-to-date with what's going on around the country

Hurley Australian Open of Surfing Manly, NSW

Until February 16

It's all about the surfing, skating, music and art at Manly Beach over the next week as the 2014 Hurley Australian Open of Surfing continues to showcase the planet's best in the water, on the ramps and the stage. The music is first class - Perth superstars Birds of Tokyo headline this Saturday, the same day ARIA winner Illy and Melburnian rockers Delta Riggs hit the stage. The Presets will cook up a storm on Friday.

The five-day Nike SB Classics Cup features skateboarding stars including world champion Pedro Barros, Lance Mountain and Australian sensation Jack Fardell.

The event merges the worlds of music, surf and skateboarding for a week of serious fun for our youth.

australianopenofsurfing.com

FIM Superbike World Championship Phillip Island, Vic

February 21-23

The FIM Superbike World Championship heats up the Phillip Island circuit on the last weekend of summer, giving adrenalin junkies the perfect opportunity to plan an escape to the beautiful island.

When you're not witnessing the ultimate three-day motorcycle comp as high-performance, four-stroke street bikes and the world's best riders from seven manufacturers battle it out on the Phillip Island circuit for the 2014 World Championship title, racegoers can slip away for a spot of surfing, snorkelling, fishing, hiking and numerous other island adventures.

The family-friendly event offers something for everyone, with children under 15 receiving free entry and three-day event passes bought online up before February 19 only $99 an adult, a saving of 30 per cent on the gate price.

There are accommodation specials over the weekend, too, so check out venues including Oak Tree Lodge, 507@The Waves, 515 The Waves Penthouse Apartment and The Island Accommodation.

phillipislandcircuit.com.au

Sally Fitzgibbons won the event in 2012

Agnes Water Blues and Roots Festival, Qld

February 27-March 2

One of Queensland's biggest music events, the Agnes Water Blues and Roots Festival, returns for more than 30 hours of the best music you can squeeze into your ears as some old favourites and new ones let it rip with their best tunes.

If you ever needed an excuse to make a big blues weekend of it in paradise, then this is it. Tour the region, surf, swim, play and still enjoy some of the best blues on the planet.

Up-and-coming star Benny Walker, Lil' Fi and the Dirty Rascals, Sal Kimber and the Rolling Wheel and Shaun Kirk are just some of the names who will be grinding out the ear candy. The line-up also boasts Australian music royalty Richard Clapton, whose career spans 32 years and 18 albums.

agnesbluesandroots.com.au

Devonport Food and Wine Festival, Tasmania

March 1-16

Tasmania's weather is just beginning to chill around March and so will you at this popular event.

But there's also plenty of sunshine still around (hopefully) for the annual Devonport Food and Wine Festival, an event that dishes up all the best produce and wine found around the region. It's a great chance to eat and drink all things tasty in Tassie.

Events include high teas, chocolate making, a concert in the vines, butter making, cooking classes, dinners, guest chefs and more during the 16-day festival.

facebook.com/devonportfood andwinefestival

National Folk Festival, ACT

April 17-21

Easter is a great time to revisit our capital this year as this five-day event features 200 acts from all over the world as more than 50,000 converge on Exhibition Park in Canberra.

The outstanding line-up covers everything from acoustic to blues, roots, world, traditional, gypsy, Celtic, bluegrass and all facets of folk.

The likes of blues legend Woody Mann, Canadian singer/songwriter Lindi Ortega, twice world ARIA winner Joseph Tawadros, Old Man Luedecke, indie troubadour Jordie Lane and rising stars The Mae Trio, Heath Cullen and Castlecomer will all be strutting their stuff in a smorgasbord of folk music.

Immerse yourself in our rich indigenous story with a special program headlined by Archie Roach, Leah Flanagan, Frank Yamma and Dubmarine.

There will be street entertainers and a children's program including puppets, stories, songs, music and craft workshops. Children under seven get in for free and bargain hunters should check out the special 2014 Season + Camping Ticket and spend the week exploring Canberra with eight days camping available onsite.

folkfestival.org.au

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