It’s time for Rhythm on the Reef

North Queensland’s much-loved music and arts festival, Rhythm and the Reef, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with its biggest lineup yet!

Taking place across the weekend of 22nd–23rd of August 2025, the festival returns to Mackay for a two-day celebration of live music, community and coastal vibes — headlined by none other than Australia’s darling Amy Shark, one of our most acclaimed and awarded artists. Amy will be joined on the main stage at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre in Mackay’s Botanic Gardens by The Presets, The Jungle Giants, Hockey Dad, 360, Ruby Fields, No Money Enterprise, and there are still many more acts to be announced.

The festival will kick off with an exclusive 18+ VIP pre-party to be headlined by BOO Seeka on Friday the 22nd of August at the McGuires Hotel, and will continue on the Saturday with an all-ages event that will include food trucks, licensed bars, local market stalls, sustainable art installations, and a dedicated VIP lounge.

Organisers say the 2025 edition marks a major milestone for Rhythm and the Reef, which has grown from a grassroots celebration of local music into one of the region’s most anticipated live events.

“We wanted to ramp things up for our 5-year anniversary,” said Co-Event Organiser Michael Delaney. “This lineup sets the tone for the kind of festival we want to be for years to come.”

Despite the growing scale of the event, organisers are keeping accessibilitya priority with Presale waitlist members able to grab tickets starting from just $99, well below the typical price of similar festivals around the country.

Backed by Naming Rights Partner FMS Group and radio partner Hit FM, the event is supported by a strong lineup of local and national sponsors, including Mackay Regional Council, Daly Bay, City Fitness, and more.

Presale begins at 4pm on Wednesday the 28th of May.

Tickets and Information via rhythmandthereef.com