Folk & Americana Festivals in Australia & New Zealand

Dirt n Dust Festival is an outback event held annually in Julia Creek, Queensland. It is known for its unique events, such as the Dirt n Dust Rodeo and Australia's Best Butt competition, embodying the spirit of the outback.

The Cobby Riverland Music Festival is a yearly event held over the June long weekend in Cobdogla, South Australia, hosted by the Cobdogla Club and other local venues. It features a lineup of various artists, including country and folk performers.

The Barunga Festival is an annual celebration of remote Indigenous community life, culture, music, art, and sport, held in Barunga, Northern Territory, Australia. It showcases traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, dance, art, and cultural workshops, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Aboriginal culture and also holds historical significance as the home of the 1988 Barunga Statement.

The Winter Wine Festival is an annual two-day music and wine festival held at the picturesque Crooked River Estate in Gerringong, New South Wales, Australia. It offers a blend of live music from award-winning artists and local talent, exquisite wines, gourmet food, and artisan delicacies against a backdrop of rolling hills and ocean views.

The Crows Nest Country Music Festival is an annual event held at the Crows Nest Showgrounds in Queensland, Australia, featuring a lineup of country music artists and a poets' breakfast. The festival, which was awarded the 2020 Community Event of the Year, also offers powered and unpowered camping sites for attendees.

Country Fest Queensland is a premier multi-day music and camping festival in North Queensland that showcases a diverse lineup of international and local country music stars. The event features family-friendly entertainment, including market stalls and community activities, and is set to move to Townsville's Cluden Park for its 2026 edition.

The 35th Townsville Folk Festival, held from 12–14 June 2026 at Foots Hill Station in Reid River, Queensland, is a not-for-profit, family-friendly event celebrating music, arts, culture, and community. It showcases an inspiring mix of folk, acoustic, world, and roots music, alongside workshops, artisan markets, and camping under the stars.

Garrmalang Festival is Darwin's only dedicated First Nations multi-arts event, celebrating the artistic richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in the heart of Larrakia country. It offers a powerful program of storytelling, music, dance, and visual arts, showcasing the depth and beauty of the oldest living culture in the world.

The Yellowbelly Country Music Festival is a popular week-long event held annually at the St George Showgrounds in Queensland, Australia, on the banks of the Balonne River. It features Australian country music artists, bush poetry, and walk-up opportunities for visitors, alongside camping, fishing, and local hospitality.

The Yarrapay Festival is an annual community event held in Yirrkala, Northeast Arnhem Land, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of the Yolŋu people. The festival showcases a vibrant mix of music, dance, art, and traditional practices, offering attendees an immersive experience into Yolŋu culture, featuring performances by local and national First Nations artists.

The Big Red Bash is an iconic music festival held annually in the Simpson Desert near Birdsville, Australia, and is famously known as the world's most remote music event. Staged against the backdrop of the massive Big Red sand dune, it features performances by top Australian artists and offers a unique outback camping experience.

Desert Festival is Central Australia's iconic multi-arts event, held annually in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, showcasing an unforgettable mix of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, immersive experiences, and workshops. It is known for its inclusive programming, local focus, and vibrant energy, celebrating the unique spirit of the desert and centering diverse stories.

Country on Keppel is Australia's only country music festival held on a tropical island, taking place on Great Keppel Island, Queensland. The event, hosted at Great Keppel Island Hideaway, is known for its unique blend of established and emerging country artists, alongside a talent search to nurture new talent, all set against a backdrop of white sandy beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.

Hats Off To Country is Tamworth's annual mid-year country music festival, held in New South Wales, Australia, offering a smaller, more intimate celebration compared to the larger January festival. It features a diverse lineup of country artists across multiple venues, including workshops, and hosts events like the Australian Bush Ballad Awards.

Scouted is South Australia's premier music showcase for unsigned talent, held in Adelaide/Kaurna Yerta, Australia's UNESCO City of Music. It provides emerging artists with a platform to perform for national and international music industry figures, coinciding with the Indie-Con Australia conference and A2IM Indie Week.

The Garma Festival is Australia's largest Indigenous cultural gathering, a four-day celebration of Yolngu life and culture held annually at the Gulkula ceremonial site in remote northeast Arnhem Land. It showcases traditional art, storytelling, song, and dance, and serves as a significant forum for dialogue on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues, attracting leaders from various sectors.

The Desert Harmony Festival is an annual multi-arts and cultural event held in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, Australia, serving as a platform for the region's diverse population to engage with and present the arts. It features a program combining local and national talent, with a strong focus on celebrating Indigenous culture, music, dance, and community connections in the heart of the Barkly region.

The Casino Country Music Muster is a five-day festival held annually in Casino, NSW, Australia's 'Beef Capital,' celebrating authentic Australian country music and community spirit. It features a lineup of established and emerging country artists, alongside family-friendly activities, walk-up sessions, local food stalls, artisan markets, and camping options.

