While some punters may be counting down to the warmth of summer to provide glorious outdoor music festivals galore, we’re thanking our lucky stars for the smorgasbord of fun events just around the corner. From the beloved Royal Queensland show (more affectionately known as EKKA amongst us city folk), to ye ol’ country favourite Gympie Music Muster, there’s no need to wait for a season change with these six Queensland music festivals happening this August!
EKKA (ROYAL QUEENSLAND SHOW) | 9-18 August | Brisbane, QLD
Come one, come all and roll up to Queensland’s favourite carnival – where the country meets the city and rides, pavilions, show bags and local music performances leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store! Whether you need an escape from Sideshow Alley or just need to catch your breath, be sure to check out the array of musical talents strutting their stuff onstage. The legendary Casey Barnes, local up and comer Brooke Lambert and Brisbane’s favourite larrikins, Port Royal are just a few of the artists on the EKKA’s fabulous bill. So grab yourself a hallowed strawberry sundae, sit back and chill out to some blissful tunes! All line-up, event and ticket info available HERE.
EDEN MUSIC Festival | 10 August | Brisbane, QLD
From the team behind PSY ISLAND Festival, PSYDEN and the deep house and prog events at Brisbane’s Capulet comes the inaugural Eden Music Festival. Featuring 16 local and interstate acts, including Queensland natives Mood Swing & Chevy Bass, TOYO and Eddie Thomas, this is the hottest ticket in town for unearthing techno, psy, bass house, deep house and progressive sounds. All line-up, event and ticket info available HERE.
VALLEY FIESTA ‘CHILL’ | 13-29 August| Brisbane, QLD
Proving you can have a festival that keeps the party alive all year-round, Valley Fiesta is warming the hearth in Brisbane’s musical heart (Fortitude Valley) with their winter festivities, aptly titled ‘Chill.’ From the 13-29 August, Brisbanites can enjoy free live music in Brunswick Street Mall from 12-2PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Electronic-pop sweetheart, Phoebe Sinclair, cool kids Dopamine and Nikolaine Martin are just a few of the local acts you can catch. All line-up, event and ticket info available HERE.
THE GULF COUNTRY FRONTIER DAYS FESTIVAL | 15-18 August | Burketown, QLD
Launched in 2017 with a vision to create a landmark Indigenous festival in the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria, The Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival includes Indigenous Australian and international First Nation’s dance performances, the APRA affiliated National Indigenous Rodeo Championships, plus four days of live concerts by some of Australia’s top entertainers. Some of the performers on this year’s line-up include Dan Sultan, Micki Free and Sara Storer. A magnificent showcase of diverse art, culture and music, this is one to put on the bucket list! All line-up, event and ticket info available HERE.
GYMPIE MUSIC MUSTER | 22-25 August | Gympie, QLD
One of Australia’s favourite country music and camping experiences, Gympie Music Muster is in a league of its own, going for nearly four decades strong! There are plenty of reasons to get up early and stay up late including line dancing program Beats And Boots, songwriter sessions and a bush poets breakfast to name a few. Of course it’s the legendary music that keeps muster faithfuls coming back for more and this year is no exception with Kasey Chambers, The McClymonts and Chase Rice just a handful of the stars rounding up this musical rodeo. All line-up, event and ticket info available HERE.
HORIZON FESTIVAL | 23 August – 1 September| Sunshine Coast, QLD
A ten day soiree with a program covering everything from contemporary art and new media installations to film, literature, performance, street art and more, Horizon Festival is igniting the Sunshine Coast’s creative soul this month. Comedian Tommy Little is one famous face who’ll be putting on a show, while the Cubby House program will keep the littlies entertained. There’s heap of local musicians to be seen too, including Bearfoot, Ayla and Band Of Frequencies to name a few. With events catering to all walks of life, this is one festival the whole family will enjoy. All line-up, event and ticket info available HERE.
Feature image: courtesy of Daniel Xavier.
