Australia’s Harvest Rock makes a strong comeback after temporary break
Adelaide’s Harvest Rock has successfully made a comeback after a strategic break in 2024. Debuting in November 2022 in Adelaide, the festival has seen performances by renowned artists like Jack White, Sam Fender, Jamiroquai, and Crowded House. The third installment of Harvest Rock is set to return on 25–26 October at Rymill and King Rodney Parks, with only the local rock duo Teenage Joans confirmed to perform at the event so far. The 2025 edition is organized by Secret Sounds in collaboration with Live Nation (parent company) and Kicks Entertainment (subsidiary), along with support from the South Australian Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC).
Ryan Sabet, the festival director of Harvest Rock, expressed his excitement about bringing back the festival to Adelaide to showcase globally recognized artists in South Australia, all while promoting the region’s exceptional food, wine, and culture to visitors from other states. Sabet emphasized that Harvest Rock not only boosts tourism and supports local businesses but also offers a unique festival experience for people of all ages in the local community and beyond.
Zoe Bettison, the Minister for Tourism in South Australia, lauded the return of the festival, stating that it would be a delight for festival enthusiasts and a significant opportunity for the hospitality and tourism sectors in the region. Harvest Rock has made substantial contributions to the state’s economy, generating a combined total of $34.5 million from its previous editions in 2022 and 2023.
The festival’s ability to combine South Australia’s strengths in premium food and beverages with the delivery of memorable events has been a key factor in its success. Bettison highlighted the positive impact that major events like Harvest Rock have on the state’s economy, reinforcing South Australia’s reputation as a premier destination for a variety of bucket-list events catering to sports fans, art lovers, food enthusiasts, and festival-goers.
In addition to the return of Harvest Rock, Secret Sounds-owned Kicks Entertainment has announced the revival of the touring festival Spilt Milk and the introduction of a new country music event that will span multiple cities. These developments signal a hopeful turnaround for Australia’s festival industry, which faced significant challenges last year, resulting in numerous cancellations.
As the festival scene in Australia shows signs of revival and growth, events like Harvest Rock play a crucial role in not only providing entertainment and cultural experiences but also in driving economic activity and promoting the diverse offerings of different regions. The return of Harvest Rock to Adelaide marks a significant milestone in the recovery and reinvigoration of the country’s festival landscape.