Unmissable music events and festivals in Queensland this spring

From Indigenous music and dance over thousands of years to contemporary pop acts today, the Queensland playlist is a treat for the ears.

With the days getting longer and the evenings warmer, spring is the perfect time of year for live music in Queensland. From a festival on the edge of the turquoise waters in The Whitsundays to one of the biggest music industry events in the world, Queensland is the place to be for beautiful music and good tunes.

To help you plan, we’ve compiled a guide to seven of the best concerts and music events this spring.

Combining the intimacy of a house party with the good vibes of a festival, this year’s Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Fest will feature 120 artists, headlined by the iconic Australian pub rock band, the Radiators.

Set amongst the gumtrees on private property in the Mary Valley, the natural amphitheatre provides for crystal-clear acoustics wafting out over expansive grassy areas bordered by bushland.

The music isn’t the only thing on offer at this family-friendly event, with a multicultural food fest featuring fresh locally grown produce and free on-site camping (for tents, caravans and RVs—you can even bring the dog!).

From the call of sunbirds to the sound of cascading waterfalls and the rhythm of Indigenous dance, Tropical North Queensland has always been a place to listen.

Follow the music through Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef this spring with the Tropics Trail and wander through paradise as you celebrate the cultural heritage of sun-bathed Tropical North Queensland.

This year’s headline event is Dream Aloud (5 Oct), an inaugural celebration of First Nations contemporary music. Coming to Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns, some of Australia’s most exciting Indigenous artists will take the stage, including Baker Boy, King Stingray, Bumpy, Kee-Ahn and more.

Other events will include Shine On Gimuy (3 – 7 Oct), a diverse program of public light art installations, First Nations culture, markets, music and workshops along the Cairns waterfront; and Mareeba’s Savannah in The Round (11 – 13 Oct) where music lovers can camp out and listen to the best in country, roots, rock and pop.

The Scenic Rim Trail (Brisbane)

When: 1 – 3 November 2024

Escape the noise and tune into something beautiful on the Scenic Rim Trail. Taking place in the picturesque Scenic Rim—recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top ten regions to visit in 2022—the Trail connects arts, music and culture with the region’s rolling hills and country charms.

It starts with The Long Sunset (1 – 3 November), a three-day festival in the dreamy Elysian Fields headlined by Matt Corby and Angie McMahon, before Taste of Country (3 November)—there you’ll find delicious food, local wine and exquisite music amongst the vineyards of Overflow Estate 1895.

Live music and the Great Barrier Reef come together at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, featuring more than 50 of the hottest music acts playing in the heart of the Whitsundays and its 74 islands.

Catch the stars of yesterday, today and tomorrow—have a ‘Ballroom Blitz’ with the Sweet or make your way to ‘Funky Town’ with Pseudo Echo, alongside other acts including Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Ash Grunwald and Christine Anu.

Don’t miss Passport to Airlie, Australia’s biggest live original music competition, and the After Party at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill.