Where iconic festival moments meet your dream tropical vacation - three days of live music across 15 venues in paradise.
Friday 6 - Sunday 8 November 2026
From 4pm Friday, 5pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday
15 venues across Airlie Beach (Main Stage at Whitsunday Sailing Club)
From $300 (3-day pass) / VIP from $1,050
18+ for Main Tent / Some venues all ages
Multi-venue Music Festival
Whitsunday Sailing Club
Airlie Beach Festival of Music Tickets
$300 + booking fee
Includes access to Thursday Welcome Party, 3 days of Main Tent and all 15 venues, plus Monday After Party at Northerlies. Free bus transfers included. On sale until 31 January 2026.
$1,050 + booking fee
All standard pass inclusions PLUS ocean-front VIP area with own bar, 6-hour daily food and drink package, dedicated toilets, tables and chairs. Mingle with artists and sponsors all weekend.
TBA
Single day tickets will be released once the full program is announced. Check the official website for updates.
Save the Date
Don't miss the Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2026 - add it to your calendar
๐ Add to Google CalendarGetting to the Festival
600m - 8 minute walk along the foreshore to Whitsunday Sailing Club
1.8km - 5 minute drive or free festival bus
350m - 5 minute walk via the marina boardwalk
About Airlie Beach Festival of Music
The Airlie Beach Festival of Music transforms the entire town into a music playground every November. This isn't your typical festival with sprawling grounds and generic lineups - instead, over 60 artists perform across 15 venues throughout Airlie Beach, from intimate gigs at buzzing bars to unforgettable main stage performances under the Big Tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, steps from the Coral Sea.
Founded in 2013 by local legend Gavin "Butto" Butlin, the festival was inspired by the Tamworth model of spreading music across an entire town. Where two previous festivals had failed, Butto's vision succeeded - choosing the Whitsunday Sailing Club as the main stage location meant everything was within walking distance. Now in its 14th year, the festival has grown into one of Queensland's most celebrated events, winning Festival of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards in 2022.
What makes this festival special is the vibe. You can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef by day and dance under the stars by night. The music doesn't stop at one venue - it flows through the streets, into restaurants and bars, creating an atmosphere where the whole town is your festival. With a mix of Australian legends, international acts, and emerging artists competing in the Passport to Airlie finals, there's something for every music lover.
What to Expect at the Festival
Festival Venues
The heart of the festival. The Big Tent sits right on the point with stunning Coral Sea views. This is where the headline acts perform, with seating provided and your own slice of paradise as the backdrop. 18+ only in this area.
Main Street Venues (free entry with festival pass)
Your festival wristband gets you into all participating venues. Without a pass, most charge a $10 door fee.
Free Entry Venues
These venues have free entry regardless of whether you hold a festival pass:
Where is the Festival Held?
The festival is spread across Airlie Beach's main street and waterfront, with the Main Stage located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on Airlie Point. This stunning venue sits right on the water with views across to the Whitsunday Islands - it's genuinely one of the most spectacular festival backdrops in Australia.
What's Nearby
The Main Stage at the Whitsunday Sailing Club sits at the end of the Bicentennial Walkway, just past the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Most participating venues are on or near Shute Harbour Road (the main street) within easy walking distance of each other.
Coral Sea Marina is home to Sorrento's, one of the participating venues, and makes a great spot for a waterfront meal before catching a show. Looking for places to eat in Airlie Beach? Many of the festival venues double as restaurants, so you can grab dinner and stick around for the music.
What to Bring to the Festival
Essentials
- Your ticket confirmation (phone is fine) to collect wristband
- Photo ID - you'll need it for 18+ venues
- Cash and card - venues vary
- Comfortable shoes for walking between venues
- Light layers for evening
- Phone charger or power bank
- Sunscreen if catching day sessions
Leave at Home
- Folding chairs - seating provided at Main Tent
- BYO alcohol - licensed venues throughout
- Glass bottles
- Large bags or eskies
Getting There & Parking
Free Festival Transport
One of the best things about this festival is the free bus transfers. Show your festival wristband and ride any Whitsunday Transit bus for free during the festival period. There's also a dedicated shuttle service running between the Sailing Club, Main Street venues, and partner accommodation.
Parking
Festival organisers recommend leaving your car at your accommodation and using the free bus transfers. There's no designated festival parking, and street parking in Airlie Beach fills up quickly during the event. If you do drive, find a park on the outskirts and walk or catch the bus in.
Wristband Collection
Present your ticket confirmation at the ticket office at Whitsunday Sailing Club to collect your festival wristband. The office opens from Thursday before the festival - you can collect then or on any day during the festival.
Festival Highlights
Over more than a decade, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music has brought some incredible acts to the Whitsundays:
- 2025: Pete Murray, Jessica Mauboy, The Screaming Jets, Diesel, The Black Sorrows, Choirboys, Bachelor Girl, Tex Perkins & Matt Walker
- 2024: Sweet (UK farewell tour), Rose Tattoo, Pseudo Echo, Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Christine Anu, Southern Sons
- 2023: Ian Moss, Frenzal Rhomb, The Superjesus, Pierce Brothers
- 2022: The Animals, Eskimo Joe, Ben Lee, Rogue Traders (Festival of the Year - Queensland Music Awards)
- Previous years: John Butler Trio, John Paul Young, The Angels, Dragon, Smokie, John Williamson, Rick Price
Passport to Airlie
Running since 2013, Passport to Airlie is a nationwide live music competition for emerging artists. Regional finalists from across Australia compete at the festival, with the ultimate winner securing a main stage spot at next year's event. It's become a legitimate launching pad - over 3,000 acts have entered over the years, and 13 past contestants returned to play the 2025 festival. If you love discovering new music, catch the Passport finals on Friday night.
18+ for Main Tent: The Main Stage area at Whitsunday Sailing Club is strictly 18+. Several Main Street venues allow minors - check the program for all-ages shows.
Book accommodation early: Festival weekend is one of the busiest of the year. Book accommodation well in advance - everything from 5-star resorts to caravan parks fills up fast.
5 days of music: Your 3-day pass actually gets you 5 days of entertainment - Thursday Welcome Party at Magnums, three festival days, and Monday After Party at Northerlies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Airlie Beach Festival of Music family friendly?
The Main Tent at Whitsunday Sailing Club is 18+ only. However, several Main Street venues participating in the festival allow minors during the day. Check the official program for all-ages shows.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, strongly recommended. Early bird tickets offer the best price and the festival often sells out. Gate tickets are available if capacity isn't reached, but at a higher price.
Can I upgrade from general to VIP?
Yes. Email tickets@airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au with your original ticket details and upgrade request. VIP numbers are limited, so don't delay.
Is there parking at the festival?
No dedicated parking is provided. Leave your car at your accommodation and use the free bus transfers - all Whitsunday Transit buses are free with your wristband.
Do I need to bring a chair?
No. Seating is provided under the Main Tent. The festival also has priority seating areas and wheelchair accessibility.
What's included with the Companion Card?
Companion Card holders can request a free companion ticket after purchasing their own ticket. Email tickets@airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au with your companion card and booking details.
We're Airlie Beach locals who've been living and working in the Whitsundays since 2001. We've seen events come and go, and we know what makes a great day out in our town.
We've been attending the Airlie Beach Festival of Music since Butto first launched it. We've watched it grow from a hopeful idea into Queensland's Festival of the Year. There's nothing quite like wandering between venues on a warm November night, discovering new bands in bars and catching legends under the Big Tent.
This guide shares honest local knowledge to help you make the most of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music - no fluff, just practical tips from people who actually live here.
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