Category: Festivals

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly are Back With “Sacrosaint”

Slowly Slowly’s Forgiving Spree was one of my favourite albums of 2025. Honestly, I’ve been hanging out for new music ever since its release. My patience has been rewarded with a fantastic new single, “Sacrosaint.” You’re going to want to crank this up music lovers. It’s some of the best rock music you’ll hear this year.

“‘Sacrosaint’ is about the things that we’ve taken for granted, the things that have been sacrosanct in the past, and how we always think they’re going to be there,” explained Slowly Slowly frontman Ben Stewart. “In that laziness, you’re watching the pillars of what holds up your life and society erode. The good in the world felt like it was disappearing. It felt like a big warning sign – if we stop watering those things that are so important for our happiness, it’s over. So, it felt like a warning.”

Slowly Slowly are getting amongst it with performances slated for Good Things and Great Escape. See them anywhere you can this December.

4 December 2026 – Good Things @ Flemington Racecourse, Naarm/Melbourne
5 December 2026 – Good Things @ Sydney Showground, Eora/Sydney
6 December 2026 – Good Things @ Brisbane Showgrounds, Meeanjin/Brisbane
29 December 2026 – 1 January 2027 – Great Escape @ Redbanks, Lutruwita/Nugent

Photo credit: Marcus Coblyn via Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods, Violent Soho, Amy Shark Headlining Castaway

Castaway Festival will be back, bigger and better than ever this year with a eclectic line-up of Aussie talent. Hilltop Hoods, Violent Soho, Amy Shark, Playlunch, Trials, Lyric, and Birdland will play three shows in coastal cities in Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.

“We’re so stoked to be a part of Castaway Festival with this STACKED lineup of incredible acts,” Playlunch enthused. “We’ve had the craziest 18 months and touring select markets with this festival is going to be insane! We’re such big fans of all the acts on the bill and are fresh from our overseas touring of the US and UK/EU … it’s going to be so nice being back on our home turf and kicking off festival season with the biggest party in town!”

“I’m a huge fan of Hilltop Hoods and Violent Soho, I was more than happy to join the boys on the road!” Amy Shark added. “I don’t think you could get a better lineup. Hip-hop, rock and pop – I can’t wait!”

Castaway Festival tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster:

21 November 2026 – Whitfords Nodes Park, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Hillarys
12 December 2026 – Mornington Racecourse, Bunurong Country/Mornington
20 March 2027 – Stuart Park, Woolyungah/Wollongong

Photo credit: Ashlee Jones

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meatstock Plating Up Music and Meats This March

Meatstock is serving up fantastic country music, delicious meats, and more next March. American country stars Nate Smith and Gavin Adcock will headline the events alongside local talents including Imogen Clark, Casey Barnes, Wade Forster, and Bella Mackenzie. There’ll also be a couple of performers exclusive to each location, like Kasey Chambers in Gunaikurnai Country/Gippsland and Lee Kernaghan in Giabal, Jarowait, and Jagera Country/Toowoomba.

And of course if you’re a carnivore, you’re spoiled for choice. Enjoy Brazilian barbecue, slow-cooked meats, and everything in between from some of the country’s best cooks. There’ll also be cooking and Beard & Me competitions, bull riding, axe throwing, and heaps more. If you’re planning to indulge in a few bevvies or attend both days, enjoy the convenience of on-site camping.

Meatstock will hit Lardner Park in Gunaikurnai Country/Gippsland on March 5 and 6 before travelling to Toowoomba Showgrounds in Giabal, Jarowair, and Jagera Country/Toowoomba on March 12 and 13. Tickets are on sale now from Moshtix.

Photo credit: Malte Luk @ Pexels

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Blundell, Lyn Bowtell, and Kylie Fisher Headline Sunset Sounds

As the weather warms up, I’m already thinking about summer getaways. If you are too, perhaps a trip to Woppa/Great Keppel Island is in the cards? This tropical paradise will host a sparkling variety of talent this November when Sunset Sessions returns.

This year’s line-up is stacked, with James Blundell, Lyn Bowtell, and Kylie Fisher all heading up the bill. Lily-Grace Grant, Trent Richardson, The Short Fall, The Loops, Dawn & The Sax, and No Drahma will round out two days of entertainment in one of the most picturesque parts of the country.

