From humble beginnings in 1990, Bluesfest Byron Bay has earned a stellar reputation as Australia’s premier contemporary blues, roots, and beyond music festival recognised globally for its excellence. Over the years, industry legends including B.B. King, Santana and Bob Dylan graced the Bluesfest stage alongside contemporary greats like Dave Matthews Band, Lauryn Hill, John Mayer, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. Not to mention the never-ending line-up of homegrown Australian artists that have played such as Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Kasey Chambers and Crowded House, plus so many more.

Peter Noble OAM, festival director and the driving force behind the event announced the news in a statement, “Bluesfest has been a labour of love, a celebration of music, community and the resilient spirit of our fans. But after the 2025 festival, as much as it pains me to say this, it’s time to close this chapter,” he said.

“As I said earlier this year at Bluesfest 2024, next year’s festival will be happening and it definitely is, but it will be our last. To my dear Bluesfest family, I want to make it the most unforgettable experience yet. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is your last chance to experience our beloved festival.”

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Bluesfest Byron Bay will not go gently into the night with the first of many artist announcements for the 2025 festival expected to drop next week. The final Bluesfest will be a four-day affair, from April 17–20, inviting festival-goers to be part of history. “This final edition is not just the end of an era, it’s a celebration of everything that Bluesfest has stood for over the past 35 plus years – music, community and unforgettable experiences,” the statement reads.

If you’ve had the pleasure of attending a Bluesfest, you know first-hand the special kind of magic the festival brings. We’ll bring you line-up announcements as they come to light.

Image credit: supplied.