While it might be cold outside, there is no reason not to start planning or feel the chill and do it anyway.
Here is a list of festivals coming up this month. We are happy to be going along to some of them and will provide you with reviews of the ones we manage to visit.
Festivals are changing, and with that change comes more opportunity, smaller gatherings, local music, and forgive me for saying, cheaper options to be involved. The smaller events are also wonderful for creating community, supporting homegrown musicians and new music. Great reasons to get out there and support live music and your ‘hood.
Some may be too soon. Don’t worry, put them on your calendar for next year.
Thur 11 – Sat 22 June
DARK MOFO
https://darkmofo.net.au/info#festival
Want to get really cold? Head to Hobart for DARK MOFO. Live music of all genres, lots of Tasmanian gourmet food, fires, art and a naked swim on the winter solstice.
Surely there is something for everyone there.
Hobart really surprised us, and this festival was an amazing discovery of the dark side lurking down south, along with so many places and spaces to stay warm.
Fri, 12 June to Sun, 14 June
TOWNSVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL
Now in its 35 year Townsville Folk Festival is moving with the times and continuing to grow. Just out of Townsville at Foots Hill Station. Billed as a local community event most of the acts seem to be new discoveries for those from the southern states, who may not be avid folk music fans, worth putting on the calendar for next year. Fred Smith is always a great story teller through song and Andrew Clermont is a festival favourite.
Sat, 13 June 2026 6.30am – 5pm
LOVE LENNOX FESTIVAL
It’s a bit cool up North at the moment. Lennox doesn’t care, take a surf lesson, if you prefer dry land try skating. If neither of those things grab you, there is always food with a view, a dog show and lots of very cool local music, including Sam Buckley, the rocking JB’s Blues Breakers. If you haven’t seen Bunny Racket, do yourself a favour. Than close it off with Pink Zink. Settle in for some warming local produce for dinner.
Sat, 13 June – 14 June 2026
BILLIBOXFEST
Have you heard of a Cigar box Guitar? If not you are in for a treat if you are around Billinudgel this weekend. These guitars are made from; you guessed it Cigar boxes. Belting out some music on the weekend will be 8Ball Aitken, Brett Littlefair, Johnny Devilseed, Barrel Dawg and many more. Hubcap Stan and the Sidewalk Stompers are sure to have everyone dancing. Call in and grab a ticket with profits going to the MND foundation.
Fri, 18 June and Sat, 19 June, 2026
DRAGON DREAMING – LAUNCH PARTIES
https://www.dragondreaming.com.au/other-events
In the past few years, there have been a couple of ‘Launch’ parties for festivals. Not a bad idea, especially if you are looking for performers or sponsors. Dragon Dreaming is taking the show on the road with two launch parties being held on the North Coast and more in the pipeline.
This is a very idyllic festival. Even though it is held in September, make sure you rug up! The valley around the shores of Lake Burrinjuk (think Yass) are cool. Swimming is for the brave.
The festival is a mix of world, electronic and live music. There are interactive art displays and markets. It has a very chilled, welcoming vibe and the setting is beautiful.
The launch parties are on:
Fri, 18 June at Bellingen Memorial Hall
Sat, 19 June at Byron Bay Arts Factory
If you want to find out more.
The actual festival is Fri 25 Sept to 28 September
Sat, 20 June 2026 10.00am – late
LISMORE LANTERN PARADE
https://www.lismorelanternparade.com.au
Lismore has become infamous for its ability to keep getting up after it’s knocked down. The Lantern Parade is a great example of a return to the things they have always done. This year they have added fire – one of my favourite things. We went a few years ago and the laneways were a source of adventure, with street art, stalls and music. A lot of hidden finds secreted away. The parade is followed by a bonfire and then there is the afterparty through the venues in town.
Fri , 26 June to 28 June 2026
LAVA ARTS MURWILLUMBAH
Creative Caldera Inc is the brains behind Lava Arts, previously Murwillumbah Arts Trail (MAT). The aim is to showcase the work of local artists in Murwillumbah and the local Tweed Villages. There are three Commissioned artist who will be holding performances, workshops and walks to create awareness of their art. The projects have received funding through Regional Arts NSW and look like very unique ways to view art in the local area.
Two venues that will host events include M/Arts, Welcome to Country and opening event and the Citadel with the Sounding the Farm using living acoustics and a contemporary listening experience.
The program is well worth exploring if you are keen to see the diversity of creative endeavours in the Tweed Shire.
This one is a Biennial; if it is too close, keep an eye out for 2028!
Sat, 27 June, 2026
THRASHVILLE
https://www.dashville.com.au/thrashville
Slightly heavier, they say. Combining punk, rock, metal, graff, skating and tattoos in the lush forest of Dashville this festival is a little different. Again, we let down our ideas about the music and the people were surprised at how much we enjoyed the energy of the crowd and the music. They have had their headline act, USA act Fear, cancel due to health issues. Stepping up are Australian punk legends, Cosmic Psychos.
Festival Fiesta Carnivale 