If you are planning a 2026 escape, this is a simple, local guide to the best events within about 40 minutes of The Beach Cabarita. It is built for real holiday planning, not a random list.
You will find a quick month-by-month calendar first, then the same events grouped by drive time, so you can pick what suits your stay. Along the way, I will share a few practical tips, what to pack, and easy ideas for food and downtime.
2026 Events Calendar (Tweed + Byron)
A quick look at what’s on Tweed in 2026, plus Byron and Cooly dates that work well as day trips.
February 2026
- Tweed Coast Enduro, Pottsville, Sat 14 Feb (around 10 to 15 mins).
- V-Day Byron Bay Beach Dance, Main Beach, Fri 14 Feb, 6:30 am meet for 7 am dance (around 35 to 40 mins).
- RAW Comedy Byron Bay Heat, Mon 23 Feb, Byron Bay Services Club (around 35 to 40 mins).
March 2026
- NSW Seniors Festival dates: Mon 2 to Sun 15 Mar (events across the Tweed). A strong answer to Tweed Heads on what to do when travelling with parents or grandparents.
- Kingscliff Triathlon, Sun 1 Mar (around 15 to 20 mins).
- Australian Para Surfing Titles, Byron Bay, Sun 22 to Tue 24 Mar (around 35 to 40 mins).
April 2026
- Bluesfest, Tyagarah, Thu 2 to Sun 5 Apr (around 40 mins). One of the biggest Byron Bay festivals for the year.
- Byron Bay Triathlon, Sun 26 Apr (around 35 to 40 mins).
May 2026
- Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic, Sun 3 May (around 35 to 40 mins).
- Chillingham’s Family Fun Day, Sat 9 May (around 30 to 40 mins).
June 2026
- Lava Arts Festival, 26 to 28 June 2026 (Tweed Shire, locations vary).
- Cooly Rocks On, Coolangatta, Wed 3 to Sun 7 Jun (around 30 mins).
- World Environment Day Festival, Murwillumbah, Sun 7 Jun (around 25 to 30 mins).
- Seas the Day Women’s Surf Festival, Kingscliff, Sat 20 to Sun 21 Jun (around 15 to 20 mins).
- Head of the Tweed, Tweed River, Sun 28 Jun (around 25 to 30 mins).
July 2026
- Tweed 30 Paddle Marathon, Sat 25 to Sun 26 Jul (Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads, drive time depends on start point).
- Australian Longboard Titles, Tweed Coast, Fri 24 to Thu 30 Jul (beaches vary, around 10 to 25 mins).
August 2026
- Byron Bay Surf Festival, Thu 27 to Sun 30 Aug (around 35 to 40 mins).
- Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase, Byron Theatre, Fri 28 Aug (around 35 to 40 mins).
October 2026
- Byron Bay International Film Festival, Fri 16 to Sun 25 Oct (around 35 to 40 mins).
Editor’s Picks: Best 2026 Events
If you only choose three, these are my picks for different guest styles. They also cover a great spread of what the Tweed Coast does best, which is why they sit nicely in any list of things to do Northern Rivers style.
Families
Chillingham’s Family Fun Day (9 May) suits a relaxed day out, and the Australian Longboard Titles (24–30 July) is a flexible beach day with free viewing.
Couples
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase (28 Aug) suits a night out, and Bluesfest (2–5 Apr) is the big music weekend on the list.
Sport and active travellers
Kingscliff Triathlon (1 Mar) brings start line energy, and the Australian Para Surfing Titles (22–24 Mar) is a great beachside watch.
10 to 15 Minutes: Closest Events
For things to do in Cabarita Beach that stay close, start here.
Tweed Coast Enduro (Pottsville), Sat 14 Feb 2026
Pottsville is close enough for a quick morning trip, then back to Cabarita for lunch.
15 to 20 Minutes: Kingscliff Events
A short drive suits anyone building a list of things to do.
Kingscliff Triathlon, Sun 1 Mar 2026
Arrive early and expect changed traffic around the course.
Seas the Day Women’s Surf Festival, Sat 20 to Sun 21 Jun 2026
A lively weekend that shows off local surf culture.
25 to 30 Minutes: Murwillumbah and the Tweed River
This section suits travellers who want hinterland scenery and a change of pace for things to do in Murwillumbah.
World Environment Day Festival (Murwillumbah), Sun 7 Jun 2026
A community day with stalls, local projects, and plenty to browse.
Head of the Tweed (Tweed River), Sun 28 Jun 2026
A watch and cheer day on the river.
Tweed 30 Paddle Marathon (Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads), Sat 25 to Sun 26 Jul 2026
A region-wide event where the best viewing point depends on where you want to start and finish, so it is easy to roll into Tweed Heads things to do plans.
35 to 40 Minutes: Byron, Cooly, and Big Days Out
For what’s on in Byron Bay in 2026 and Byron Bay festivals, these festivals in New South Wales are worth circling, plus an event in NSW that suits a bigger day out.
Byron Bay festivals and major weekends
- Bluesfest (2–5 Apr, Tyagarah): book early if you want to go, as accommodation and tickets can move quickly.
- Byron Bay Triathlon (26 Apr): a fun spectator day, even if you are not racing.
- Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic (3 May): the course traditionally runs from Wategos to Main
- Beach, and conditions can vary, so check updates before you go.
- Byron Bay Surf Festival (27–30 Aug): surf culture, environment, and community all wrapped together.
- Byron Bay International Film Festival (16–25 Oct): a great excuse for dinner out and a night at the movies.
Cooly Rocks On (3–7 Jun 2026), Coolangatta
This nostalgia festival is packed with music, cars, and old-school style. It is also an easy day trip, especially if you head up early to beat traffic and find parking.
Tweed Heads Add-On Ideas
For what to do in Tweed Heads after an event, keep plans light with a waterfront walk and lunch before heading back to Cabarita.
Summer Tips For January Planning: Heat, Storms, Early Starts
Bureau of Meteorology climate stats for Cape Byron show average rainfall around 165 mm in January and 189 mm in February, plus plenty of rainy days. The UV Index scale includes very high and extreme, so sun protection matters even with a sea breeze.
Pack a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and a refillable bottle, and take longer walks outside in the middle of the day.
Wet Weather Favourites Nearby
- Long breakfast and a slow stroll through Cabarita village, then back to the resort facilities for a swim when the sky clears.
- A relaxed trip inland to Murwillumbah, then something sweet before heading back.
- Keep an eye out for markets Northern Rivers style across the region, especially on weekends.
Plan Your 2026 Escape
For anyone searching for things to do in Cabarita Beach, pick weekends in the calendar above, then use the drive time sections to plan the simplest days.
Back at The Beach Cabarita, it’s easy to reset between outings with beach access, pools, and space to unwind.
Browse the apartment options and lock in dates early for the big weekends. Apartments and Promotions are the best places to start.
Image Credit: Byron Bay Triathlon