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In this article, South East Discovery Tours gives you a comprehensive guide to all 2025 music festivals in South East Queensland.
This area spreads across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Scenic Rim.
Whether you like to fist-bump the air to an epic guitar solo, tip your cowboy hat to that country twang, or rave the night away to ambient electronic beats; there is a music festival in South East Queensland to suit you and your music tastes.
If there are dates or headliners from our list below that you can't see just yet, don't worry! This guide will be updated throughout the year as new acts and dates get announced.
Notably, Splendour in the Grass and Jammin festival have been postponed until 2026. And Hello Sunshine Festival has been cancelled. Last year, we also sadly said goodbye to Caloundra Music Festival, Springtime Festival and Island Vibe Festival.
Yet, 2025 promises to be a big year of major headliners and special festival anniversaries.
So dust off those gum boots and get ready for another outstanding year of live music!
All music festivals in South East Queensland
Laneway Festival - Brisbane, February
Souled Out - Brisbane, February
Knotfest - Brisbane, March
Hello Sunshine Festival - Gold Coast, March - CANCELLED
CMC Rocks - Ipswich, March
Touch Bass - Brisbane, April
Bluesfest - Byron Bay, April
Blues on Broadbeach - Gold Coast, May
Quandamooka Music & Cultural Festival - Minjerribah, August
Bigsound Festival - Brisbane, September
Sweet Relief! - Brisbane, September
Mitchell Creek Rock 'n' Blues Fest - Sunshine Coast, September
Listen Out - Brisbane, October
Earth Frequency Festival - Ipswich, October
Groundwater Country Music Festival - Gold Coast, October
Big Pineapple Festival - Sunshine Coast, October
The Long Sunset - Scenic Rim, November
Maleny Music Festival - Sunshine Coast, November
Woodford Folk Festival - Moreton Bay, December
Jammin - Brisbane, returns 2026
Splendour in the Grass - Byron, returns 2026
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
8 February 2025
Music genres
Alternative Pop, Electronic, Experimental and Punk.
Headliners
Charli XCX
Clairo
Beabadoobee
Bicep
Barry Can't Swim
Souled Out
Souled Out is Australia's first and only new-wave R&B music festival and tours to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Looking for the after party? Don't miss the festival's second Soul Party stage, strictly for partying with international DJ’s.
Where
Brisbane Showgrounds
When
28 February 2025
Music genres
New Wave R&B.
Headliners
Don Toliver
Jhene Aiko
Vince Staples
Knotfest
Returning to Australia, Knotfest celebrates the counterculture of the hugely successful band Slipknot.
Along with a full line-up of heavy metal bands, the festival also includes the Knotfest Museum, celebrating Slipknot’s acclaimed 25-year career.
Where
Brisbane Showgrounds
When
2 March 2025
Music genres
Heavy Metal.
Headliners
Slipknot
A Day to Remember
Hello Sunshine Festival
A sister festival with Melbourne, Hello Sunshine is a summer food and music festival made for the whole family. Included is epic live music, amusement park rides, markets and food stalls.
Where
Southport, Gold Coast
When
8 March 2025 - CANCELLED
Music genres
Pop, Rock, Electronic.
Headliners
Stone Temple Pilots
Smash Mouth
Wolfmother
CMC Rocks
CMC Rocks is arguably Australia's premier country music festival. The popular festival for lovers of everything country includes Honky Tonk Stomp line dancing, a Songwriters Show, Live Band Karaoke, and so much more.
Where
Ipswich
When
21 - 23 March 2025
Music genres
Country.
Headliners
Thomas Rhett
Cody Johnson
Jon Pardi
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
Brisbane Showgrounds
When
19 April 2025
Music genres
Dubstep, Drum and Bass, Trap, Bass House, Hardstyle, Drumstep.
Headliners
Excision
Hedex & Eksman
Camo & Krooked
Mefjus
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 Bay
When
17 - 20 April 2025
Music genres
Blues, Roots, Rock, Soul and Jazz.
Headliners
Crowded House
Chaka Khan
Toto
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
15 - 18 May 2025
Music genres
Rhythm, Blues and Rock.
Headliners
The Cruel Sea
Eli Paperboy Reed
Diesel
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
To be announced (predicted August 2025).
Music genres
Indigenous.
Headliners
To be announced.
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
2 - 5 September 2025
Music genres
All Australian artists.
Headliners
To be announced.
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.
Where
Herston, Brisbane
When
To be announced (predicted September 2025).
Music genres
Dance, Electronic and Pop.
Headliners
To be announced.
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
19 - 21 September 2025
Music genres
Rock, Blues, Southern Rock, Psychedelic Rock and R&B.
Headliners
19 Twenty
Richard Clapton
Reb Fountain
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
To be announced (predicted October 2025).
Music genres
Hip Hop and Electronic.
Headliners
To be announced.
Earth Frequency Festival
This year celebrating its 20th anniversary, 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.
Tickets are selling fast!
Where
Ipswich
When
17 - 20 October 2025
Music genres
Techno, Bass, Reggae, Progressive Trance, Hip-Hop, Psytrance, Dubstep, House, World Music, Drum and Bass, Folk, Funk and Down-Tempo.
Headliners
To be announced.
Groundwater Country Music Festival
Kick-up your cowboy boots at the Gold Coast's free music festival that celebrates all things Country.
Last year 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
17 - 19 October 2025
Music genres
Country.
Headliners
To be announced.
Big Pineapple Festival
Back after its long awaited return, Big Pineapple Festival is all fun and sunshine with 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
25 October 2025
Music genres
Emerging and established Australian artists.
Headliners
To be announced.
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
To be announced (predicted November 2025).
Music genres
Acoustic, Pop, Jazz, Folk, Indie, Rock, First Nations and Queensland musicians.
Headliners
To be announced.
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
7 - 9 November 2025
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
To be announced (predicted December 2025).
Music genres
Folk, World Music, Roots, Blues and Reggae.
Headliners
To be announced.
Jammin
Jammin is Australia's biggest reggae music festival. As well as Brisbane, the 2-day festival tours to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Where
Riverstage, Brisbane
When
Returning in 2026
Music genres
Reggae.
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
Returning 2026
Music genres
Indie, Electronic, Alternative Rock, Pop, Folk, Hip Hop and R&B.
Permanently cancelled festivals
Caloundra Music Festival (Sunshine Coast)
Springtime Festival (Gold Coast)
Island Vibe Festival (Moreton Bay)
About the Author
South East Discovery Tours is a family-run tour company, based in Brisbane, Australia. We specialise 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.