Description
Kickstart our month-long festival of the arts with music, photography, and community on the shores of the dazzling Bondi Beach.
Sydney's best creatives come together for Head On's annual festival launch party. The ocean-front Bondi Pavilion becomes the heart of Sydney's art scene as we take you on a journey. You'll watch artistry come to life and stories unfold. You'll meet the amazing artists and curatorial team. And, of course, you'll unwind with a drink, snack and music as we announce the $80,000 prize pool and the $5,000 Mayor of Waverley Prize for a single exhibition.
Be the first to know who won the Head On Photo Awards 2026 and get a taste of the photographers redefining visual storytelling.
Join us as we celebrate our 17th year as Australia's leading photography festival.
Secure your ticket to Australia's hottest event in photography, where you can experience the power of a global arts platform firsthand and be the first to see the Head On Photo Awards exhibitions.
Whether you're a gallerist, collector, or photography lover, there is something for everyone at our launch party.
Doors open, music, bar and food available from 7:00 pm (AEDT)
Formalities commence 7:45 pm (AEDT)
Consider donating to Head On Foundation.
Donations are tax-deductible for Australian taxpayers. All proceeds support the work of the Head On Photo Festival.
Head On Foundation acknowledges the Bidiagal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal people, who traditionally occupied the Sydney Coast. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Image - Tim Levy, Max Mason Hubers, Dean Sewell
Gallery
FAQs
- When and where is the Head On Photo Festival Launch Night?
The Head On Photo Festival 2026 Launch will take place on Friday 6 November 2026 at Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, Sydney.
Join photographers, artists, curators, collectors, creatives and photography lovers as we officially launch the 17th annual Head On Photo Festival.
- What time does the event start?
Doors open from 7:00pm AEDT.
From 7:00pm, guests can enjoy music, food and drinks, explore the exhibitions and meet photographers and members of the Head On team.
Formalities commence at 7:45pm AEDT, including the announcement of the Head On Photo Awards 2026 winners and the $5,000 Mayor of Waverley Prize.
- What can I expect at the Launch Night?
Photography exhibitions and screenings
The announcement of the Head On Photo Awards 2026 winners and Mayor of Waverley Prize winner
A celebration of the $80,000+ Head On Photo Awards prize pool
Music
Food and drinks available to purchase
The opportunity to meet photographers, artists, curators and the Head On team
The chance to be among the first to preview the whole festival program
- Do I need a ticket to attend?
Yes. A ticket is required to attend the Launch.
Please have your ticket ready when you arrive to help make entry as smooth as possible.
- Can I buy a ticket at the door?
We recommend securing your ticket in advance. Any door sales or remaining tickets will be subject to availability.
- How do I get to Bondi Pavilion?
Bondi Pavilion is located at Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach.
By bus
Bondi Beach is well served by Sydney buses. Regular services include routes 333, 362 and 380, with services connecting Bondi Beach to surrounding suburbs and Sydney's transport network.
We recommend checking Transport for NSW on the day for the latest services, travel times and any changes to routes.
By train
The closest train station is Bondi Junction.
From Bondi Junction, you can connect to 333 bus service towards Bondi Beach. The journey from Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach generally takes around 10–15 minutes by bus, depending on traffic.
By car
Bondi Beach can be busy, particularly during major events. Parking around Bondi Beach is limited and may be difficult to find, so public transport is recommended where possible.
If you are driving, allow extra time to find parking and walk to Bondi Pavilion.
Please check local parking restrictions and signage before leaving your vehicle.
By taxi or rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop passengers near Bondi Pavilion. Due to event activity and traffic around Bondi Beach, drop-off and pick-up points may be subject to local traffic conditions.
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