http://www.australianfestivalassociation.com/

Australian Festival Association, Sydney (2026)

10/02/2026

Two days to go until the AFA Forum!

We’re looking forward to bringing members together from across the country for a day of shared conversation and learning.

A strong mix of policy, practice and lessons from the ground, all in one place. ✨

And we’re thrilled to have a special performance from ❤️

06/02/2026

A packed program, great speakers and special guests for the first AFA FORUM 2026 next week!

Exclusively for AFA Members 🎙️

06/02/2026

What actually works at festivals? And where does guidance fall short?

We’ve launched a quick 3-minute industry survey to gather practical input from festival operators, suppliers, and service providers.

Your experience will help inform clearer, more consistent best practice grounded in how festivals actually run.

If you work across festival operations, supply, safety, or delivery, we’d love your input.

Link in comments.

03/02/2026

Just one week to go!

Our first National Members Forum is happening next Wednesday.

A packed program, great speakers and special guests.

Members, don’t forget to RSVP 📧

26/01/2026

Introducing the AFA Forum 2026, our first national forum for members.🎙️🥳

Taking place in Sydney, this is a full day dedicated to the conversations shaping festivals right now, from harm reduction and regulation to international perspectives and AFA’s direction over the next three years.

This is a members-only event. Invitations have been sent via email and registrations are now open. 📧

Sydney. Wednesday 11 February. ☀️

03/12/2025

Victoria has released its Creative State 2028 strategy, outlining the next phase of support for the state’s creative industries.

Congratulations to Colin Brooks MP and Creative Victoria on delivering a framework that recognises the economic strength and cultural impact of the sector. Victoria’s creative industries contribute $41.2 billion to the state’s economy, accounting for 8.4% of total activity, with 4.1% annual growth that continues to outpace the broader economy’s 2.2%.

The strategy also acknowledges the importance of festivals and major events, noting their role in boosting tourism, supporting creative careers, bringing communities together and strengthening regional economies. Programs such as the Victorian Live Music Festivals Fund demonstrate the value of festivals in driving local visitation and business activity.

We look forward to working with Creative Victoria in the new year on the development of the Victorian Music Strategy, and to contributing festival-specific industry insights that support a strong and sustainable future for festivals across the state.

27/11/2025

We’re proud to celebrate AFA Board Members Adelle Robinson and Ryan Sabet, recognised in The Music's Power 50 for 2025 🥳

Their work continues to create opportunities for artists, strengthen festival operations and push for a more sustainable, collaborative industry.

Congrats to Adelle, Ryan and everyone featured this year. 👏

Fuzzy Events
Kicks

24/11/2025

An incredible night at the ARIAs as the first-ever Best Music Festival Award was presented, marking a milestone for festivals and the artists who rely on them. A huge moment for our industry, and one we’re proud to have helped bring to life.

“Super proud to work with ARIA to make this first ever Best Music Festival ARIA Award happen. Festivals are such important platforms for Australian artists to build their fan base and perform on bigger stages. I am so happy we were able to celebrate them with this award.”
– AFA CEO, Olly Arkins

Thank you to for presenting the award, and congratulations to all the nominees

who continue to raise the bar for what Australian festivals can be. A special congratulations to Laneway Festival for making history as the inaugural winner. 🎉

A huge shoutout to the AFA team, our board and our members whose work made this achievement possible. Thanks to for supporting the creation of this award and helping turn the idea into something real.

Festivals play a vital role in discovering talent, shaping scenes and building communities. This celebration was a reminder of just how powerful they are✨

21/11/2025

Laneway Festival has taken out the first inaugural Award for Best Music Festival, presented by 🥳 A huge congratulations to the team on a win 21 years in the making.

From 1,400 people packed into a Melbourne laneway to 200,000 attendees across six cities last year, Laneway has grown through vision, courage and an unwavering commitment to emerging talent. The festival continues to elevate Australian artists and deliver one of the country’s most distinctive music experiences.

Here’s to the next 21 years. 🎉🎉🎉

12/11/2025

NSW Police are appealing a landmark court decision that found they acted unlawfully when strip-searching a festivalgoer at Splendour in the Grass.

The Supreme Court ruled police subjected Raya Meredith to “degrading and humiliating” treatment in 2018, awarding her $93,000 in damages. She went on to lead a class action of 3,000 people strip-searched between 2016 and 2022.

NSW Police have apologised but continue to defend strip searches as a “vital tool” in their arsenal. The NSW Premier Chris Minns is backing the appeal.

AFA CEO Olly Arkins joins the ABC to discuss how these practices have affected the festival landscape in NSW and why reform still matters.

The full story is available at abc.net.au

12/11/2025

NSW Police are appealing a landmark court decision that found they acted unlawfully when strip-searching a festivalgoer at Splendour in the Grass.

The Supreme Court ruled police subjected Raya Meredith to “degrading and humiliating” treatment in 2018, awarding her $93,000 in damages. She went on to lead a class action of 3,000 people strip-searched between 2016 and 2022.

NSW Police have apologised but continue to defend strip searches as a “vital tool” in their arsenal. The NSW Premier Chris Minns is backing the appeal.

AFA CEO Olly Arkins joins the ABC to discuss how these practices have affected the festival landscape in NSW and why reform still matters.

The full story is available at abc.net.au

31/10/2025

📣 Calling all musicians, music businesses and music workers!

In June 2025, Music Australia revealed the music industry generated revenues of $8.78 billion through its landmark report, The Bass Line. Now it’s time to build on that story.

Australians know instinctively – and research confirms – that music brings us together, supports wellbeing and enriches our lives. While its social and cultural value is widely recognised, The Bass Line is the first comprehensive, end to end analysis of Australian music’s economic contribution.

Submissions to The Bass Line – Edition 2 are now open. The survey collects data for FY2024-25 and is open to anyone working across the music sector.

📝 The survey is short, anonymous and takes just 5-10 minutes to complete.

This research will be an ongoing annual series and will inform future policy, investment and support for the music industry. It’s a chance to make sure your part of the sector is represented.

Make your contribution count. Complete the survey by Sunday 2 November.

🔗 Hit the link in bio or visit: tinyurl.com/thebassline2

For more information on The Bass Line:
🔗 Visit creative.gov.au/research

Delivered by McAtamney & Advisors in collaboration with Music Australia.
Image: Full Flower Moon Band at Spaced Out Festival. Credit: James Latter

Australian Festival Association

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