The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is thrilled to announce the ARIA Award for Best Music Festival will return for a second year with the support of Music Australia, as the ARIA Awards prepare to mark 40 years on Wednesday, 18 November 2026 at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Gadigal land.
Developed with the Australian Festival Association (AFA), the Award recognises the festivals putting Australian artists in front of the audiences that build their careers, as well as the programmers backing local talent on their lineups.
Entries open today and close at 5pm AEST on Friday, 18 September 2026. Entries are open here.
To be eligible, a festival must feature an Australian headline act or a lineup of at least 50% Australian artists, and must be an AFA member. The entry fee is $400, excluding GST, with discounts for not-for-profit festivals.
Laneway Festival won the inaugural award in 2025, having been nominated alongside Ability Fest, Beyond The Valley, Bluesfest Byron Bay and Yours and Owls Festival.
ARIA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “Festivals are where Australian artists meet the audiences that change their careers. Programming Australian talent is a deliberate decision and has a huge impact on the careers of local artists. It is a delight to continue celebrating those who go above and beyond to do this.”
Australian Festival Association Chair, Adelle Robinson, said: “Music festivals are a key part of the music industry’s eco system, and we have seen them platform many Australian artists at the beginning of their career. The Aria Music Festival award recognises the link between Australian music, fans and a unique live experience.”
For more information and to enter, please visit www.aria.com.au/aria-award-for-best-music-festival.
ARIA Hall of Fame
