The end of an era is near for one of Australia’s most beloved music festivals, Bluesfest Byron Bay. After 35 years of celebrating blues, roots, and a wide array of musical genres, the festival will close its doors for good following its 2025 edition. Festival director Peter Noble made the emotional announcement, confirming that the event, which has drawn legendary performers and massive crowds since 1990, will hold its final curtain call in April next year.

For more than three decades, Bluesfest has been a fixture on the Australian music calendar, drawing some of the biggest names in both international and local music to its stage. Over the years, festival-goers have been treated to performances by artists as diverse as Bob Dylan, BB King, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. Australian icons such as Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, and Crowded House have also graced its stages, helping to build the festival’s reputation as a must-attend event.

Despite its storied history and loyal following, Bluesfest has not been immune to the challenges facing the broader festival industry. In announcing the end of Bluesfest, Noble cited rising costs, changes in ticket-buying behavior, and a range of other factors that have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the event. "As much as it pains me to say this, it’s time to close this chapter," Noble said in a heartfelt statement. "Next year’s festival is definitely happening, but it will be our last."

The Swan Song: April 2025
The final edition of Bluesfest will be held from April 17 to 20, 2025, at its long-time home, the Byron Events Farm, located just north of Byron Bay. Known for its picturesque setting and relaxed atmosphere, Bluesfest has been a unique festival experience, combining world-class music with the stunning backdrop of Australia’s easternmost point. Over the years, it has become more than just a music festival; it’s been a celebration of community, culture, and the unbreakable spirit of live music fans.

Bluesfest was first held in 1990, starting as a modest celebration of blues music but quickly growing into one of the biggest festivals of its kind in the southern hemisphere. During its peak years, the festival averaged around 85,000 attendees, with the 2022 post-pandemic event drawing a record-breaking crowd of 102,000 people. However, in recent years, those numbers have dipped, with the most recent edition bringing in fewer than 65,000 festival-goers.

An Industry in Crisis
Bluesfest’s closure comes at a time when the Australian live music scene is facing immense challenges. The festival is one of many casualties in a music industry that has been hit hard by the rising cost of living, extreme weather events, and a shift in consumer behavior. This year alone, major festivals such as Splendour in the Grass, Groovin the Moo, and Spilt Milk have all been canceled or scaled back, signaling a broader crisis in the festival market.

At the 2023 Variety Australia’s Live Biz Breakfast, Noble voiced his concerns about the future of live music festivals in Australia. He called on the government to support the industry, which he described as facing an "extinction event." Despite these calls for assistance, the economic pressures have proven too great for Bluesfest to continue in its current form.

"Government needs to step in and give us a hand up," Noble said. "We don’t want a handout, but our industry is worth saving." However, with no significant government support forthcoming, the decision to close Bluesfest was inevitable.

A Legacy of Music and Memories
As Bluesfest prepares for its final edition, the festival’s legacy as one of the premier music events in Australia is secure. Over the years, the festival has not only brought world-class talent to Australian shores but also provided a platform for local artists to shine. Acts like Xavier Rudd, John Butler Trio, The Waifs, and Cat Empire have all credited Bluesfest with helping to launch their careers and bring their music to a wider audience.

Bluesfest has also been a vital economic driver for the Byron Bay region, with local businesses benefiting from the influx of festival-goers each year. A 2021 study estimated that the Northern Rivers region lost nearly $100 million when the festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the significant financial impact the event has had on the local economy.

Beyond the economic benefits, Bluesfest has fostered a sense of community and shared experience that is difficult to quantify. For many, attending the festival each Easter long weekend has become an annual pilgrimage, a chance to reconnect with friends and family while enjoying some of the best live music in the world.

Looking Ahead
While the news of Bluesfest’s closure has been met with sadness by fans and artists alike, there is also a sense of determination to make the final edition a celebration to remember. "I want to make it the most unforgettable experience yet," Noble said, urging fans to come out for one last hurrah. "If you’ve been thinking about it, now is your last chance to experience our beloved festival."

The first artist announcement for the 2025 lineup is expected soon, with organizers promising to bring back some of the festival’s most iconic performers for the grand finale.

As Bluesfest prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a rich legacy of music, memories, and community. While the future of live music festivals in Australia remains uncertain, Bluesfest’s impact on the industry and its fans will be felt for years to come.

For those who have attended over the years, Bluesfest has been more than just a festival — it’s been a place to discover new music, reconnect with old favorites, and experience the magic of live performance in a truly unique setting. As the final notes ring out across Byron Bay in 2025, one thing is certain: Bluesfest will go down in history as one of Australia’s greatest music festivals.

Bluesfest, Australia’s iconic music festival, will hold its final edition in April 2025, closing a 35-year chapter in Australian music history.