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In this article, South East Discovery Tours gives you a comprehensive guide to all 2024 music festivals in South East Queensland including the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Scenic Rim.
Whether you are an old school festival veteran, proud penny-pincher or complete newbie; there is a music festival in South East Queensland to suit you.
So stick on your gum boots, dance like nobody's watching and wave those glow sticks high in the air - because soon you'll be saying, "been there, got the t-shirt"!
Jump to 2024 music festivals in South East Queensland -
Laneway Festival
Laneway Festival originated in Melbourne and has since expanded to all major cities in Australia, including Brisbane.
If you are keen to discover emerging artists before they get too big to gig the smaller venues, then Laneway is where it's at.
Where
Brisbane Showgrounds
When
3 February 2024
Music genres
Alternative Pop, Electronic, Experimental and Punk.
Headliners
Stormzy
Steve Lacy
Dominic Fike
Jammin
Jammin is Australia's biggest reggae music festival. As well as Brisbane, the 2-day festival is scheduled at Sydney, Melbourne and Perth with Reggae legends Shaggy, Sean Paul and UB40.
Where
Riverstage, Brisbane
When
3-4 February 2024
Music genres
Reggae.
Headliners
Shaggy
Sean Paul
UB40
Touch Bass
Are you a fan of electronic music? Then Touch Bass is the festival for you! This one-day travelling event is landing in all major cities in Australia over the Easter long weekend.
With artists and DJs known for their infectious beats, attendees can anticipate a pulsating atmosphere filled with booming bass and transient visuals, creating an immersive experience for all the senses.
Where
Eaton's Hill, Brisbane
When
31 March 2024
Music genres
Dubstep, Drum and Bass, Trap, Bass House, Hardstyle, Drumstep.
Headliners
Wilkinson
Kanine
Peekaboo
Bluesfest
Just a half hour drive south of the Queensland border is Bluesfest. This mammoth festival offers not only exceptional musical performances across multiple stages but also a unique cultural atmosphere, with artisan markets, food stalls, and workshops celebrating the spirit of blues and roots music.
With its mix of old-time legends and contemporary acts, Bluesfest remains a standout festival, cherished by blues lovers who go back year after year.
Where
Byron
When
28 March - 1 April 2024
Music genres
Blues, Roots, Rock, Soul and Jazz.
Headliners
Jack Johnson
Tom Jones
Jimmy Barnes
Pandemonium
The newest of music festivals has started off with a bang! Pandemonium is a rock-lovers dream come true. Not only does the festival have some superb headliners, the remaining lineup includes: Wolfmother, Wheatus, Psychedelic Furs, Dead Kennedys, Gang of Four, Palaye Royale, Cosmic Psychos, Gyroscope and Petch.
Where
Bribie Island, Moreton Bay
When
28 April 2024
Music genres
Rock
Headliners
Placebo
Blondie
Alice Cooper
Deep Purple
Earth Frequency Festival
Earth Frequency Festival is a music, arts, lifestyle and environment festival with a strong focus on arts, education and community spirit.
Immerse yourself in sacred sounds and join in on daily yoga sessions; wander through the festival's indoor gallery with art from the visionary art movement; and peruse the many market stalls with food, art, fashion, jewellery and crafts.
"Keep an open mind and through the weekend, you'll be sure to catch some amazing sounds from right across the broad spectrum of the human experience!" - Earth Frequency Festival.
Where
Willowbank, Ipswich
When
3-6 May 2024
Music genres
Techno, Bass, Reggae, Progressive Trance, Hip-Hop, Psytrance, Dubstep, House, World Music, Drum and Bass, Folk, Funk and Down-Tempo.
Headliners
Ann Clue
Moritz Hofbauer
Deniz Bul
Blues on Broadbeach
Featuring a variety of international and Australian artists, Blues on Broadbeach has many indoor and outdoor stages across the Gold Coast's Broadbeach precinct. The best part - it's a non-ticketed music festival!
Where
Broadbeach, Gold Coast
When
16-19 May 2024
Music genres
Rhythm, Blues and Rock.
Headliners
Melissa Etheridge
Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton
Ana Popovic
Splendour in the Grass
Only a half-hour drive south of the Queensland border, Splendour in the Grass is renowned for its eclectic lineup and vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond music, Splendour in the Grass offers a plethora of art installations, workshops, and cultural experiences, making it a holistic celebration of creativity and community amidst the lush surrounds of the North Byron Parklands.
Where
North Byron Parklands, Byron
When
19-21 July 2024 (CANCELLED)
Music genres
Indie, Electronic, Alternative Rock, Pop, Folk, Hip Hop and R&B.
Headliners
Kylie
Future
Arcade Fire
Quandamooka Music & Cultural Festival
Be immersed in traditional culture in one of the most idyllic locations in South East Queensland.
Quandamooka Music & Cultural Festival celebrates the continuing culture of the Nughi, Nunukul, and Goenpul clans of Quandamooka (North Stradbroke Island). The festival includes: cultural activities, tours, Kunjiel (corroborees), music performances, food, weaving, arts, crafts, panel discussions, First Nations’ film and more.
Where
Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Moreton Bay
When
29-30 August 2024
Music genres
Indigenous.
Headliners
Jem Cassar-Daley
Uncle Joe Geia
Sachem
Bigsound Festival
Taking over Fortitude Valley (Brisbane's music hotspot), Bigsound festival is the southern hemisphere’s biggest music industry gathering.
Its massive artist line-up has been instrumental in uncovering names like Flume, Spacey Jane, Rufus, Courtney Barnett, Tones and I, The Temper Trap, Thelma Plum, Tampa The Great, Gang of Youths and more.