Scots in the Bush is an annual Scottish and Celtic festival held at the historic Boondooma Homestead in Queensland, celebrating the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Scottish Highlands. It features lively bagpipe performances, traditional Scottish dancing, and various activities, making it one of the largest Celtic festivals in Australia.

Black Mountain Unplugged is an intimate, non-profit acoustic music festival held at the foot of Black Mountain in Rossville, Far North Queensland, known as an "anti-festival" for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on community. It features acoustic music on a single stage, camping, and unique games, organized by musicians for music lovers.

The Mundi Mundi Bash is a premier outback music festival held on the Mundi Mundi Plains near Silverton, featuring iconic Australian rock and country performers. This family-friendly camping event offers a unique desert experience complete with world-record dance attempts and stunning sunset views over the Barrier Ranges.

The Gympie Music Muster is an iconic Australian music festival held annually in the Amamoor Creek State Forest, Queensland, celebrated as the country's original bushland music festival. It offers a unique blend of country, blues, folk, roots, and rock music across multiple stages, fostering a strong community spirit and family-friendly camping experience while supporting charitable causes.

East Arnhem Live is a free community music festival held in Nhulunbuy, Arnhem Land, NT, celebrating Yolŋu (Indigenous) and Balanda (non-Indigenous) music and culture. Recognized as Australia's most remote music festival, it brings together musicians from across Arnhem Land with headline acts for a unique cultural experience.

The Pioneer Valley Country Music Festival is one of North Queensland's most entertaining country music events, held in Finch Hatton, Mackay, Queensland. The festival features a talent search with duo and country rock sections, alongside open mic jam sessions for attendees.

BIGSOUND is the southern hemisphere's largest music industry gathering, held annually in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland. It serves as a vital platform for influential tastemakers and music lovers to discover the future of music, featuring a daytime conference and nightly showcases of over 120 emerging artists across multiple venues.

The Nanango Country Muster is an annual four-day festival held in Nanango, Queensland, celebrating Traditional Australian Country Music, poetry, and gospel. It embraces the Australian Bush Lifestyle, offering camping facilities and attracting attendees from across Australia.

The Neurum Creek Music Festival is an annual local acoustic music camping weekend held at Neurum Creek Bush Retreat in Mount Archer, Queensland, Australia. It aims to foster community and inclusion by showcasing established and emerging acoustic musical talents from the region and across Australia in a picturesque camping setting.

The Bony Mountain Folk Festival is a unique, volunteer-run community event held in a 50-acre bush setting in Bony Mountain, Queensland, celebrating Australian history, heritage, and music with Celtic influences. It features Aussie songwriters, bush poets, balladeers, and various musical styles including Celtic, country, and bluegrass, alongside a ukulele school, markets, and a doggie parade.

The Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Festival is a boutique music and camping event held on a private 100-acre property in the Mary Valley of Queensland's Sunshine Coast Hinterland, known for its intimate atmosphere and impressive lineup of blues, rock, and roots artists. It offers free onsite camping, two alternating stages for non-stop music, and a relaxed, community-focused experience in a natural amphitheater setting.

The Mildura Country Music Festival is an annual Australian country music event held in Mildura, Victoria, recognized as Australia's largest independent country music festival. Revived in 2025 as the Mildura Wentworth Country Music Festival, it features over 40 independent artists across 14 venues over nine days in September, emphasizing local promotion and emerging talents.

Wallaby Creek Festival is an annual three-day celebration of music and arts held in the lush wet tropics rainforest of Rossville, Far North Queensland, known for its community-focused, family-friendly, and intimate atmosphere. The festival features live original music across multiple stages, a dedicated Children's Festival, diverse workshops, and a strong environmental focus, with camping included.

Melbourne Fringe Festival is an annual independent arts festival held across various venues in Melbourne. It is an open-access festival showcasing a wide variety of art forms, providing a platform for emerging and independent artists.

The Port Pirie Country Music Festival is an annual event held in Port Pirie, South Australia, dedicated to promoting live country music. Organized by the Northern Country Music Association of SA Inc., it features top Australian country artists performing over several days across multiple venues.

Floriade NightFest is Canberra's after-dark extravaganza, transforming Commonwealth Park into an illuminated wonderland with cutting-edge light installations. This ticketed event features a mesmerising program of live music across multiple stages, street theatre, fire shows, and diverse entertainment for all ages, including an adults-only cabaret.

The Deni Ute Muster is an iconic Australian festival held annually in Deniliquin, New South Wales, celebrating the Australian utility vehicle ('ute') and outback culture. It features live country and rock music, ute competitions, and world record attempts for the largest parade of utes and people wearing blue singlets, attracting tens of thousands of attendees for a unique two-day experience with camping on the Riverina plains.

