One of Australia's most iconic regional festivals is making its comeback this weekend, reeling in an expected 20,000 visitors to the city of Port Lincoln.
From January 16-18, the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival will showcase the best of Port Lincoln and southern Eyre Peninsula.
Over three days, it will feature everything locals and visitors to the region love - including the legendary Tuna Toss, and vibrant street parade, alongside a feast of new experiences celebrating Port Lincoln's reputation as the Seafood Capital of Australia.
Expect fresh seafood tastings and cooking demonstrations, live music, local wine and produce showcases, multicultural experiences, live entertainment and a wide range of family-friendly activities - all designed to spotlight the people, industries, and culture that make Port Lincoln unique.
A new addition to the 2026 festival return is Rock The Bay, an outdoor music event on Saturday featuring The Living End, Hot Dub Time Machine, and more. Final release tickets to the music event as part of Tunarama are now on sale and are expected to bolster crowds even further.
First held in 1962, the Tunarama Festival has grown into a major regional event, drawing visitors from across the State and beyond to the Eyre Peninsula.
Accommodation providers in Port Lincoln are enjoying an influx of bookings thanks to the festival return, with the Port Lincoln Visitor Centre reporting very limited room availability this weekend.
Latest data from Tourism Research Australia shows tourism in the Eyre Peninsula is worth $455 million to South Australia's economy.
Tunarama is supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission through the Regional Event Fund, which aims to strengthen the State's regional events calendar by encouraging the development of new and innovative regional events.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said it is wonderful to see the iconic Tunarama Festival return to the calendar to showcase all that makes Port Lincoln and the Eyre Peninsula a tourism drawcard.
"Events like Tunarama provide an economic and cultural boost to our state's regions - they draw in visitors, showcase local attractions, and create immense local pride," Minister Bettison said.
"With accommodation in Port Lincoln in very strong demand for the weekend as the city prepares for an influx of visitors, the return of Tunarama is a catch for the region where tourism is worth $455 million annually to our state's economy."
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven said it's fantastic to see Tunarama return this year, providing an opportunity to show our support for the Port Lincoln community, the Eyre Peninsula region, and the local seafood industry.
The festival showcases Port Lincoln's world-class seafood with demonstrations, tastings and workshops where visitors have the chance to meet producers, watch chefs prepare local species and learn about sustainable fishing practices.
Events like Tunarama strengthen regional communities, attract visitors, support local businesses, and showcase why South Australia's regions are such an essential part of our identity and prosperity.
Chair of the Tunarama Reference Group, Naomi Blacker said the return of Tunarama is something the Port Lincoln community has been incredibly proud to work towards.
"This festival is deeply connected to who we are - our fishing heritage, our seafood industry, and our strong sense of community," Ms Blacker said.
"Tunarama brings together locals, industry and visitors to celebrate the people and stories that have shaped Port Lincoln, while also showcasing the region as a vibrant, contemporary destination. Seeing it return stronger and refreshed in 2026 is a testament to the collaboration and passion behind it."
