Bluesfest lineup brings legends and future icons to Byron Bay
Bluesfest Australia 2025 lineup brings Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Norah Jones and more to Byron Bay. Which will be an epic five-day celebration. From 27 March to 31 March, the Byron Events Farm transforms into a deep-rooted stage for legends, newcomers, and a sound that refuses to die quietly. Bluesfest isn’t just back—it’s loaded, loud, and ready to define the season.
This year, the lineup cuts deep. Icons stand shoulder to shoulder with future greats. It’s not just a booking sheet—it’s a heartbeat. Across five days, Byron Bay will pulse with blues, rock, roots, and soul in one of the most culturally charged editions of the festival yet. The festival’s identity has always leaned into authenticity and musicianship, and 2025 proves it’s doubling down.
Bonnie Raitt and Buddy Guy headline in style
Bonnie Raitt doesn’t just headline. She reigns. Her voice, her guitar, her fire—they’ve never needed backup dancers or special effects. She’s blues to the bone and Byron knows it. For decades, she’s been a genre-defining force, and her performance at Bluesfest will be more than a setlist—it will be a sermon.
Alongside her is Buddy Guy, in what may be his last-ever appearance in Australia. Touring on a farewell wave, his inclusion makes this edition historic. From Chicago dive bars to world tours, Buddy’s been the common thread in modern blues. He’ll bring raw fretwork, fierce stagecraft, and decades of lineage. This is more than a show—it’s a send-off.
Add Norah Jones to the top line and you’ve got a holy trinity. Her voice glides like smoke through jazz clubs, but here it’ll settle over the Byron fields. Known for her genre-hopping grace and emotional clarity, Norah’s set is bound to add a soulful softness to a lineup built on grit.
Blues, roots, and power from every corner
The Teskey Brothers return as prodigal sons. What began in backyards and bars has grown into international acclaim, but their music still feels homegrown. Their set will be heavy on soul, layered in gospel tones, and fuelled by sincerity. Then there’s Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, whose ability to bend reggae, rock, and rhythm into one political, pulsing beast ensures they’ll hit hard on every beat.
Joe Bonamassa is another thunderstrike on the bill. Regarded as one of the most technically skilled blues guitarists alive, his live shows are sheer velocity. Expect fretwork that melts time signatures and solos that punch through the humid Byron night. His presence confirms what fans already know—this year’s Bluesfest isn’t holding anything back.
Adding to the weight are Crowded House, one of Australia’s most iconic exports. Their inclusion tips the lineup into the mainstream in the best possible way. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” under a Byron moon? That’s not nostalgia—that’s ceremony.
New talent electrifies the undercard
Bluesfest is never just about heritage acts. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram represents the future. Still in his twenties, this Mississippi-born guitarist plays like he’s got ghosts in his amp. His rise has been explosive, and Byron marks his biggest Australian moment yet.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue bring the opposite energy—jazz, funk, and brass-driven chaos. Their sets are athletic, wild, and celebratory. From New Orleans second-line rhythms to explosive horn solos, they’ll turn Bluesfest into a carnival.
Tash Sultana brings a different kind of chaos—one born from looping pedals, multi-instrumental layering, and an unfiltered presence. Their solo sets are hypnotic, and their live act continues to evolve. It’s a performance born in bedrooms, polished on the road, and perfected on festival stages.
First Aid Kit will be there too, offering harmonies that sound like open plains and heartbreak. Their Nordic take on folk resonates deeply, their delivery crisp and aching. John Butler and Xavier Rudd complete the local heavy-hitter section—two longtime Bluesfest favourites whose performances are part ritual, part rally.
More than music: the full Byron experience
Bluesfest has never been just a music festival. It’s a temporary city where music, food, culture, and community take equal billing. With the Byron Events Farm as its backdrop, attendees are immersed in more than just sound—they’re inside an atmosphere.
Expect locally sourced food trucks, artisan stalls, and craft bars serving everything from espresso to microbrews. The festival also leans into sustainability, making environmental responsibility part of its operating DNA. Family-friendly by design, there’s space for everyone—young fans, lifelong heads, and newcomers discovering live music’s transformative pull.
Camping on-site makes the whole thing immersive. Sunrise over the fields, late-night jams, barefoot walks from tent to stage—Bluesfest is a reset button. If you’re showing up for just one day, you’ll wish you’d stayed for five.
Tickets and travel tips for Bluesfest 2025
Tickets are live now through the official Bluesfest website. Options range from single-day passes to full weekend access with VIP perks. Camping packages sell out fast, so early planning is crucial. If you’re flying in, Ballina and Gold Coast airports are the most accessible. Byron’s local shuttle services will be ramped up to help festivalgoers move easily between town and venue.
Accommodation in Byron books quickly, especially over long weekends. Consider staying in Lennox Head or Brunswick Heads for quieter alternatives. Either way, the community energy extends beyond the festival gates.
Final words on Bluesfest Australia 2025 lineup
The Bluesfest Australia 2025 lineup isn’t just strong—it’s seismic. With legends like Bonnie Raitt and Buddy Guy anchoring the weekend, and rising stars pushing the sound forward, this year’s edition is one for the books. If you’re even thinking about going, don’t think too long. Tickets won’t wait, and neither will the music. Byron Bay is calling—and it’s got a groove that runs deeper than ever.
Bluesfest 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.
Will you be there to experience the magic?
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