Listen Out Festival To Take a Year Off
Organisers have released a statement saying they “hitting pause” on the festival for 2025.
Image Jordan Munns
In another blow to the Australian festival scene, Listen Out is taking 2025 off.
Organisers released a statement revealing they are “hitting pause” on the festival for 2025 but plan on hosting “one-off, carefully curated parties in killer locations around Australia all year long.”
The full statement reads:
“Okay… Deep breath. This one’s tough. Listen Out won’t be going ahead this year.
“We’ve always tried to build something special – where the lineup reflects the culture and the energy flows both ways between the artists and you… The last few years have been tough.
“So, we’re hitting pause on Listen Out as you know it. But we’re not going anywhere.
“Introducing ‘Listen Out Presents’.
“One-off, carefully curated parties in killer locations around Australia all year long! And yes, that means you too Perth, with some of the very best artists in the world.
“We’re still here for the good times… just in a new way. We’re not saying anything else… for now.
“Tomorrow’s got you covered.”
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As reported by The Music, the Australian Festival Association has issued a statement in response to Listen Out sitting out 2025.
“Listen Out has long been a leading voice in Australia’s contemporary music festival landscape, known for championing global and emerging talent with curated line-ups that reflected the culture and energy of the moment.
“Although this marks a change for Listen Out, we commend the team for taking a thoughtful and creative approach. It reflects both the pressures and possibilities of the current festival landscape.
“With complex regulations, rising costs, tight timelines and increasing operational risks, the environment festivals operate in has fundamentally shifted. We are seeing promoters of all sizes adapt in real time.
“Festivals are resilient and deeply committed to connecting artists and audiences. New formats like Listen Out Presents are part of an industry-wide evolution, one that needs to be backed by policy, funding and regulatory reform to ensure a sustainable future for music festivals.
“The AFA will continue advocating for regulatory change, government support, and clear pathways that support innovation, risk and resilience the festival sector demands.”
Last year’s Listen Out festival was a huge success that toured Australia from September to October and featured the likes of 21 Savage, Teezo Touchdown, Jessie Reyez, John Summit, Skepta, Lil Tjay, The Blessed Madonna, Miss Kaninna and more.
