Last year, after a string of sad announcements, we were lamenting the (supposed) death of the Australian music festival. But it turned out, all hope was not lost. The festival scene has changed, sure, but there are still plenty to choose from – you just need to know where to look. Here, we’ve rounded up the best 2025 Australian music festivals.
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival | Saturday February 8 at the Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane + 5 other locations
If the Aussie music festival scene feels like a desert right now, Laneway is a glittering oasis smack bang in the middle of it. They’re bringing international icons like Charli XCX, Clair and Bicep (to name a few) down under this February. ‘Thank you, Jerome,’ we all say in unison.
Red Hot Summer | Saturday February 8 at Broadwater Parklands + 5 other locations
Get ready to rock your socks off! The Red Hot Summer Tour 2025 is bringing legendary acts like ICEHOUSE, Noiseworks, Wolfmother, and Eskimo Joe to stages nationwide. With dates from now through May, there’s a show near you that’s too hot to miss!
Party in the Paddock | Thursday February 6 to Sunday February 9 at Quercus Park, Tasmania
This lineup of national and international artists is *chef’s kiss*. We’re talking Empire of the Sun, Aurora, The Kooks, Role Model, Still Woozy, The Rubens, Oliver Tree, Amyl and the Sniffers, Angie McMahon… even local legend Boo Seeka. Excuse us while we run to the airport…
www.partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au
Over the Ditch Festival | Saturday February 22 and Sunday February 23 at The Station, Newcastle
Aussie artists like The Cat Empire, The Temper Trap and Cub Sport will take the stage for Day One of Earp Distilling Co.’s Over the Ditch Festival. The twist? Day Two will be stacked exclusively with NZ artists. Get set for the Battle of the Tasman.
LOOKOUT | Sunday February 23 at Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast + 7 other locations
This alt-rock festival is back in 2025, returning with a scorching line-up. It’s co-headlined by JET and Grinspoon, who will be joined by Aussie favourites The Veronicas, Spiderbait, Youth Group and more.
Souled Out | Saturday February 22 to Friday February 28 in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane
Australia’s first (and only) new-wave R&B festival will bring the likes of Don Toliver, Jhené Aiko, Vince Staples and more to the east coast – and we can’t wait to be part of the action.
Feastival | Friday February 28 to Sunday March 2 in Falls Creek, VIC
Love good food, live music, and mountain air? Feastival serves up a weekend of top-notch eats, epic tunes, and outdoor adventures in the stunning alpine setting of Falls Creek, with Aussie legends like The Cat Empire, Slowly Slowly and Budjerah.
www.fallscreek.com.au/feastival
Yours and Owls | Saturday March 1 and Sunday March 2 at Flagstaff Hill, Wollongong
Ready to rock out by the beach? Featuring international acts like Fontaines D.C., Denzel Curry, The Kooks and Goo Goo Dolls, alongside Aussie favourites such as The Jungle Giants and The Veronicas, it’s the perfect blend of sun, surf, and sensational sounds.
www.yoursandowlsfestival.com.au
River Sounds Festival | Saturday April 5 at the Bellingen Showgrounds, Bellingen
River Sounds Festival is bringing an eclectic mix of artists to dreamy Bellingen. This year’s line up features Cloud Control, Barkaa, South Summit, Nerve and more, promising a day of good tunes and even better vibes.
Melbourne Muster | Saturday April 5 at Caribbean Gardens, Scoresby
Saddle up for the second Melbourne Muster, coming to Victoria’s Caribbean Park this May. James Johnston, Adam Brand and Travis Collins headline the rock/country line up, you’ll also be able to see some of Australia’s best rodeo riders.
Ultra Beach | Friday April 11 at Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast and Saturday April 12 at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
The world-renowned electronic music festival is coming back to the Gold Coast, and it’s bringing Axwell, Martin Garrix and more along with it.
Bluesfest Byron Bay | Thursday April 17 to Sunday April 20 at Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah
2025 could be the last Bluesfest ever, so we plan to send it out with a bang. And with Crowded House, Toto, Vance Joy, Ocean Alley, Hilltop Hoods, Gary Clark Jr., and many more on the line up, it won’t be hard to get into the festive spirit.
BASSINTHEGRASS | Saturday May 17 at Mindil Beach, Darwin
Soak up the sun, sand and good vibes at Darwin’s favourite beachside music festival, BASSINTHEGRASS. Though their line up is yet to be announced, previous headliners (Macklemore, Bag Raiders) promise this will be a music festival to remember.
Blues on Broadbeach | Thursday May 15 to Sunday May 18 at Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Featuring international and homegrown artists like The Cruel Sea, Eli Paperboy Reed, Diesel and more, Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia’s largest non-ticketed music festivals.
The Big Chill Festival | Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19 at Armidale Sportsground, Armidale
It’s 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.
Mundi Mundi Bash | Thursday August 21 to Saturday August 23 at Broken Hill
Join the likes of Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Cat Empire, Birds of Tokyo and The Angels (to name just a few) for a bush bash like no other. This all-aged, family-friendly festival has something for everyone – especially adventurers.
Earth Frequency | Friday October 17 to Monday October 20 at Willowbank, South-East Queensland
From its origins as a small land-care 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.
Rock the Boat | Sunday October 19 to Sunday October 26 on board Carnival Luminosa, departing Sydney
Imagine setting sail with acts like Jimmy Barnes, The Angels and Daryl Braithwaite for a week of moshing out at sea, on a round trip of the South Pacific. A dream!
Interstellar Groove | Thursday October 30 to Monday November 3 at Ngambie, East Gippsland
Get ready to rave when Interstellar Groove heads to the beautiful Victorian country town of Ngambie. The line-up is yet to be announced, but we can confirm it’s set to be three-nights of incredible electronic music, people and energy.
www.interstellargroovefestival.com.au
Woodford Folk Festival | Saturday December 27 to Thursday 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…
- Out 2 Lunch, which took over the Gold Coast in 2024. Where will they go next? | Join the waitlist
- Peak, the Snowy Mountains’ coolest music festival, is set to return this winter | Follow their IG
- Birdsville’s iconic Big Red Bash is taking a breather in 2025 | Follow their IG
- After a massive 2024, will Adelaide’s Spin Off return in July? | Follow their IG
- We’re expecting big things from Promiseland in 2025. Sign up to stay in the loop! | Join the waitlist
- It’s a favourite for a reason. Don’t miss out on any Listen Out 2025 updates | Join the waitlist
- Get ready to party under the pineapple! We’re keeping an eye out for the Big Pineapple Music Festival’s return in October, 2025 | Follow their IG
- Ability Fest raised an impressive $587,000 for young Aussies with disability in October 2024 – what will they achieve in 2025? | Follow their IG
- Caloundra Music Festival, typically on in October, pressed pause in 2025 – will they return in 2025? | Follow their IG
- Spilt Milk, typically on in November – December, ‘dipped out’ in 2024. We’re keeping our eyes peeled for their 2025 return… | Follow their IG
- Falls Festival is still ghosting us, but we’re (foolishly) hopeful for a 2025/2026 return | Follow their IG
