THE award-winning Maleny Music Festival will return to the Maleny Showgrounds from 6–8 November, bringing together more than 60 artists and community performers for a weekend celebrating music, creativity and connection.
Fresh from being named Festival of the Year (People’s Choice) at the 2026 Queensland Music Awards, the volunteer-run festival continues to cement its reputation as one of Queensland’s premier boutique music events.
Festival Director Rachel Clarke said this year’s program reflected the festival’s strong community spirit while showcasing exceptional local, national and international talent.
“This year’s response from artists was overwhelming, with more than 430 applications received the largest in our history,” Ms Clarke said. “Selecting just over 60 acts was incredibly difficult, but we’re thrilled with the diversity and quality of this year’s program.”
The festival will feature more than 170 concerts, workshops, sessions and participatory events across eight venues throughout the showgrounds.
The diverse line-up includes acclaimed Australian performers Fred Smith, 8 Ball Aitken, Dirty Cello (USA), Rain of Animals (UK), Barleyshakes, Kris Mizzi, The Hillbilly Goats Show, Hayley Grace & The Bay Collective, The Water Runners and dozens more alongside local schools, community choirs, dance groups and spoken word performers.
Visitors can also enjoy workshops, poetry, community singing, youth performances, lantern parades, market stalls, food vendors and late-night jam sessions. “Maleny Music Festival is about bringing people together through music, storytelling and shared experiences,” Ms Clarke said.
“It’s intimate, welcoming and community-driven, creating opportunities for audiences and artists to genuinely connect.”
The family-friendly festival offers on-site camping and provides a significant economic boost to the Sunshine Coast hinterland through tourism and support for local businesses.Tickets and camping are available now at www.malenymusicfestival.com.
