In the wake of our latest (and biggest) festival cancellation this year, Aussie punters are all thinking one thing: are festivals over? Yes, the 2024 calendar is looking increasingly sparse. But there are still Australian music festivals happening this year – you just need to know where to find them…
Big Day Out. Stereosonic. Future. And, as of this week, Bluesfest. They’re just some of the names you’d see on tombstones if Australia’s late, great music festivals were laid to rest in the same cemetery. Gone, but certainly not forgotten.
And, in light of announcements made earlier this year, many of us can’t help but wonder whether Groovin’ the Moo and Splendour in the Grass will be buried alongside them.
It’s (hopefully) too soon to say. Organisers of both festivals stress that they’d love to bring the events back in the future, but say high costs and low ticket sales make it impossible to go ahead in 2024.
So, what now? For festival die-hards, all there is left to do is pull ourselves up by our (gum)boot straps and head off in search of the next mosh pit. They’re out there, we promise.
Here are just a few of the Australian music festivals happening this year:
Already past…
LOOKOUT | Sunday April 7 at Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast
This brand-new festival is coming in hot, launching with a scorching line-up. It’s co-headlined by INCUBUS and +LIVE+, who will be joined by Aussie favourites Birds of Tokyo, Eskimo Joe, and The Superjesus.
Ultra Beach | Friday April 12 at Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast [SOLD OUT]
The world-renowned electronic music festival is coming to the Gold Coast, and it’s bringing Armin Van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Zedd and Will Sparks along with it.
Pandemonium | Saturday April 27 at Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast
Icons Alice Cooper, Blondie, Placebo and Deep Purple lead an all-star international lineup of some of the most iconic acts in rock and roll. It’s a music fan’s dream come true, and it’s happening right here on the Gold Coast (and also in Melbourne, Sydney and Bribie Island).
Melbourne Muster | Friday May 3 and Saturday May 4 at Caribbean Gardens, Scoresby
Saddle up for the inaugural Melbourne Muster, coming to Victoria’s Caribbean Park this May. Hoodoo Gurus and Lee Kernaghan headline the rock/country line up, you’ll also be able to see some of Australia’s best rodeo riders.
Out 2 Lunch Festival | Saturday May 4 at Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast [SOLD OUT]
Prepare for the mother of all beach parties as international powerhouse and hometown hero, FISHER, flips one of Australia’s most iconic spots into the ultimate beach bash.
Earth Frequency | Friday May 3 to Monday May 6 at Willowbank, South-East Qld
From its origins as a small landcare party in 2005 to Queensland’s longest running electronic music festival, Earth Frequency has come a long way. Expect to dance – and dance a lot – to their mixture of electronic and live music, while also enjoying art, food, workshops and more.
BASSINTHEGRASS | Saturday May 18 at Mindil Beach, Darwin
Soak up the sun, sand and good vibes at Darwin’s favourite beachside music festival, BASSINTHEGRASS. Join Macklemore, Bag Raiders, Bliss n Esso, The Jungle Giants and Jet (among others) at a music festival to remember.
The Big Chill Festival | Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19 at Armidale Sportsground, Armidale
Jon The Rubens, Jack River, Kingswood, Diesel and more at The Big Chill, Armidale’s ultimate winter festival experience. Beyond the beats, the festival grounds come alive with gourmet delights, award-winning beer and wine and a family-friendly program, too.
Blues on Broadbeach | Thursday May 16 to Sunday May 19 at Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Featuring international and homegrown artists like Melissa Etheridge, Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton, Ana Popovic and more, Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia’s largest non-ticketed music festivals.
Big Red Bash | Tuesday July 2 to Thursday July 4 at Birdsville, Simpson Desert
Head toward the Red Centre for a music festival like no other. Come together in the heart of the country to sing your heart out with the likes of Tina Arena, Jon Stevens, Colin Hay (Men at Work) and Vanessa Amorosi.
SpinOffFestival | Friday July 19 at Adelaide Showgrounds
National and international artists are set to take the SpinOff stage, including Conan Grey, Girl in Red and G Flip.
Still to come…
Promiseland Festival | Friday October 4 to Sunday October 6 at Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast
The 2024 Promiseland lineup has finally dropped, and it was well worth the wait. Party with Miguel, Metro Boomin, Rema, Jorja Smith and more this October.
Listen Out | Friday September 27 in Melbourne, Saturday September 28 in Perth, Saturday October 5 in Brisbane and Sunday October 6 in Sydney
Festivalgoers waited with bated breath to see if Listen Out would return, and sure enough, it has – bringing a stacked line up of hip hop, R&B and electronic artists along with it.
Big Pineapple Festival | Saturday October 19 at Woombye
Confirmed: Big Pineapple Festival is back in 2024, and they’re bringing some special friends – including The Amity Affliction, Golden Features and Bliss N Eso – along with them.
Ability Fest | Saturday October 19 at Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne and Saturday October 26 at Victoria Park, Brisbane
Finally, a music festival designed for everyone to experience the magic of live music. Catch Bag Raiders, Eves Karydas, Kita Alexander, King Stingray at the fifth annual Ability Fest.
Rock the Boat | Wednesday October 23 to Wednesday October 30 on board Carnival Luminosa, departing Sydney
Imagine setting sail with acts like The Living End, Mark Seymour and the Undertow, Thirsrty Merc and Jon Stevens for a week of moshing out at sea – for seven nights, no less.
Interstellar Groove | Thursday October 31 to Sunday November 3 at Ngambie, East Gippsland
Get ready to rave when Interstellar Groove heads to the beautiful Victorian country town of Ngambie. If the stacked line up is anything to go by, it’s set to be three-nights of incredible electronic music, people and energy.
www.interstellargroovefestival.com.au
Woodford Folk Festival | Friday December 27 to Wednesday January 1 in Stanmore, Queensland
It is the largest gathering of artists and musicians in Australia, and a fixture on the national festival calendar.
Keep your eye on…
- Caloundra Music Festival, typically on in October, is ‘pressing pause’ for 2024 – stay tuned for next year | Follow their IG
- Spilt Milk, typically on in November – December, is also ‘dipping out’ this year | Follow their IG
- Falls Festival, typically on over NYE | Follow their IG
- St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, typically on in January – February | Follow their IG