The Nanga Music Festival is an annual weekend event held at Fairbridge Village in Pinjarra, Western Australia, celebrating acoustic music in a rustic setting. It features intimate concerts, workshops, and communal meals, showcasing Australian acoustic, roots, folk, Celtic, indigenous, and world music artists.

The Mandurah Country Music Festival is a one-day, family-friendly event held in Mandurah, Western Australia, showcasing a stellar lineup of Australia's best established and emerging country music artists. Attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, cold drinks, and market stalls in a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Yours and Owls Festival is Wollongong, NSW's largest annual two-day music and arts festival, known for its diverse lineup of international and local talent. The event offers multiple stages, local arts, food, and beverages by the beach, and notably was the first music festival in NSW to trial pill testing in 2025.

Savannah in the Round is a premier music and camping festival held annually at the Mareeba Rodeo Arena in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. The event showcases a diverse lineup of international and Australian country, rock, and roots artists alongside local food, art, and cultural displays.

Gidgestock Music Festival is a family-friendly, fundraising music festival held annually in a natural amphitheater on a 50-acre property in Gidgegannup, Western Australia. It features over 22 live bands, rustic camping, market stalls, and activities for kids, with all profits donated to various local charities.

The Fleurieu Folk Festival is an annual, family-friendly celebration of contemporary and traditional folk music held in the picturesque town of Willunga, South Australia, and is known as the state's largest and friendliest folk music event. It features over 50 local, interstate, and international musicians across various folk genres, alongside workshops, dance, poetry, and local food and market stalls, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

Groundwater Country Music Festival is a free, three-day event held in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia, transforming the streets and parks into a country music haven with a unique Gold Coast beachside twist. It showcases an impressive lineup of Australian and international country stars across multiple stages, offering diverse genres and activities like beachside line dancing.

The Patchewollock Music Festival is an annual, volunteer-run bush festival held in Patchewollock, Victoria, Australia, known for its unique blend of music, dance, comedy, yarn-spinning, bush tucker, and sheep racing. It offers a diverse lineup of folk, country, blues, rock, and roots music, alongside family-friendly activities and a strong community spirit, with camping being a central part of the rustic outback experience.

The Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival is a three-day, family-friendly celebration of music, poetry, and dance held in Australia's picturesque Kangaroo Valley. It features a diverse lineup of folk, roots, and acoustic artists, alongside blues, gypsy jazz, world music, indie, pop, comedy, workshops, and market stalls, all within a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Parramatta Lanes is a street festival in Parramatta, New South Wales, that offers food and entertainment throughout the city's various streets and laneways. The festival showcases the cultural diversity of Western Sydney through themed sites, performances and food.

The Perth International Jazz Festival is an annual event held in Perth, Western Australia, showcasing a diverse range of international, national, and local jazz talent across multiple venues. It has grown to become a significant cultural highlight, known for attracting world-class and Grammy Award-winning artists.

The Tablelands Folk Festival is Queensland's longest-running folk festival, held annually in the scenic Yungaburra Heritage Village, celebrating music, friendship, and cultural understanding. It features over 50 local and national acts across various genres, alongside storytelling, circus, dance, crafts, and family-friendly entertainment, fostering an intimate, community-driven atmosphere.

The Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival is an annual three-day, family-friendly event held at the Dorrigo Showgrounds in Dorrigo, NSW, Australia, celebrating acoustic folk, bluegrass, and old-time music. It is known for its intimate atmosphere, featuring concerts, workshops, jamming, and an Old-Time Music School, attracting both local and international artists.

The Cradle Country Music Festival is an annual event held in Ulverstone, Tasmania, showcasing a lineup of country music artists. The festival features both mainland Australian acts and local Tasmanian talent, offering multiple days of live music and entertainment.

The Clarence Valley Country Muster is an annual country music festival held in Ulmarra, near Grafton in the beautiful Clarence Valley, New South Wales, Australia. Known for its camping-friendly atmosphere, the festival features a lineup of talented country singers and often coincides with the Grafton Jacaranda Festival.

The Maldon Folk Festival is an annual family-friendly event held in the historic, National Trust classified Maldon township in Central Victoria, Australia, celebrating over fifty years of tradition. It showcases a rich variety of folk, Celtic, bluegrass, jazz, and blues music, alongside dance, theatre, poetry, and interactive workshops, aiming to promote Australian and Multicultural Traditional music and dance.

The Majors Creek Festival is an annual three-day folk and roots music celebration held in the beautiful old gold mining village of Majors Creek, New South Wales, Australia, known for its intimate and family-friendly atmosphere. It features a diverse lineup of folk, roots, and Americana artists across multiple stages, alongside instrumental, singing, and dance workshops, sessions, and bush dances.

