Australian festivals are disappearing, but doors are still open

These are not just generic mystery billboards that fans have decided to pin on Powderfinger. The displays in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne read like a trail through the band's history.

The biggest giveaway is the campaign name, The Return of the Electric Horsemen. It echoes “(Return Of) The Electric Horseman”, the closing listed track on their 1996 breakthrough album Double Allergic. That album turns 30 this year, which makes the timing interesting, although an anniversary release remains another possible explanation.

Then there is 13.11.2010, spotted on a Brisbane billboard. That is 13 November 2010, the date of Powderfinger's final Sunsets farewell-tour show at Brisbane's Riverstage. It is a reference to the farewell, not an announced date for a new show.

The campaign's seven albums, five members and 18 ARIA Awards clues also match the band. Together, those numbers make a much stronger case than a mysterious horse logo on its own.

Melbourne's displays get even more specific. “TOP: 06” at Melbourne Central lines up with Pick You Up reaching number six in triple j's 1996 Hottest 100. “TOP: 08” at Flinders Street Station matches The Day You Come placing eighth in the 1998 countdown.

Even the copy joins in. “I see your signs on the street now” appears to riff on the opening of My Happiness. Meanwhile, reporting says Powderfinger's official Instagram follows @thereturnoftheelectrichorsemen, and their verified Facebook account has interacted with campaign posts. That suggests the clues have the band's attention.

The suggested Live Nation connection needs more caution: we could not independently verify its involvement in this campaign, so it is not established evidence of a tour.

As of this report, a reunion has not been formally confirmed. The clues point strongly to Powderfinger, but they do not establish what is coming, where it might happen or when tickets might go on sale. Something certainly looks to be stirring.

NYE On The Hill has announced that its 2026 event will be its last. Ball Park Music, The Rions, Old Mervs, Pacific Avenue and BOY SODA are among the farewell bill. Organisers have not given a specific reason for ending it, so we should not invent one.

Birdsville's Big Red Bash will bow out from 6 to 8 July 2027. Its farewell follows the cancellation of the 2026 event after flooding, adding to the extraordinary challenge of putting on a festival in the outback.

Two established stages calling time is a loss for audiences and artists alike. But it is not the whole festival story.

Applications are open for solo artists, duos and bands working in blues, soul and related sounds. Applying is free, and the dedicated artist page gives a closing date of Monday 25 January 2027.

The festival confirms applications are open. Its musician terms say performances are unpaid and preference may go to the local region. The terms list 31 December 2026 as the EOI deadline, but also contain an old key-dates table, so confirm the deadline in the current application process before planning your trip.

The free, volunteer-run street music festival has a live 2027 callout for bands and artists. Its focus is alternative community bands and related arts, making this a more specialised opportunity than a general indie-band showcase. Check the EOI for the practical requirements.

The festival's application page sets September 2026 as the opening month for artist EOIs, and September reporting confirms applications opened for local and touring talent. No current closing date is listed on that page. Follow the festival's current process and check the timing directly.

The band competition is active, with fan voting from 7 to 18 October and November heats. Each city's winner gets a slot on Open Stage 5 at Good Things 2026. The current page confirms voting, but does not establish that new entries are still open or that Canberra acts qualify. Already entered? This is your window to rally support. Looking to enter now? Check with the organisers first.