Where
Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
When
3-6 September 2024
Music genres
All Australian artists.
Headliners
See the full line-up on Bigsound's website.
Springtime Festival
Springtime is a non-ticketed festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring with lively performances across multiple stages at Surfers Paradise. The festival offers a kaleidoscope of entertainment, art, and cultural experiences that are family-friendly and community orientated.
Expect a variety of music genres, artisanal markets, interactive workshops and a happy atmosphere, right by the sea.
Where
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
When
6-8 September 2024 (CANCELLED)
Music genres
Pop, Rock, Indie, Folk, Dance, Jazz and Blues.
Sweet Relief!
Sweet Relief! is a music festival to suit all the party lovers out there. Being held in Ballymore Stadium in Herston; the festival promises music, art, performance and a good time on the dance floor.
Want to go that one-step further? Then take part in Australia's biggest dress-up competition, with this year's theme, 'Find your Fit'.
Where
Herston, Brisbane
When
7 September 2024
Music genres
Dance, Electronic and Pop.
Headliners
Kelis
The Presets
Electric Fields
Mitchell Creek Rock 'n' Blues Fest
Set in beautiful bushland of the Noosa Hinterland, Mitchell Creek Rock 'n' Blues Fest offers a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere where fans can enjoy all sub-genres of Blues and Rock.
With free camping, a multicultural food fest, and a stellar line up; this festival is becoming a popular choice for all Blues and Rock aficionados.
Where
Noosa Hinterland, Sunshine Coast
When
13-15 September 2024
Music genres
Rock, Blues, Southern Rock, Psychedelic Rock and R&B.
Headliners
The Radiators
Little Quirks
The Lachy Dolly Group
Caloundra Music Festival
With ocean views and a laid-back vibe, Caloundra Music Festival is all about music, community spirit and the environment.
The not for profit festival welcomes families, locals and visitors to experience Australian and international musicians, Sunshine Coast culture and food, and sea-breezy views by the beachside.
Where
Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
When
4-6 October 2024 (CANCELLED)
Music genres
Rock, Pop, Folk, Blues, Soul, Funk and Hip Hop.
Listen Out
Listen Out is Australia’s primary national dance music festival, which tours nationally to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
Where
Brisbane Showgrounds
When
5 October 2024
Music genres
Hip Hop and Electronic.
Headliners
21 Savage
Skepta
Lil Tjay
John Summit
Groundwater Country Music Festival
Kick-up your cowboy boots at the Gold Coast's free music festival that celebrates all things Country.
Recently hitting its 10-year milestone, Groundwater Country Music Festival brings together local and international musicians with stages set throughout the streets, parks and venues of Broadbeach.
Where
Broadbeach, Gold Coast
When
18-20 October 2024
Music genres
Country.
Headliners
Kasey Chambers
Tim Hicks
Shannon Noll
Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham
Big Pineapple Festival
After 3 years, Big Pineapple Festival is back with a stellar line-up and fun-filled activities.
Expect exotic foods and tunes, skating demonstrations, fancy dress, a night-time Latern Parade and a good old-fashioned pineapple toss!
Where
Woombye, Sunshine Coast
When
19 October 2024
Music genres
Emerging and established Australian artists.
Headliners
Peking Duk
Tones and I
Vera Blue
Island Vibe Festival
Returning for its 19th year, Island Vibe Festival is a family friendly 3-day celebration of music, culture, arts and dance.
Set close to one of Australia's most beautiful beaches, the festival takes place during the end of whale migration season - so be sure to keep a look out on the coastline for those slapping tails!
Where
Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Moreton Bay
When
25-27 October 2024
Music genres
Reggae, Soul, Bass and World.
Headliners
Kingfisha
Amaru Tribe
The Pad Boys
The Long Sunset
Idyllically located on the other side of Tamborine Mountain at Elysian Fields, The Long Sunset is an annual celebration of art, culture, and community, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scenic Rim's stunning sunsets.
Featuring a diverse lineup of live performances, interactive art installations, and yummy treats; the festival invites Scenic Rim locals and visitors alike to come together and revel in the beauty of the extended twilight hours.
Where
Elysian Fields, Scenic Rim
When
1-3 November 2024
Music genres
Acoustic, Pop, Jazz, Folk, Indie, Rock, First Nations and Queensland musicians.
Headliners
Matt Corby
Angie McMahon
Eliza & The Delusionals
Maleny Music Festival
Maleny Music Festival is a family-friendly folk festival run by volunteers. The relaxed 3-day event includes: yoga sessions, open mic, market stalls, workshops and bush poetry - you can even bring along your own instrument!
Where
Maleny, Sunshine Coast
When
8-10 November 2024
Music genres
Folk, Traditional Irish, Blues and Americana.
Headliners
To be announced...
Woodford Folk Festival
The Woodford Folk Festival is a widely loved cultural event held annually at the end of each year and is known for its vibrant celebration of music, arts and community.
The jam packed festival programme features concerts; dances; street theatre; writers’ panels; a film festival; comedy sessions; acoustic jams; social dialogue and debate; folk medicine; a children’s festival; an environmental programme featuring talks, debates and films; art and craft workshops; circus performances and workshops; late night cabarets, parades and a spectacular fire event.
Where
Woodford, Moreton Bay
When
27 December 2024 - 1 January 2025
Music genres
Folk, World Music, Roots, Blues and Reggae.
Headliners
To be announced...
About the Author
South East Discovery Tours is a family-run tour company, based in Brisbane, Australia, specialising in private group day trips to destinations in South East Queensland.
Our blog, The Scoop, is your go-to guide to exploring the best of South East Queensland. We post articles, lists, insider travel tips and suggestions on great things to do.