Mountaingrass is the official festival of the Australasian Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association of Australia (ABOTMA), held in Bright, Victoria. It showcases bluegrass and traditional old-time music from Australia, New Zealand, and international acts, featuring concerts, workshops, and jam sessions for all skill levels. The event is known for its participative nature, offering opportunities for attendees to learn, share, and play with fellow music lovers.

Wild Horses Festival is an electronic music, arts, and culture festival held in Carapooee West, Victoria, Australia, known for its psychedelic gathering and intimate community atmosphere. The event emphasizes sustainability and features a curated lineup of international and local electronic artists, alongside immersive visual arts and workshops.

Blues at Bridgetown is a long-running annual music festival held in Bridgetown, Western Australia, celebrating blues, roots, and associated genres. The event is known for its community atmosphere, diverse lineup of established and emerging artists, and a popular Saturday street party.

Tunes On The Turf is an annual music festival held at the Dunedoo Sports Club in New South Wales, Australia, showcasing live performances of original Australian music. It is known for its community-driven, "backyard party" atmosphere, attracting both local and wider Australian talent and music lovers.

Handpicked Festival is a family-run music and wine event held annually at Lake Breeze Wines in Langhorne Creek, South Australia, known for its intimate atmosphere amidst vineyards and gumtrees. It offers a curated sensory experience featuring award-winning wines, local food trucks, a "Cocktail Forest," and a diverse lineup of Australian musicians.

The Nariel Creek Folk Festival, held in Nariel Creek, Victoria, Australia, is the oldest continually running folk festival in Australia, focusing on traditional Australian bush music and dance, particularly the unique traditions of the Upper Murray. It is a small, loosely run, volunteer-led event that includes dances, workshops, concerts, and kids' activities, celebrating into the New Year since its inception in the 1960s.

The Woodford Folk Festival is a renowned six-day cultural event held annually in Queensland, Australia, featuring a vast program of music, arts, and workshops across more than 25 stages. It brings together thousands of performers and attendees over the New Year period, culminating in a spectacular fire ceremony that celebrates community and creative expression.

Tanglewood is a family-friendly boutique music and arts festival held over New Year's Eve in Thornton, Lake Eildon, Victoria, Australia. It features a diverse range of music genres, art installations, workshops, and a focus on local talent and a community-driven, intimate atmosphere.

NYE On The Hill is a boutique music and camping festival held in the picturesque rolling hills of South Gippsland, Victoria, Australia, known for its intimate and friendly atmosphere. The three-day event features over 30 bands, DJs, and artists, along with free camping, BYO alcohol, art installations, and morning yoga.

Luliepalooza is Melbourne's iconic rock 'n' roll block party, held annually at Victoria Park in Abbotsford, transforming it into a full-throttle, open-air celebration of music, art, food, and community. The festival, now in its fifth and biggest iteration, features two stages, over a dozen live bands spanning rock, punk, and soul, alongside skate demos, local food and beverages, and a strong emphasis on accessibility.

The Cygnet Folk Festival is an iconic three-day folk music festival held annually in January in Cygnet, Tasmania, Australia, known for its celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit. It showcases an eclectic mix of local, national, and international artists across folk, ethno, world, roots, and acoustic music, alongside dance, poetry, and workshops.

Ocean Sounds Festival is a family-friendly, picnic-style music event held annually on the scenic Churchill Island in Victoria, Australia. The festival features live performances from leading Australian acts alongside a curated selection of regional gourmet food, local wines, and cheeses.

The Tamworth Country Music Festival is Australia's largest music event and one of the world's top country music festivals, held annually over ten days in January. It features thousands of performances across the city and culminates in the prestigious Golden Guitar Awards.

The Macksville Music Muster is a five-day country music festival held annually at the Macksville Showgrounds in Macksville, NSW, Australia, celebrating community and country music. It features a diverse range of local and interstate country artists, along with food stalls, family activities, and camping options.

The Nannup Music Festival is a four-day music and cultural event held annually in Nannup, Western Australia, known for its intimate atmosphere and commitment to showcasing emerging and Indigenous musicians. It features over 100 acts across eight stages, alongside workshops, talks, poetry, camping, kids' activities, food, and artisan markets, all set within a scenic forest and river backdrop.

WOMADelaide is an iconic annual four-day festival held in Adelaide's Botanic Park that celebrates global cultural diversity through world music, arts, and dance. The open-air event features international performers, workshops, environmental discussions, and culinary experiences in a vibrant multicultural setting.

The Yackandandah Folk Festival is an annual three-day event held in the historic town of Yackandandah, Victoria, celebrating folk culture with music, song, dance, poetry, and visual arts. It is a community-run festival known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere, diverse folk performances across multiple walkable venues, and a strong commitment to sustainability.