Hip Hop & Urban Festivals in Australia

The Brunswick Music Festival is Australia's longest-running inner-city music festival, held annually in Brunswick, Melbourne, featuring a diverse program of live music, performances, and events across multiple venues. It is known for its vibrant Sydney Road Street Party, which kicks off the festival, and its focus on community, inclusivity, and a wide range of local and international musical genres.

Pitch Music & Arts is a premier four-day electronic music and arts festival held annually against the scenic backdrop of the Grampians in Victoria, Australia. The event is renowned for its world-class techno and house lineups, immersive visual art installations, and avant-garde stage architecture.

Good Gumnuts Festival is an all-ages music festival held annually in Burnie, Tasmania, known for its blend of national acts and community-focused experiences. Originating as a grassroots gathering, it now features a diverse lineup alongside workshops, art installations, and circus performances, maintaining a strong emphasis on inclusivity.

Rolling Loud Australia is the regional edition of the world's largest hip-hop festival, featuring a high-energy lineup of international and local rap superstars. The event brings the premier global urban music experience to major Australian cities, showcasing the massive influence and diversity of the hip-hop genre.

Golden Plains is an annual boutique music festival held at the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre in Victoria, Australia, known for its eclectic lineup and "No Dickheads" policy. The event features a single stage and a non-commercial ethos, offering a communal camping experience during the Victorian Labour Day long weekend.

The Gerringong SurfLife Music Festival is a weekend celebration of music, surfing, food, and coastal culture held in Gerringong, NSW, Australia, with a focus on raising funds for youth mental health. The event features live music, talks from surfing legends, a classic surf car showcase, and a surfboard swap.

Rabbits Eat Lettuce is an annual electronic music and arts camping festival held in the Australian wilderness, typically occurring over the Easter long weekend. The event offers an immersive sensory experience featuring diverse musical lineups, workshops, and large-scale art installations within a community-focused environment.

Byron Bay Bluesfest is Australia's premier contemporary blues and roots music festival, held annually over the Easter long weekend at the Byron Events Farm in Tyagarah. Since its inception in 1990, it has become one of the world's most highly awarded music festivals, featuring a diverse lineup of international and local artists.

Touch Bass Festival Perth is an annual electronic music festival in Perth, Western Australia, celebrating bass, trap, dubstep, and drum and bass genres. It is distinguished by its meticulously curated lineup of international and local artists, custom-designed sound system, and cutting-edge visual production.

Touch Bass Brisbane is Australia and New Zealand's premier single-day bass music festival, held annually in Brisbane, Queensland, and renowned for its focus on drum & bass, dubstep, trap, and bass house. The event is celebrated for its explosive lineups featuring global titans and rising stars, coupled with state-of-the-art sound systems and immersive visual production.

Touch Bass Festival is Australia and New Zealand's premier bass music event, celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2026. It is renowned for delivering cutting-edge bass, drum and bass, and trap music with formidable international and local artists, immersive production, and towering sound systems.

Ultra Australia is a premier electronic dance music festival and part of the global Ultra Music Festival brand, showcasing world-class international DJs across multiple stages. Held in major cities like Melbourne, the event features high-end production and immersive performances that attract thousands of fans annually.

Ultra Beach Gold Coast is a premier single-stage electronic music festival held at Broadwater Parklands, featuring top-tier international DJs and high-end stage production. This boutique seaside event is part of the global Ultra Worldwide brand, offering an immersive outdoor dance experience for electronic music fans in Australia.

In the Pines is Western Australia's original and longest-running boutique music festival, held annually in the idyllic surrounds of UWA's Somerville Auditorium in Perth. The festival showcases 20 of WA's best local artists across two stages and serves as a vital fundraiser for community radio station RTRFM, also featuring a dedicated sensory zone for neurodivergent attendees.

The Gum Ball is an intimate, family-friendly boutique music and arts festival held annually at the Dashville bushland estate in Australia's Hunter Valley. The event features a diverse lineup of live music, camping, and creative workshops within a relaxed and inclusive community setting.

Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia's largest non-ticketed music festivals, held annually in Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland, offering four days and nights of live rhythm and blues music across multiple indoor and outdoor stages. The festival features a wide array of international and homegrown artists, transforming the beachside precinct into a vibrant celebration for music lovers and fostering strong community ties.

BASSINTHEGRASS is the Northern Territory's largest music festival, held annually at the scenic Mindil Beach in Darwin. The event showcases a diverse mix of international and Australian artists across various genres, attracting thousands of fans to its iconic tropical setting.

