The sun will soon rise on the 14th Airlie Beach Festival of Music, and taking his own advice to follow it is none other than legendary singer-songwriter, Xavier Rudd.
Headlining the iconic waterfront main stage on Friday, November 6, Rudd is expected to treat the crowd to a mix of new music and classics like Spirit Bird, Storm Boy, and of course Follow the Sun.
“Airlie is a beautiful spot and I’m looking forward to getting back up that way,” he said, adding that the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef was a place where he could happily hang out with his boat.
Joining Rudd on the three-day lineup at Queensland’s premier ‘party in paradise’ are some of the nation’s most celebrated acts, including Hunters and Collectors frontman, Mark Seymour, Aussie icons Mental As Anything, The Whitlams, The Radiators, chart-topper Conrad Sewell, Country artist Adam Harvey, and internationally renowned blues guitarist, Nathan Cavaleri.
With 60 acts across 16 venues – from the big-top tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club to the main strip of Airlie Beach and beyond – here’s what you need to know about the 2026 event.
Pay for three days, party for five
In addition to the weekend of November 6-8, the festival includes a Beach Jam and Welcome Party on Thursday, November 5, and an After Party at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill on Monday, November 9.
Titled ‘Women Who Rock’, the opening event at Magnums features an all-star female cast, of Little Quirks, Loonaloop, Tess Fapani, Carinda Christie Band and Tiffany Grace.
Meanwhile, the After Party will be headlined by Nathan Cavaleri, Skinny Living (UK), Mason Rack Band, Salt & Steel, Zed Charles Band, Matt Tandy and Mango Thieves.
Three-day pass holders have access to both additional events at no extra cost, with general admission three-day tickets priced at $340 and two-day passes costing $250.
Live it up like a rockstar
The Mentals aren’t the only ones who get to ‘Live it Up’, with VIP ticket-holders experiencing rockstar treatment in the main tent.
VIP passes cost $1,200 and include an exclusive ocean-front section, separate amenities, buffet food and a daily six-hour drink package.
Discover new talent
Come for the big names and leave having found new favourites you’d never heard before.
The festival has a proud history of supporting emerging artists through its national Passport to Airlie initiative, dedicated to unearthing talent and launching careers.
Warming the stage for Xavier Rudd on November 6, will be 10 regional finalists from this year’s Passport to Airlie heats, followed by 2025 national winners, Melbourne band, Monroe.
No camping chairs required
Make no mistake – this isn’t your standard stage in a paddock; there’s no need to pack a picnic rug.
With a program spread throughout multiple licensed venues just a short stroll apart, and a free bus service by Whitsunday Transit, festivalgoers experience an entire town coming alive to the sound of music in an atmosphere that’s literally electric.
Thanks to the lack of long queues, it’s about enjoying the music, not waiting in line.
The Ultimate Music Holiday
With jaw-dropping sea views from the main tent and world-famous natural icons just a boat ride away, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a tropical escape with a killer soundtrack.
Tickets are on sale at www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au.
The festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, as well as Whitsunday Regional Council and Whitsunday Sailing Club.
The event was a finalist in the 2026 Queensland Music Awards for the People’s Choice Award ‘Festival of the Year’.
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