ARIA Award for Best Music Festival Returns for Second Year

The ARIA Award for Best Music Festival will return for a second year in 2026, with entries opening today ahead of November’s award ceremony. 

Backed by Music Australia and developed with the Australian Festival Association (AFA), the category recognises Australian festivals that support local artists through their programming. 

To be eligible, festivals must feature an Australian headline act or have a lineup made up of at least 50% Australian artists. Entrants must also be AFA members, with a $400 entry fee excluding GST and discounts available for not-for-profit festivals.

Entries close at 5pm (AEST) on Friday, September 18th.

ARIA introduced the Best Music Festival category last year, with Laneway Festival taking out the inaugural award ahead of fellow nominees Ability Fest, Beyond The Valley, Bluesfest Byron Bay, and Yours and Owls Festival.

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said the returning category was an opportunity to recognise festivals making a deliberate commitment to Australian talent.

“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 added: “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.”

The category returns as the ARIA Awards prepare to celebrate their 40th anniversary this year. The 2026 ceremony will take place at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday, November 18th.