The WA Day Festival is a free, two-day metropolitan festival held in Perth, Western Australia, celebrating the state's people, culture, and shared identity. It features a diverse program of live music from local artists, family-friendly entertainment including carnival rides, drone shows, fireworks, and a variety of food and cultural experiences.

Listen Out Melbourne is an annual Australian music festival held in Melbourne, Victoria, known for its curated blend of hip-hop, indie, and electronic music. This one-day event typically features a diverse lineup of both international and local artists performing across multiple stages.

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 Mornington Winter Music Festival is an annual event held in Mornington, Victoria, Australia, over the King's Birthday long weekend, transforming the town's streets, bars, and restaurants into a vibrant hub of live music. It features a diverse program of free and ticketed events across multiple venues and street entertainment, showcasing genres like jazz, blues, soul, R&B, rock, and acoustic music.

Peak Festival is an annual winter music festival held in Perisher Valley, NSW, Australia, marking the start of the ski season with free entry. It features live music across seven stages, alongside snow sports and family-friendly activities, creating a vibrant alpine playground.

Dark Mofo is an annual midwinter arts and culture festival in Hobart, Tasmania, hosted by the Museum of Old and New Art to celebrate the southern winter solstice. The event features provocative art installations, live music, and communal rituals such as the Winter Feast and the Nude Solstice Swim.

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.

Stonefest is an annual music festival held at the University of Canberra in Bruce, ACT, Australia, celebrating the university's foundation and recognized as Canberra's last surviving music festival. Organized as a not-for-profit event by the University of Canberra Union, it features national headliners and local talent across two stages, with a focus on affordability and student services.

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 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 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.

Rhythm and the Reef is a music and arts festival held in Mackay, Queensland, celebrating live music, community, and coastal vibes. The regional event, which has grown from a grassroots celebration, features a diverse lineup of Australian artists and aims to leave a lasting impression on local and intrastate attendees.

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.

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.

Wonder Mountain is an intimate, genre-blurring music festival held annually in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, primarily at the historic Tanswells Hotel. The festival emphasizes local talent and community, offering a diverse lineup of disco, funk, indie, experimental pop, soul, and house music in a unique country-town setting.

Harvest Rock is an annual two-day music festival held in Adelaide, South Australia, combining a diverse lineup of international and Australian musical artists. The festival is also a celebration of South Australia's exceptional food and wine culture, featuring premium dining options, pop-up cellar doors, and a dedicated culinary stage.

Jazz in the Square is a free, full-day jazz event held in the heart of Melbourne's Federation Square, celebrating International Jazz Day. It showcases the richness and diversity of the Australian jazz community, featuring performances by over 100 emerging and established jazz artists.

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is an annual ten-day event held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, showcasing a diverse range of local and international jazz artists across numerous venues. The festival features over 130 performances, including commissioned new works and world premieres, with a commitment to offering free or low-cost programming to ensure accessibility.

RNB Fridayz Live is an annual multi-city concert tour in Australia dedicated to R&B and hip-hop music, featuring a lineup of prominent artists from classic and contemporary eras. The festival is known for its high-energy performances, nostalgic anthems, and bringing together fans of all ages for a massive party experience.

The Airlie Beach Music Festival is a premier multi-day event in the Whitsundays that transforms the tropical town into a massive stage with dozens of acts across various waterfront venues. It features a diverse lineup of legendary performers and emerging talent, offering a unique "party in paradise" experience against the backdrop of the Coral Sea.

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.

Adl 500 - Bands on Track is a music festival held in Adelaide, South Australia, as part of the larger Adelaide 500 motor racing event. It is distinctive for showcasing local contemporary South Australian musicians who perform alongside international headliners.

The Queenscliff Music Festival is an award-winning annual event on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula that features a diverse lineup of contemporary Australian and international music. This family-friendly celebration transforms the historic coastal township into a vibrant hub of live performances, local produce, and community-driven arts across multiple stages.

Meredith Music Festival is an annual three-day independent music event held at the Supernatural Amphitheatre in Victoria, Australia. It is widely celebrated for its diverse lineups, single-stage format, and its legendary 'No Dickhead Policy' which fosters a unique communal atmosphere.

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.

Beyond The Valley is a premier Australian multi-day music and arts festival held annually over the New Year's Eve period at Barunah Plains, Victoria. It features a diverse lineup of electronic, indie, and hip-hop artists alongside immersive stage designs and boutique camping experiences.

Lost Paradise is an iconic New Year's Eve festival held in Glenworth Valley, Australia, blending a diverse music lineup with arts, wellness, and boutique camping. This eco-conscious celebration features world-class acts and immersive cultural experiences within a scenic hidden valley.

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.