“There’s something really special about bringing artists and music lovers together on Great Keppel Island,” Sunset Sounds organiser Amy Harris said. “People come for the music, but they also get to enjoy everything the island has to offer. Whether it’s spending the morning on the beach, catching up with friends over lunch or settling in for an afternoon and evening of live music, it’s a weekend that people remember.”

If you’re keen, I wouldn’t wait too long before organising your accommodation. Options on the island regularly sell out before the festival. If they book out, consider staying in Yeppoon or Rosslyn Bay and catching the ferry across for the music.

Sunset Sessions hits Woppa/Great Keppel Island on November 13 and 14. Tickets are on sale now from the Sunset Sounds website.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Groovin the Moo Announces Comeback Show

Make sure you save the date music lovers because Groovin the Moo is back baby! Australia’s favourite regional festival returns for a very special one-off show in Widjabul Wia-bal Country/Lismore on 9 May.

Way back in 2005, organisers created Groovin the Moo to bring major contemporary music acts to regional centres. That ethos hasn’t changed, so while we don’t know who’ll play this year it’s bound to be big. By focusing on a single show with a single stage, organisers are taking the first steps of a long-term sustainable strategy to return the beloved festival to the regional towns who’ve always supported it.

“This is about bringing Groovin The Moo back in a way that honours what it has always stood for,” said Adelle Robinson, CEO of Fuzzy. “The festival belongs to regional Australia. Returning with a one-off show allows us to focus on doing it with the care and responsibility it deserves while the festival industry continues to navigate rising costs and increased pressure. We are so thrilled to come to Lismore, a place that reflects the spirit and resilience of the communities that Groovin The Moo has supported from the beginning.”

Groovin The Moo will take place at Oakes Oval, Widjabul Wia-bal Country/Lismore from 11 am to 10 pm on May 9. All ages are welcome and $2 from every ticket sold will benefit Our Kids, a vital charity partner that helps children and families stay local when requiring medical care in the Northern Rivers. Stay tuned for the on-sale date and lineup in the coming weeks. The pre-sale sign up is open now, so get on it!

Photo credit: Jordan Munns

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Dempsey, Kashus Culpepper, and Heaps More Join Howlin’ Country

If you were on the fence about attending the Howlin’ Country festival in Mulubinba/Newcastle next month, let me twist your arm. It’s just gotten even cooler, with Alabama’s Kashus Culpepper, Aussie favourites Paul Dempsey’s Shotgun Karaoke, Sweet Talk, The Wet Whistles, Lewis Love, and local legends Grand Pricks and Sharnee Fenwick just added to the bill. That’s in addition to the already announced talents of Lainey Wilson, Morgan Evans, Kaitlin Butts, Flatland Cavalry, Adam Newling, and Tyla Rodrigues. Yes, this lineup is absolutely stacked. Visit the Howlin’ Country website to see all the set times.

The music is the main attraction, but it’s not all that’s on offer. Since this year’s festival lands on Valentine’s Day, the Love Truck will be selling roses, Lil’ Howlers will have handmade love and friendship bracelets, and Ladies Love Country will host some speed dating. Traveller Whiskey will offer samples of Chris Stapleton’s spirits and Tooheys will sponsor the bungee run. The Lil Howlers kids zone has free face painting, a jumping castle, and heaps more for the little ones.

Howlin’ Country hits Newcastle Foreshore on February 14. The long-range forecast says we can expect a perfect day with highs in the mid 20s, so what better way to spend it? Tickets are still available from Oztix, but with the new additions to the lineup don’t expect them to last too long.

Photo credit: Dan Boud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The City of Boroondara Announces Free Summer in the Park Events

What’s better than live music? Free live music. The City of Boroondara is bringing plenty of it to parks and precincts across Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country when its annual Summer in the Park season kicks off later this month. Running from January 29 to February 28, the season features free, all-ages events every Friday night and weekend. The line-up is incredibly diverse, with First Nations and queer artists and performers of all genres represented, so there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy.

“Summer in the Park is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy free, family friendly entertainment in Boroondara’s beautiful gardens and parks,” said West Gault, City of Boroondara Mayor. “With music, kids’ activities, outdoor cinema and more, there’s something for everyone – so bring a picnic and join us for a safe, welcoming celebration of community.”

