ARIA to Recognize Australian Music Festivals With New Annual Award

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has announced the launch of a new award category for the 2025 ARIA Awards: the ARIA Best Music Festival Award, supported by Tixel.

Created in partnership with the Australian Festival Association (AFA), the new award aims to recognize music festivals that play a critical role in spotlighting and elevating Australian artists. The initiative also seeks to acknowledge the work of festival programmers who actively champion local talent and provide breakthrough opportunities for emerging acts.

To be eligible, a festival must either feature an Australian artist as its headline act or have a lineup comprised of at least 50% Australian artists. Only members of the AFA may submit nominations, and all submissions will be assessed by the full ARIA Voting Academy.

Festival promoters must self-nominate and pay a $400 entry fee (excluding GST). Discounts are available for not-for-profit festivals. Submissions are open now via the ARIA website and will close at 5 p.m. AEST on Monday, Aug. 18.

“Live music festivals are absolutely essential to Australia’s broader music ecosystem: connecting artists with new audiences, and creating critical opportunities for talent development,” ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd stated.

“By introducing the ARIA Best Music Festival Award, we’re recognising those festivals that actively prioritise and champion Australian talent. Festivals shape our music culture, drive industry growth, and play a pivotal role in showcasing the diversity and strength of our local music community.”

Tixel CEO and Co-founder Zac Leigh highlighted the growing support for Australian artists, noting the company’s pride in backing ARIA’s recognition efforts. “Over half of Aussie event goers reported attending a music festival in the past year, and more than 70% still see them as a rite of passage for young Australians,” Leigh explained.

“Connecting more of our artists with this love of the festival experience is essential to sustain the Australian music ecosystem now and into the future.”

Australian Festival Association managing director Olly Arkins added, “This award celebrates the role festivals play in launching careers, building culture and helping Australian music reach new audiences. Festivals are often the first big stage for emerging artists and remain one of the most powerful platforms for artist discovery in the country.”

The 2025 ARIA Awards ceremony will take place later this year. Additional information and submission guidelines for the ARIA Best Music Festival Award can be found on the ARIA website.