Hilltop Hoods, The Rubens, Xavier Rudd: Handpicked Festival just dropped a stacked lineup for 2025
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20.05.2025

Hilltop Hoods, The Rubens, Xavier Rudd: Handpicked Festival just dropped a stacked lineup for 2025

words by staff writer

With Hilltop Hoods headlining the 2025 edition, it’s clear this boutique event is going bigger than ever.

Boutique festival meets world-class lineup; Handpicked Festival 2025 is back in full bloom, and this year it’s bringing an all-star cast of Aussie talent to the vineyards of Lake Breeze Wines in South Australia.

Handpicked Festival

  • When: Saturday 8 November
  • Where: Lake Breeze Wines, Langhorne Creek, South Australia
  • More info here

Check out our gig guide, our stage guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.

Known for their explosive live shows and razor-sharp lyricism, Hilltop Hoods are one of Australia’s most iconic hip-hop acts — and their headline slot promises a high-energy set that’ll turn this vineyard into a full-blown party. Joining them are crowd favourites The Rubens and festival closer Hot Dub Time Machine, whose genre-jumping DJ set is set to bring the vibes to a euphoric finale.

Also making waves is Xavier Rudd, whose spiritual, rootsy blend of folk, blues and reggae brings a grounding presence to the lineup. With his signature mix of acoustic guitar, didgeridoo and harmonica, Rudd will deliver a performance as earthy as the wine-soaked soil beneath your feet.

Fresh off her debut album Hi, It’s Nice To Meet Me, Mia Wray joins the bill with her blend of bold, soulful pop. Having already opened for Vance Joy and The Teskey Brothers, she’s well-prepared to leave a serious impression on the Handpicked stage.

Rising singer-songwriter Marlon, known for his powerful storytelling and Larrakia and Thursday Island heritage, will offer a set full of depth and honesty. Meanwhile, Lotte Gallagher, the Triple J Unearthed favourite, brings dreamy indie-pop charm to the day — a must-catch for new music fans.

Set amongst the gumtrees and vines of Langhorne Creek, Handpicked is a full sensory escape. Think award-winning wines, curated food trucks, a magical cocktail forest, and rolling hills wrapped in music. It’s more than just a festival — it’s a curated experience, built for those who want live music without the chaos.

This year also introduces Wine Down Weekend, a new initiative encouraging festivalgoers to linger longer in the Langhorne Creek region. It’s a chance to explore more local wine, food and hospitality — and support the regional businesses that give this event its heartbeat.

With a killer lineup, stunning location and an effortlessly relaxed vibe, Handpicked Festival 2025 is shaping up as one of the year’s most rewarding music getaways. Melbourne fans, it’s well worth the road trip.