In a surprising turn of events, Bluesfest, Australia’s iconic music festival, confirmed on April 20 that it will continue beyond its originally planned final year of 2025. The festival is now set to return over the Easter long weekend of 2026, from April 2 to April 5.

A Festival Steeped in History

Established over 36 years ago, Bluesfest has become a cornerstone of the Australian music festival scene. Throughout its long tenure, it has hosted legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, BB King, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, alongside esteemed local acts including Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, and Tash Sultana. This rich history showcases a blend of veteran performers and emerging talents, providing a vital platform for new artists in the industry.

Initial Plans for Closure

Festival director Peter Noble had previously announced that the 2025 event would mark the end of Bluesfest, expressing his feelings in a heartfelt statement about this labor of love for music and community. “To my Dear Bluesfest Family… it’s time to close this chapter,” he stated, indicating that the festival would have its last hurrah in 2025.

Change of Plans: A Revival for 2026

In December, Noble re-evaluated the decision to end the festival, citing strategic reasons to re-engage support from the New South Wales state government. This renewed direction included the announcement of plans to organize performances for a 2026 edition.

During the recent festival, organizers capitalized on the momentum by offering “pre-early bird tickets,” encouraging attendees to secure their spots at favorable rates before the end of the event.

Government Support and Future of Festivals

The same day Bluesfest’s continuation was confirmed, Noble joined Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and comedian Mandy Nolan to support the Australian Greens party’s launch of a Festivals Support Package. This initiative aims to allocate $20 million AUD annually in direct festival grants and includes plans for a thorough review addressing failures in the insurance market affecting the live music sector.

Outlook for the Upcoming Festival

“Our festivals are in crisis,” said Hanson-Young. The proposed support plan is designed to alleviate the pressing challenges faced by the festival industry, including rising operational costs and frequent cancellations. Bluesfest organizers also echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the support will enable Australia’s festival scene to thrive.

The lineup for the 2026 edition has not yet been disclosed; however, it is expected that announcements regarding artists will begin around August or September, consistent with the festival’s traditions.