Ultimate guide to 2024 music festivals in or near South East Queensland
From Groovin the Moo to Knotfest, Bluesfest and Splendour in the Grass, this is the ultimate guide to 2024 music festivals. ALL THE DETAILS
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South East Queensland music festival fans have endured a wild start to 2024 with big plans - but sadly some cancellations.
A huge line-up of festivals was set to bring a diverse mix of genres and big names to stages near and far – from electric beats to heavy metal roars - though rising costs as seen some since fall by the wayside.
Here is our guide to the biggest festivals of the year >>>
GROOVIN THE MOO
When: Was to be May 5 but cancelled in February
Where: Sunshine Coast Stadium Precinct, Sportsmans Parade
Proposed lineup: Alison Wonderland, Armani White, The Beaches, Claire Rosinkranz, DMA’s, The Grogans, GZA (WU-TANG) & The funky nomads, HOT DUB TIME MACHINE, JACOTENE, Jessie Reyez, JET, The Jungle Giants, Kenya Grace, King Stingray, The Kooks, Mallrat, Meduza, Melanie C DJ SET, Mura Masa DJ SET, Nerve & Friends (ECB & Cloe Terare), The Rions, San Cisco, Stephen Sanchez.
■ See the ultimate 2023 gallery here
CALOUNDRA MUSIC FESTICAL
When: Cancelled in April
Where: Kings Beach, Caloundra
Proposed lineup: Powderfinger, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, John Butler Trio, Jimmy Barnes, Empire of the Sun, The Cat Empire, Jet, The Temper Trap.
KNOTFEST
When: March 24
Where: RNA Showgrounds
What: Following its successful debut in 2023, Knotfest is ready to rock Brisbane once again. This March, RNA Showgrounds will host the festival, boasting a line-up that includes heavyweights like Pantera and Disturbed. The festival will also feature a series of exclusive sideshows, adding to the excitement.
Lineup: Pantera, Disturbed, Lamb of God, Halestorm, The Hu, Asking Alexandria, Wage War, Escape the Fate, Thy Art Is Murder, Skindred, Speed, Windwaker, Brand of Sacrifice, King Parrot.
Tickets: Pre-sale from February 2, general sale from February 6.
BIG GAY OUT
When: Sunday, May 5
Where: Wickham Hotel, Brisbane
What: Brisbane’s signature LGBTQIA+ celebration is set to return with a bang over the May long weekend in 2024, headlined by none other than Spice Girl Melanie C.
The Wickham Hotel will play host to the extravaganza on May 5, marking the festival’s 24th year with its most ambitious line-up yet.
Lineup: Melanie C, Sneaky Sound System, the UK’s Tall Paul, drag sensation Hannah Conda, Briefs Factory, Jarred Baker, and Mega Drag.
Tickets: Tickets for Big Gay Day 2024 go on sale on February 14 at biggayday.com.au
BYRON BAY BLUESFEST:
When: March 28 – April 1
Where: Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah, NSW
What: Just beyond Queensland’s border, the Byron Bay Bluesfest is ready to celebrate its 35th anniversary with an unforgettable line-up. This Easter weekend, music lovers can enjoy a blend of blues, roots, and folk at the Byron Events Farm.
Lineup: Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Infectious Grooves (Robert Trujillo, Mike Muir, Jay Weinberg, Dave Kushner and Dean Pleasants), Katie Melua, The Waifs, Brad Cox, Yirrimal, Dirty Honey, Jerome Williams, Ben Swissa, eMDee, Perry Street Park and Da Manager.
Tickets: Available now at the festival’s website.
PANDEMONIUM:
When: Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28
Where: Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast and Sandstone Point Hotel
What: Musical heavyweights Blondie, Alice Cooper and Placebo are coming to the Gold Coast and Bribie Island to headline an “extraordinary” new festival.
Apex Entertainment head promoter Andrew McManus said they were bringing a “fantastic” show called Pandemonium to the two Queensland venues.
The Gold Coast will be the second last stop for their Australian tour, finishing at Bribie Island on April 28.
In April veteran rocker Alice Cooper defended the show and vowed it will go ahead despite concerns
Lineup: Blondie, Alice Cooper, Placebo, Deep Purple, Wolfmother, Wheatus, Psychedelic Furs, Dead Kennedys, Gang of Four, Palaye Royale, Cosmic Psychos, Gyroscope and Petch.
Tickets: Pre-sale tickets are available from January 22 and general public tickets will go on sale from 9am on January 30.
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS (cancelled)
Was due to be held: July 19 – 21
Where: North Byron Parklands
What: Kylie Minogue was due to headline the show yet in March it was reported the 22nd edition of the festival would be cancelled.
CMC ROCKS
When: March 16
Where: Willowbank
What: The huge crowd at CMC Rocks 2024 has been treated to a tremendous lineup of country music stars, with stars like Lainey Wilson, Chase Rice and Ian Munsick to come on the final day.
Lineup: Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum and Luke Combs
■ See the 2024 gallery here
OUT 2 LUNCH:
When: Saturday, May 4
Where: Coolangatta beach, Gold Coast
What: Gold Coast’s globetrotting superstar DJ Fisher will be headlining and hosting his own festival at one his local beaches alongside a “huge international” line-up.
Fisher revealed one of the worst-kept secrets on the Gold Coast - his own “epic” concert Out 2 Lunch festival, promoted by TEG Live.
Lineup: Flight Facilities, Vintage Culture and Little Shimmy are among the international acts.
Tickets: Tickets go on sale February 9 at 10am and all festivalgoers will have access to free public transport to and from Coolangatta Beach.
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