After a strategic hiatus in 2024, the South Australia-based Harvest Rock Festival is back this October with support from the state government and an expanded vision.
Harvest Rock Festival will return to Adelaide in October 2025 following a one-year break, organisers confirmed on Thursday (Aug. 1), marking a strategic continuation of the city’s efforts to position itself as a premier destination for culturally-driven, multi-day music events.
Set for Oct. 25–26, the two-day event will once again be staged at Murlawirrapurka and Ityamai-Itpina / Rymill and King Rodney Parks in the Adelaide CBD. The 2025 edition is presented by Secret Sounds—one of Australia’s leading festival and touring companies—alongside Kicks Entertainment and Live Nation, in collaboration with the South Australian Government via the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC).
Organisers are framing the festival’s return as a significant cultural and economic driver, with Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison stating that Harvest Rock has already contributed AU$34.5 million across its 2022 and 2023 editions.
“Held in 2022 and 2023, Harvest Rock has contributed a combined $34.5 million to the State’s economy. We continue to see the impact major events like this deliver to our economy, while reinforcing our State’s reputation as the ultimate destination for bucket-list events – whether you are a sports fan, art lover, foodie, or just enjoy a good festival,” Bettison said in a statement.
In addition to attracting international headliners—such as Jack White, Beck, Jamiroquai, Sam Fender, and The Black Crowes in past years—the festival has doubled as a platform for South Australian culinary and creative exports, combining live music with wine, food, and art experiences designed to appeal to both local and interstate visitors.
Harvest Rock Festival Director Ryan Sabet described the 2025 edition as part of a long-term strategy to integrate large-scale live entertainment with regional cultural capital. “We’re thrilled to see Harvest Rock return to its Adelaide home to deliver a festival that brings global stadium-sized artists to South Australia, while also championing the region’s world-class food, wine and culture for interstate guests. Harvest Rock not only drives tourism and benefits local businesses, but offers a unique festival experience for all ages across the local community and beyond.”
Only one act—Adelaide rock duo Teenage Joans—has been announced so far, with the full lineup due to drop on Aug. 12. Pre-sale tickets open Aug. 19, with general onsale following Aug. 20.
Since its 2022 debut, Harvest Rock has positioned itself as a key player in the mid-size boutique festival market, offering a city-based alternative to Australia’s increasingly competitive national festival circuit.
Harvest Rock’s return comes amid a volatile year for Australia’s live music sector, with multiple national festivals cancelling or scaling back operations due to rising costs, insurance pressures, and post-pandemic market fatigue. Its 2025 re-entry—backed by government funding and a proven tourism yield—positions it as one of the few boutique events with both brand momentum and institutional support heading into the next financial year.