There’s no need to RSVP. Just turn up and have a good time at these top events:

29 January 2026 – Djirrungana Kulture feat. Culture Evolves @ Maranoa Gardens (from 6 pm)
30 January 2026 – Party in the Park feat. Bumpy, Cookin’ on 3 Burners, and DJ Mz Rizk @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
31 January 2026 – Woody’s Bush Bash in the Mall @ Theatre Place (from 10 am)
6 February 2026 – Kylie and Dannii Disco in the Park feat. Perfectly Queer and DJ Chelsea Wilson @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
7 February 2026 – Classical in the Park @ Alexandra Gardens (from 5 pm)
13 February 2026 – Zorba in the Park feat. Estudiantina of Melbourne @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
13 February 2026 – Cinema in the Park: The Addams Family @ Greythorn Park (from 6 pm)
14 February 2026 – Alternative Valentine’s Day feat. Krystal Rivvers and Vollie @ Junction Skate Park (from 4:30 pm)
15 February 2026 – Lunar New Year in the Park @ Balwyn Park (from 4 pm)
20 February 2026 – Country in the Park feat. Country Struts and Canyon Callers @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
21 February 2026 – Jazz in the Park @ Riversdale Park (from 5 pm)
27 February 2026 – Gusto Gusto in the Park @ Camberwell Civic Precinct (from 5 pm)
28 February 2026 – Opera in the Park: La Dolce Vita @ Canterbury Garden (from 5 pm)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carl Cox, The Presets Headline Field Day’s 25th Anniversary

Is it just me, or does New Years’ have a way of sneaking up on you? With so much focus on Christmas, it’s all too easy to enter the final week of December without any plans to kickstart the year right. So let me make it easy on you, Sounds of Oz readers. Field Day is celebrating 25 years in Eora/Sydney with a massive New Years Day bash.

The likes of Carl Cox and Jamie Jones, The Presets, Deborah De Luca, Bag Raiders, Kölsch, and Patrick Mason will make sure the anniversary celebrations are the ultimate party. New for 2026 is CAMP GROUND, a fresh stage celebrating local queer talent.

“Field Day has always been a space where LGBTQIA+ communities are welcome and celebrated,” organisers Fuzzy said in the presser. “Queer artists and revellers have been a big part of Field Day’s 25 years of success. We’re thrilled to honour that by introducing CAMP GROUND to the festival in 2026 – curated by and for LGBTQIA+ communities, spotlighting some of Sydney’s best.”

Field Day will take over the Domain on January 1. General admission and VIP tickets, along with Fast Forward passes and a fantastic Double Trouble New Year bundle, are all available now from Moshtix.

Photo credit: Jordan Munns

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Morgan Evans Celebrates Hometown With Latest Single, Album

As a Novocastrian born and bred, I’m incredibly proud of the place I grew up and its musical exports. My heart is so full seeing hometown hero Morgan Evans taking the world by storm. His career might have taken him to Nashville, but his heart is never far from Mulubinba/Newcastle.

After recently signing a new deal with the Virgin Music Group, Morgan has just released his latest single “Beer Back Home,” which was no doubt inspired by boozy nights out at local haunts like The Del or Stag and Hunter. The single gives us our first taste of Morgan’s sophomore album Steel City, which drops on March 20.

“I’m stoked to partner with Virgin Music Group on this record,” Morgan said. “They’ve built a global team that gets Nashville, Europe, Australia, and they get me. The industry’s changing fast, but their model keeps artists in control, especially creatively. I couldn’t be prouder of this new music or more excited to share it with the world alongside the legends at VMG. Let’s go!”

Morgan will be back in the Steel City on February 14 for the Howlin’ Country Music Festival. He’ll also play Meatstock in Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba and Gunaikurnai/Gippsland in April before returning to the United States.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Neilson Drops Bold New Folk Single, “Fool’s Gold”

Tom Neilson reminds us that all that glitters isn’t gold with his fantastic new single “Fool’s Gold.” I was instantly struck by its lush sound. Folk music is dominated by stripped-back, acoustic tunes, so hearing a folk song featuring a trumpet and trombone is a real revelation.

While the music makes an instant impact, it’s the lyrics that have really stuck with me. Tom says “Fool’s Gold” is “A song about chasing what glitters, losing your way, and finding what truly matters.”

Tom will celebrate the release of “Fool’s Gold” by playing the Airlie Beach Festival of Music tonight. He’ll also play Bob’s Bar as part of Woodford Folk Festival on Sunday, 28 December and Thursday, 1 January. Tickets are available now through the Woodford Folk Festival website.

Image used with permission from Tom Neilson