Wildlands Festival Brisbane is a premier annual summer music event held at the Brisbane Showgrounds, featuring a world-class lineup of dance, electronic, indie, and hip-hop artists. The festival is renowned for its immersive stage production and high-energy atmosphere, serving as a major highlight of Australia's New Year celebrations.

No One But Us is Perth's New Year's Day celebration, held at Langley Park, uniting cutting-edge names in drum & bass, UK rap, and underground club culture. The 18+ festival boasts global heavyweights, rising stars, and huge production in a city-front location.

Snack Festival is Western Australia's largest New Year's Eve festival, held annually at Claremont Showgrounds in Perth. The event features multiple European-style stages with diverse electronic music acts, rides, games, themed bars, and unique attractions like a wedding chapel and tattoo parlor, all culminating in a spectacular midnight fireworks countdown.

The Ice Cream Factory Summer Festival is an experiential arts and music event held in Northbridge, Perth, transforming a 7000sqm former ice cream factory site into a custom-built, multi-stage venue. It offers a month-long celebration of live and electronic music, art installations, and pop-up experiences, featuring both international and national artists.

The Balit Narrun Festival, also known as Share the Spirit Festival, is Victoria's longest-running First Peoples festival held annually in East Melbourne, celebrating the survival of First Nations people in Australia. This free, family-friendly event showcases a diverse range of Indigenous music, art, craft, and culture, featuring live performances across various genres.

AO Live is an extensive music and entertainment festival held at Melbourne Park in conjunction with the Australian Open tennis tournament. The event features a diverse lineup of international and local artists performing live concerts and DJ sets across multiple stages during the Grand Slam.

Festivale is Tasmania's premium summer event, a three-day celebration showcasing Tasmanian food, beverages, and entertainment, held annually in Launceston's iconic City Park. It is considered one of the best food and wine festivals in Australia.

Party in the Paddock is Tasmania's premier multi-day music and arts festival, featuring a diverse lineup of international and local indie, rock, and electronic artists at Quercus Park. The event offers an immersive cultural experience by combining live performances with art installations, comedy, and a vibrant community atmosphere in a scenic rural setting.

Laneway Festival Gold Coast 2026 marks the debut of this influential contemporary music festival in the Gold Coast, Australia, held at Southport Sharks. Renowned as a tastemaker event, it curates high-impact lineups featuring both high-profile and emerging artists from around the world.

Laneway Festival Sydney is a major touring music festival that originated as a Melbourne street party and has grown to showcase a curated lineup of breakthrough international and local artists, primarily focusing on indie rock, indie pop, and rock genres. Held annually at Centennial Park, it is known for introducing Australian audiences to new and emerging talent.

Laneway Festival Melbourne is an annual indie and alternative music festival that originated in Melbourne, Australia, in 2005. It has grown into a multi-city touring event across Australia and New Zealand, renowned for its boutique atmosphere and focus on discovering and showcasing emerging local and international talent.

The Riverboats Music Festival is the Murray River's premier contemporary music event, held annually in Echuca-Moama, Victoria, under towering river red gums in a natural amphitheatre. It offers an intimate, single-stage experience featuring acclaimed artists, local food, and historic paddlesteamer cruises.

Laneway Festival Adelaide is the South Australian stop of an annual indie music festival known for showcasing emerging alternative and indie talent. It emphasizes artist discovery, diverse lineups, and boutique-scale productions, fostering inclusive and community-driven experiences.

Live at Warrawee is a free, family-friendly live music event held in Warrawee Park, Oakleigh, Victoria, Australia, offering a relaxed picnic atmosphere. The festival showcases a diverse lineup of local talent across genres like soul, jazz, funk, Balkan brass, and neo-traditional Greek music.

The St Kilda Festival is Australia’s largest free community celebration, held annually in February along the iconic Melbourne foreshore to showcase local music and art. This multi-day event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors for live performances, street markets, and family-friendly activities in a vibrant seaside setting.

Laneway Festival Perth is the Western Australian edition of the long-running "tastemaker" music festival, known for its carefully curated lineups featuring dream debuts, long-awaited returns, and exclusive performances from indie and emerging artists. Held at Arena Joondalup, the festival is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for music lovers.

The Mountain Goat Valley Crawl is an annual free music festival held across multiple venues in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It features over 40 artists across 8 stages, offering a diverse lineup of Australian music acts, from established headliners to emerging talent.

The Cobargo Folk Festival is a welcoming, family-friendly event featuring three days of folk and roots music in the NSW village of Cobargo, Australia. It is known for its intimate size, fun and friendly vibe, and high-quality artistic program, offering a rich tapestry of live music and performing arts, including diverse folk, roots, First Nations, spoken word, and storytelling.