Description
Where music, magic and community collide
by Susie Renton
TN170 May 25
The 2025 Townsville Qld Folk Festival is more than just a weekend of incredible live music, it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and conscious living, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Foots Hill Station, Reid River.
From June 6–8, festival goers will gather and camp to enjoy a soul stirring mix of folk, roots, and world music, explore vibrant markets, taste delicious food, and take part in hands on workshops, all while embracing a strong commitment to sustainability and zero-waste practices.
This year’s full artist lineup has been announced, and it’s packed with some of the most beloved names in the Australian folk scene.
Multi award winning ensemble Austral leads a diverse and exciting bill, alongside crowd favourites David Flower and Tessa Devine, heartfelt harmonisers Those Folk, the cheeky and charming Tuck Shop Ladies, and the wildly theatrical Ungus Ungus Ungus.
These acts and many more promise a soundtrack of joy, storytelling, and connection across the weekend.
Take a stroll through the festival marketplace and discover a world of handmade goods, ethical fashion, and artisan wares.
From hand thrown ceramics to upcycled clothing, artworks, jewellery, and timbercraft, each stall offers something truly unique, often made locally or from sustainable materials.
The clothing and homewares stalls offer the perfect place to refresh your festival look or take home a meaningful memento, all while supporting small, creative businesses that align with the festival’s values of ethical and conscious consumption.
The food at Townsville Folk Festival is as memorable as the music.
A carefully curated range of food stalls will serve up a global smorgasbord.
There will be woodfired pizzas, gourmet vegan dishes, home-cooked Italian favourites, smoky barbecue dishes, coffee, potato treats, fresh juices, sweet treats, and more.
Many stalls use local ingredients and serve with eco-friendly packaging, in line with the festival’s goal to minimise waste and tread lightly on the land.
Creativity is everywhere at the festival, and everyone is invited to take part.
The Folk Fest Rising Stars Band Academy is a collaboration between the Townsville Folk Festival and King Konz School of Music, designed to mentor and showcase emerging young musicians.
Dive into interactive workshops on music, arts, movement, and mindfulness.
Make something with your own hands, learn a new rhythm, or just play for the fun of it.
Kids will love the Kids Fest area filled with fun activities, and the whole family can enjoy dressing up for the Family Parade and then watching the spectacular Circus Alabanza Fire Show, dazzling circus and dance acts, and get involved in the much loved Bush Dance.
Plus, don’t miss the quirky and beloved Homestead with billy tea and damper and the Home Brew Competition, where local brewers share their finest backyard creations in friendly competition.
At its core, the Townsville Folk Festival is deeply committed to protecting the environment.
With dedicated sustainability teams and a push for reusable products throughout the site, the festival is proud to be moving toward zero waste.
Festival goers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, cutlery, and good vibes and take all rubbish home with them.
Want to get even more involved?
A wide range of volunteer opportunities are available, from site set-up, event operations and artist liaison to eco-warrior roles helping the festival stay clean and green or helping with packdown after all the fun.
Volunteering is a rewarding way to connect, contribute, and be part of the community that brings this special event to life.
Whether you’re there for the music, the makers, the food, the fire, the camping or the friendships, the 2025 Townsville Folk Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of inspiration, creativity, and connection with heart, soul, and a deep respect for the land we gather on.
Organised by the passionate volunteers of the Townsville Folk and Acoustic Music Club Inc., this not-for-profit event is a celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and good old-fashioned fun.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned regular, the 2025 Townsville Folk Festival invites you to connect, camp, dance, and dream in a truly magical setting.
Tickets are selling fast—grab yours now at townsvillefolkfestival.com.au
