Bluesfest Byron Bay, Australia's most awarded music festival, has announced that the 2025 edition will be its final curtain call.
After 35 years of celebrating the best in blues, roots music, and beyond, the legendary festival that has brought world-renowned artists to Australia, as well as showcasing homegrown talent, will host its last event at the Byron Events Farm, just outside Byron Bay, NSW.
As the final chapter of Bluesfest’s iconic legacy approaches, fans are encouraged to be part of history. The first of many artist announcements for the 2025 festival, which promises a lineup worthy of this momentous occasion, will be revealed in one week. This will be the last chance to experience the magic, music, and memories that have made Bluesfest a beloved institution. It’s unclear whether there is any future for Bluesfest Melbourne.
The final Bluesfest Byron Bay
- 17 April – 20 April 2025 (Thursday – Sunday)
- Byron Events Farm, Byron Bay
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Bluesfest director Peter Noble OAM expressed the significance of this decision, saying, “Bluesfest has been a labour of love, a celebration of music, community, and the resilient spirit of our fans. But after the 2025 festival, as much as it pains me to say this, it’s time to close this chapter. Next year’s festival will be happening and it definitely is, but it will be our last. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is your last chance to experience our beloved festival.”
The final Bluesfest promises an unmatched lineup, reflecting the rich history and diversity that has defined the festival since its inception. Attendees will not only enjoy great music but also be part of a cultural moment that will resonate for years to come.
Bluesfest has always been more than just a festival; it’s been a gathering of souls, a place where lifelong memories are made, and where music transcends boundaries. The 2025 festival will be a fitting finale, honouring the legacy of those who have made it what it is today – from the artists to the fans.
The legacy of Bluesfest
Bluesfest Byron Bay has been Australia’s premier contemporary blues, roots, and beyond music festival since 1990. What began as a humble celebration of blues and roots music has grown into one of the most significant music festivals in the world. Bluesfest has earned numerous accolades, making it the most awarded music festival in the Australian entertainment industry.
Notable achievements include:
- 1 win at the Keeping the Blues Alive Award Memphis for Bluesfest director Peter Noble
- 9 wins at the NSW Tourism Awards for Major Festivals and Events (6 Gold, 3 Silver)
- Induction into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2019 for three wins in a row
- 8 wins at the North Coast Tourism Awards for Major Festivals and Events
- 4 wins at the Helpmann Awards for Best Contemporary Music Festival
- 1 win at the Helpmann Awards for Best International Contemporary Concert
- 8 wins at the Australian Event Awards for Best Cultural and Music Event of The Year
- 6 nominations for NSW for Major Festivals and Events at the Australian Tourism Awards (2 Silver, 1 Bronze)
- 10 nominations at the Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Year
- 1 win at the Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Decade with a top 10 finish in 2021
- 1 win at the first Variety Awards for Festival of the Year
The final Bluesfest will be a four-day event, held over the Easter long weekend from 17 to 20 April 2025 at the Byron Events Farm, just 11km north of Byron Bay. The festival will continue to uphold its commitment to quality, featuring multiple stages and a diverse lineup that spans the best in blues, roots music, and beyond.
This final edition is not just the end of an era; it’s a celebration of everything that Bluesfest has stood for over the past 35 years – music, community, and unforgettable experiences.
Stay tuned for the first artist announcement soon.
