Rhythm and the Reef Turns Five with a Festival Lineup for the Ages

The stage is nearly set, the countdown is on, and if you don’t already have tickets, this is your final call! Rhythm and the Reef is back and bigger than ever, celebrating five epic years of music, community, and coastal vibes right here in Mackay.

From Friday, August 22, through to Saturday, August 23, this two-day experience is about to crank the volume on everything we've come to love about this homegrown festival, with a five-star lineup to match the five-year milestone.

Headlining the all-ages Saturday event at Meadowlands Amphitheatre is none other than Amy Shark, the multiple ARIA Award-winning powerhouse who says she “can’t wait to come back to Mackay for this great festival!” Joining her on stage will be The Presets, The Jungle Giants, Hockey Dad, 360, Ruby Fields, No Money Enterprise and more — a stacked mix of indie, hip hop, pop, and festival favourites ready to take over the Botanic Gardens from 1pm to 10pm.

But the party kicks off the night before, with an exclusive VIP 18+ pre-party at McGuire's Hotel on Friday, August 22. Headlined by Boo Seeka, this launch event promises high energy, chilled drinks, and a perfect start to the weekend.

Behind the scenes, organisers James Slade and Michael Delaney have pulled out all the stops to create a festival that’s affordable, accessible and packed with extras. Early bird tickets for pre-sale list members started at just $99 — a refreshing move in a market where similar events hit $140+ straight out of the gate.

“We wanted to ramp things up for our 5-year anniversary,” said Mr Slade.

“If you joined the pre-sale waitlist, you didn’t just get early access — you were entered to win money-can’t-buy experiences across the weekend.”

Mr Delaney added that this year’s lineup “is setting the tone for the future of the event,” noting that Rhythm and the Reef has started to attract serious attention from national — and even international — artists.

Backed by a strong local and national sponsor list, including FMS Group (naming rights partner), Hit FM, Mackay Regional Council, City Fitness, Daly Bay, and many more, this year's event promises not just great music but a full festival experience. Think sustainable art installations, local food stalls, licensed bars, and a VIP area you’ll want to secure a pass for.

🎟 Final tickets are now live at rhythmandthereef.com — and with the event just around the corner, they won’t last long.

Rhythm and the Reef 2025 Key Dates:

• August 22 (7–10pm) – VIP Pre-Party at McGuires Hotel

• August 23 (1–10pm) – Main Festival Day at Meadowlands Amphitheatre

Grab your crew, lock in your outfit, and prepare to celebrate five years of unforgettable moments — Mackay’s biggest weekend of the year is almost here.

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