Travel
Festival fun for people who want to rock on
If you love music festivals showcasing hits from the 1950s to the 1980s, then make a date in your calendar and get out your map to plot a course to Australia's best east coast gatherings. You’ve earned the right to let loose and have a blast.
Tamworth Country Music Festival
Yee-har! A 10-day extravaganza in January that gets bigger every year with 300,000+ visitors from far and wide. This festival in Australia's country music capital has been on the great Aussie Must-Do list for over 50 years. The coveted Golden Guitar Award attracts all the biggest country and rock names, and those hoping to be.
More info: Tamworth Country Music Festival
Juicy Fest
If you like your festivals the way you like your mangoes, all succulent, moist and pulpy, then this one may be for you. Described as the largest Hip Hop and R&B nostalgia music festival in the Southern Hemisphere, you can secure your January tickets for various locations, firstly in New Zealand, followed by Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth. It’s everywhere, man.
More info: Juicy Fest 2024
Parkes Elvis Festival
Jailhouse Rock, anyone? For more than 30 years, this world-recognised tribute to Elvis coincides with the King of Rock’s birthday in the second week of January. The rural town of Parkes in Central West NSW is fully into the vibe, with street parades, a heritage car display, and the rebellious energy of good ol’ rock’n’roll. You’ll see more Elvis look-alikes than there were sequins on his sparkly white jacket.
More info: Parkes Elvis Festival
Party in the Paddock
Founded in 2012 as a 22nd birthday celebration for a local chap, this one has been a bit on-again, off-again since it first got underway, but when it’s on and good, it’s said to be very very good. Held near Launceston generally during February, but check details before you plan.
More info: Party in the Paddock Music Festival
Blue Mountains Music Festival
A 3-day jam in March, of folk, roots and blues. Held in various intimate and large venues around beautiful Katoomba, one of only 2 cities in the world situated within a UNESCO declared world heritage area. Take summer clothes and your snow jacket, and we recommend you book early to secure accommodation in one of the several beautiful old guesthouses.
More info: Blue Mountains Music Festival
Bluesfest
At Tyagarah near Byron Bay, all the blues, roots, country, pop, reggae, folk, hip-hop and jazz you can poke a stick at. Held over the Easter long weekend, attracting big crowds, big name artists, caravans, hippies, the whole shebang. And if you want to catch some waves, the beach is just a short drive away. PLUR abounds (peace, love, unity, respect). Bring your glowsticks.
More info: Byron Bay Bluesfest
National Folk Festival
Established in 1967, this Canberra 10-day super gig celebrates diverse folk culture in all its forms in late April/early May. Attracting top Aussie artists and big names from abroad. Dished up alongside the folk is punk rock and political protest songs, mild weather, and family fun. Bring the grandkids for a camp-out they’ll never forget.
More info: National Folk Festival
Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival
Despite the name, this festival is not entirely folk music, folks, there’s also bush bands, belly dancers, and blues, Deep South slide guitar, harmonica and fiddle. Look out for some Muddy Waters, and we’re not talking about the weather. Usually held in October.
More info: Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival
Wingham Akoostik Music Festival
This October festival in the historic and friendly town of Wingham on the Mid North Coast NSW has it all: acoustic, rock, reggae, country, plus art, food, camping, boating on the Manning River, and Harrington Beach is just over 30 minutes by car. Rock, soul, folk, blues, as well as workshops on gardening, yoga, drumming, painting and dancing … a true boomer-fest.
More info: Wingham Akoostik Music Festival
The West Australian Guitar Festival
Strings Attached in the Margaret River is the other event name for the West Australian Guitar Festival. If the twang of a guitar string is your thing, and you like to hear it, play it, or masterclass it, then you’ll want to head to beautiful Margaret River in October. Combine with sublime wine from the area, and life don’t get much better than that.
More info: West Australian Guitar Festival
Woodford Folk Festival
After Christmas and into January, this 6-day rural festival in Moreton Bay has the lot: rock, folk, blues, roots, first nations ceremonies, plus buskers, circus, comedy and cabaret. It’s even had The Wiggles and Dr Karl perform. Drag your caravan, erect the annex, pitch a tent, bring the whole family.
More info: Woodford Folk Festival
Don’t stop the music
If you still have soles on your dancing shoes, then check these out:
- Illawarra Folk Festival – Bulli New South Wales, January
- Port Fairy Folk Festival – Port Fairy Victoria, March
- Mandurah Country Music Festival – Mandurah West Australia, October
- Majors Creek Festival – Braidwood NSW, November
- Victor Harbor Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival – Victor Harbor South Australia, September
- Penola Coonawarra Acoustic Music Gathering – Penola South Australia, March