Launceston's reputation as the event capital of Tasmania continues to go from strength-to-strength with a jam-packed weekend of activities and festivities on our social calendars.
The action kicks off on Friday night with A LEAGUE FOOTBALL touching down at University of Tasmania Stadium with Western United FC hosting Wellington Phoenix FC.
Western United remains unbeaten in Tasmania in six outings over the past two years after beating Sydney FC 1-0 at North Hobart Oval in January - its five previous games being held in Launceston.
Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson said the return of A League soccer to Launceston was a wonderful addition to the city's busy sporting calendar and showcased the flexibility of UTAS Stadium to host a broad range of different sporting disciplines - from AFL football through to T20 and one-day cricket and even rugby.
"It's vitally important that we continue to attract top-level sporting events to Northern Tasmania and provide a wide range of entertainment for the thousands of Tasmanians who are incredibly passionate about their sport," Mayor Gibson said.
"This summer - and beyond - we've certainly been spoilt for choices when it comes to incredible events at the Stadium for our passionate fans. We've already had Big Bash cricket, this weekend we have A League soccer and in just a few weeks, we will welcome Collingwood and Hawthorn football clubs for a pre-season football extravaganza.
"With so many incredible and wonderful events on offer this weekend alone, I encourage all Northern Tasmanians to join in these activities and enjoy everything our beautiful city has to offer."
Friday night's match is due to kick off at 7.45pm, with admission $20 for adults, and children 4-14 admitted free.
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.
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Launceston is poised to soak up the sun this weekend as the MONA FOMA summer arts festival returns to the city for 2023.
With a program featuring a staggering array of musicians and artists from a broad spectrum of life, the Mona Foma line-up has something for everyone.
"Mona Foma brings enormous buzz to Launceston and there's a huge program of events running between now and Tuesday," Mayor Gibson said.
"Events like these, many of which are free to attend, bring a sense of vitality and vibrancy to Launceston and I hope people take advantage of the incredible summer weather over the next few days to get out and about and see what's on offer."
Mona's leading drawcard at 'reUNION district' in the old TAFE building in Wellington Street is promising three days and nights of free parties.
During the daylight hours, there will be a plethora of art "and things" happening, with the night-time musical performances ramping up from 7pm.
There's also activities planned at the Gorge, Princess Theatre and Earl Arts Centre, as well as a midnight concert in St John's Church.
MONA FOMA SNAPSHOT:
Old Tafe Sessions
reUNIÓN district, 10-16 Wellington Street, Launceston
Body Body Commodity
Earl Arts Centre, 10 Earl Street, Launceston
Where Everything is Music
Princess Theatre, 57 Brisbane Street, Launceston
Book Club
Library, reUNIÓN district, 10–16 Wellington Street, Launceston
Floors of Heaven
First Basin Pool, Cataract Gorge, Launceston
Mona Foma at Harvest
Harvest Market, 71 Cimitere St, Launceston
A Dread of Voids
St John's Church, 157 St John Street, Launceston
Sharing a Yarn
Sawtooth ARI, 58 Lindsay Street, Invermay
Morning Meditations
Fairy Dell, Cataract Gorge, Launceston
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This Sunday marks the final MUSIC IN THE PARK for 2023, with the Launceston City Band providing all the musical entertainment.
Music in the Park is a fun, free and family-friendly event.
"Music in the Park is a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon in the splendid surrounds of our majestic and picturesque City Park," Mayor Gibson said.
"This year we've hosted a broad range of musical flavours for people to enjoy - from the Ferguson Brothers through to Apache and the Tassie Tenor, the St Patricks College Big Band and the St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band - there's certainly been something to suit everyone's musical tastes in 2023."
The event runs from 12.30pm through until 2.30pm.
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And finally to round off a busy weekend, you can take time out from cheering on your favourite soccer team, dancing up a storm or jiving to music in the park with a leisurely stroll through Civic Square to enjoy the best world cuisine Launceston has to offer.
WORLD STREET EATS is on again this Sunday between 11am and 3pm, where locals and visitors alike can experience authentic cuisine and internationally-inspired flavours, diverse art and entertainment, all while experiencing the Launceston rich and diverse culture.
