All The Queensland Music Festivals Happening In 2023

Are you ready to unleash your best dance moves and groove to some killer music this summer? Well after a muddy Splendour in the Grass, it’s safe to say we all deserve it. Instead of slumming it in swamp-like conditions and settling for a pair of Bunnings gumboots, it’s finally time to bring out your glittered get-ups for the ultimate festival experience (well we hope—the weather outlook is not great). 

We’ve lined up the festivals happening this spring, summer and beyond around Brisbane and the coasts that’ll keep you raving all day and night long. So, get your besties together and start planning your outfits, because these are the festivals not to be missed.

Splendour In The Grass

Yep, it's almost time to dig out your tent and gumboots, because Splendour In The Grass has announced its dates for 2023. Celebrating its 21st year (with a stiff drink, we hope), the festival will once again be taking over the North Byron Parklands from Friday 21 July to Sunday 23 July. After a rough few years for the festival, even post-pandemic, you can bet they're going to have something special in the works and the first artist announcement proves it, with Lizzo confirmed to be the headline act. The full line up drops soon, so stay tuned, but also don't wait to jump on those first release tickets when they go on sale on Thursday 23 March, because LIZZO. 

The Long Sunset

Let’s face it, almost every festival has awesome tunes and good vibes, but there’s one thing that truly takes a festival to the next level—a picturesque location. So, when we tell you The Long Sunset is next level wow and the place to groove it up in April, we’re not kidding. Beautiful location in the Scenic Rim with opportune viewing for a perfect autumn sunset? Tick. A killer line-up of artists to get the grooves going? Tick. We’re talking Lime Cordiale, Winston Surfshirt, Hatchie, Sycco, Tia Gostelow and more. Food trucks dishing out eats to keep you going all night long? Tick. Camping and glamping available all weekend? Tick. If you’re not already trying to snatch your tickets to this QLD Music Trails festival, you’ll want to get in quick, here’s where you can find them.

Spring Loaded 

The Aussie rock revolution continues into 2023 with the return of Spring Loaded festival which will be making its way around Australia later this year with Spiderbait, Eskimo Joe, Ratcat, Shihad, Frenzal Rhomb, Magic Dirt, Bodyjar and Screamfeeder bringing all the 90s Aussie rock nostalgia to Bribie Island’s Sandstone Point Hotel in June. In true festival fashion, craft beers and bevvies will be flowing all day long and food trucks dishing up goodies to keep you rocking all night will be available. Tickets will go on sale 24 February and you’ll be able to secure them here. 

Bluesfest 

For the first time since 2019, Bluesfest is opening their doors to international artists from across the globe to bring you what they promise to be their most exciting lineup yet. Featuring some of the finest contemporary and legendary Blues, Roots, Soul, Rock, Hip and R&B music, there are over 40 artists confirmed with many more to come. Despite their new and improved international lineup—that will still include all your favourite Aussie artists—ticket prices will remain the same as 2022 to ensure everyone can have a rocking time over the long weekend.

When: Thursday 6 April to Monday 10 April
Where: Byron Events Farm, Byron Bay,
Find out more here.

Knotfest 

Keen to scream and shout your lungs out? Knotfest, the music and counterculture festival created by the one and only Slipknot, is heading our way in March, bringing with it a stacked line up of hardcore metal bands. With Parkway Drive, Megadeth, Trivium, Northlane, Amon Amarth and plenty more hitting the stage, the festival will also play host to the Knotfest Museum, where you can browse a collection of items from Slipknot’s history. Plus, the whole event is designed as an immersive ‘dark carnival’ experience, featuring fire breathers and nightmarish creatures on stilts—so obviously, we’re in. 

If you prefer to spend your weekends out of town, check out these incredible beach houses around SEQ.

Image credit: Urban List archives

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