Hobart Entertainment

Hobart's entertainment scene dates back to when the sailors enjoyed themselves in the Wapping area of town. Today, there is a wide variety of pubs, music, theatre and festivals on offer. Each Thursday, the Mercury newspaper publishes an entertainment section with a live music guide and a diary listing forthcoming events.

Nightlife

Whether seeking a relaxed drink or a stylish night out, you will not be disappointed. A pub crawl will likely include Knopwood's, a cosy, popular pub; Irish Murphy's for some blarney; and the Customs House Hotel, popular with visiting sailors. The Atrium at the Hotel Grand Chancellor is a relaxed meeting place overlooking Victoria Dock.

In Battery Point, the Shipwright's Arms has been serving sailors and locals since the early 1800s. Meanwhile, those who love the small hours will find plenty of action. Around midnight, Syrup starts blasting techno and house music until late. If visiting Wrest Point Casino, play the tables, dance the night away or have a drink at the Boardwalk or Birdcage bars until very late.

Theatre and music

The Theatre Royal Subscription Programme includes drama, dance and opera. The amateur theatre scene is strong, with the Playhouse and Backspace theatres offering challenging programmes, and the Peacock Theatre is wonderfully intimate. Also, the Terrapin Puppet Theatre has a reputation as one of the country's finest, and tours internationally.

Live music is plentiful in small pubs and clubs, whether it be jazz, rock, Celtic or country style. The Queen's Head and Trout Bar have music gigs that sometimes feature interstate artists. For some of the best free music in town, wander the length of Salamanca Market. Enjoy buskers, a lively Chilean band or tinkling harp and Irish pipes. Those on a small budget wanting to catch a star should watch out for gigs at the University of Tasmania.

Attend a performance of the world-acclaimed Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at the Federation Concert Hall, at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Chamber Music and ensembles often perform in romantic vineyard settings, while Cabaret-style shows are found at Wrest Point Hotel, featuring popular vocalists and comedian performers from yesterday and today. The Derwent Entertainment Centre at Elwick is host to big productions.

Festivals

There are a number of annual summer festivals that are unique to the city, with highlights including:

• The Hobart Summer Festival is truly a local festival that shows what Tasmania is all about – a community where people come together to celebrate the arrival of summer, welcome friends and visitors, celebrate the arts, share good food, wine and conversation under gentle skies. The festival also welcomes the crews arriving from their often gruelling journey in the blue water classic ocean race, the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (December/January).
• The Cygnet Folk Festival, formerly the Huon Folk and Music Festival, is Tasmania's folk and world music event of the year and is held annually over the second weekend of January. The festival's reputation is now international, and there are regular performers from every continent appearing. Whether your taste is folk, blues, jazz, a Cappella or drumming, there is sure to be a concert or a workshop which will meet your requirements.
• The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is held at the Hobart waterfront and celebrates maritime traditions with entertainment, demonstrations and Tasmanian food (February).
• The Tasmanian Fruit Wine festival invites amateurs and professionals to submit their fruit wines to be judged by a panel of experts. This is a great opportunity to see and taste Tasmania's wonderful fruit wines. Highlighting a wide range of wines, fortified wines and ciders made from the fruit of Tasmania (January).
• Regatta Day celebrates Australia's oldest public holiday, an annual event since 1840. Early colonists appreciated that Hobart's setting provided an opportunity to celebrate the sea and the tradition still lives on. The public holiday is the culmination of three days of races and other water activities held on the Derwent River (February).