THE Maleny Music Festival will return to the picturesque Maleny Showgrounds from 6–8 November 2026, bringing together an impressive lineup of folk, roots, acoustic, blues, world and community performers for another weekend of music, creativity and connection in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Run entirely by volunteers, the festival has built a reputation as one of Queensland’s most loved boutique music events, celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, strong community spirit and diverse program.
Adding to the excitement this year, the festival was recently crowned Festival of the Year in the People’s Choice category at the 2026 Queensland Music Awards. The honour recognised the festival’s ongoing contribution to Queensland’s live music scene and its dedicated volunteer-driven approach.
Interest in performing at the 2026 event reached record levels, with more than 420 artist applications received — the highest number in the festival’s history. With only a limited number of places available, organisers said selecting the final program was both highly competitive and incredibly challenging.
More than 60 artists, bands and community groups, representing an estimated 200 performers, will take part across the three-day event. Festival-goers can enjoy more than 170 concerts, workshops, sessions and participatory activities presented across seven venues and performance spaces throughout the showgrounds.
The diverse program includes acclaimed Australian and international artists alongside emerging performers and local favourites. Highlights include 8 Ball Aitken, Dirty Cello (USA), Rain of Animals (UK), Fred Smith, Kris Mizzi, Hayley Grace & The Bay Collective, The Water Runners, The Salty Sirens, The Tripsy Tipsy Gypsies, Those Folk, Vix and the Slick Chix, Barleyshakes and many more.
International performers travelling from the United Kingdom and the United States will add a global flavour to this year’s festival, while community groups, youth performers and participatory acts will continue to play a central role in the program.
Beyond the music, festival attendees can enjoy workshops, poetry, dance, community singing, music sessions, a youth showcase, lantern parade, market stalls, food vendors and the festival’s popular late-night jams.
Organisers said the event remains focused on bringing people together through shared cultural experiences.
“Maleny Music Festival is about connection, creativity and participation. It’s a place where audiences and artists come together, where new friendships are formed and where the community celebrates the joy of live music and storytelling.”
Held at the Maleny Showgrounds, the festival offers on-site camping, family-friendly entertainment and easy access to the cafés, galleries and natural attractions of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Tickets and camping passes are available now through the festival website. www.malenymusicfestival.com