Popular Music Festivals Across Australia to Add to Your Bucket List

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Regional music festivals in Australia have been gaining momentum and luring in crowds from near and far. One such example is Savannah in the Round, which took place in Tropical North Queensland’s Mareeba Rodeo Arena. This festival, now in its fifth year, featured 40 artists playing for over 90 hours across four stages. A unique blend of rock and country music, with acts like Hoodoo Gurus and The Living End alongside country musicians like Kip Moore and Troy Cassar-Daley, drew in a diverse audience. Queensland-based country duo Route 33 have played at the festival multiple times and noted the festival’s growth and evolving atmosphere. Country music and Aussie pub rock have seen a resurgence in recent years, making Savannah in the Round stand out as it combines these two genres on its lineup.

Sound Australia CEO James Dein founded Savannah in the Round with the aim of creating a space for country music enthusiasts from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the outback spirit. The festival has been a boon for Mareeba, known for its avocado and tropical fruit production, as it brings in tourism dollars and showcases the region’s beauty. Mareeba sits close to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, making it an ideal festival backdrop.

In a time where some festivals have struggled with lackluster ticket sales and rising costs, such as Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass, Savannah in the Round’s success is a testament to its unique appeal. Similarly, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville also had a successful year in 2024. This annual celebration of classical music saw record attendance and spending, indicating a growing interest in cultural events in regional areas. The festival’s diverse program and family-friendly concerts have helped attract a new audience while retaining loyal supporters dubbed the ‘Balmy Army’.

Since its humble beginnings in 1977, the Port Fairy Folk Festival, affectionately known as ‘the Folkie’, has grown into a significant event in Victoria. What started as a small gathering of folk music enthusiasts has turned into a massive tourism drawcard, transforming the seaside town of Port Fairy into a bustling hub every March. With a diverse lineup of genres and acts like Cat Power and Glen Hansard, the festival has continued to evolve while staying true to its folk roots. The longstanding success of the Folkie is a testament to the power of community spirit and the enduring appeal of live music events.

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