Port Lincoln Tunarama Festival | 16-18 Jan 2026

The City of Port Lincoln will host the much-loved Tunarama Festival once again when it makes a long-awaited return in January 2026, promising a revitalised festival that captures the heart and soul of Port Lincoln.
With its rich history and iconic traditions, Tunarama has been a cornerstone of community spirit and regional pride for over 60 years. The 2026 festival will retain the key components that locals and visitors value, including the famous Tuna Toss, the vibrant street parade, and the popular fireworks display. Alongside these crowd favourites, the festival will embrace a renewed focus on Port Lincoln’s status as the Seafood Capital of Australia.
Port Lincoln Mayor Diana Mislov said,
“This is a truly exciting moment for our community. Tunarama has always been a celebration of our region’s unique identity, and the 2026 festival will take that to the next level. By showcasing our incredible seafood industry, our diverse multicultural community, and our rich local produce, we’re creating an event that not only honours our past but also looks boldly to the future.”
The reimagined Tunarama will feature a feast of experiences, including:
- Seafood tastings and demonstrations
- Local wine and produce showcases
- Live music performances
- A range of family-friendly events
KIDS ZONE
With activities suited to a wide range of ages, the Kids Zone is a favourite for families, giving kids plenty to do while parents relax nearby and enjoy the festival vibe.
Across the weekend, kids can enjoy face painting, silent discos, lawn games, footy clinics, hands-on craft activities and the popular SA Water Colouring Competition, with daily visits from familiar characters Elsa and Bluey to keep the excitement high!
Kids Zone Dates & Times:
- Friday 16 January 2026 | 4pm – 6pm
- Saturday 17 January 2026 | 10am – 6pm
- Sunday 18 January 2026 | 10am – 6pm
VIEW THE 2026 TUNARAMA FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Port Lincoln Tunarama Festival Update from 2023:
In July 2023 the Port Lincoln Tunarama Festival Inc. committee announced that after 60 successful Tunarama Festivals, the event wouldn’t be held in 2024 and that the committee itself would commence winding up.
Home to the world famous Tuna Toss, the Port Lincoln Tunarama Festival was held annually on the closest weekend to the Australia Day holiday in January. With a wide array of participation events, arts and cultural displays, local market stalls, and some of the freshest seafood in the world, there truly was always something for the whole family to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing the return of this fun-filled festival in 2026.

For more information and all enquiries please visit the Tunarama Festival website.
What: Tunarama Festival
When: 16-18 January 2026
Where: Port Lincoln, South Australia
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: supplied
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