This August, Bellingen swings into something special. Beyond Jazz Weekender runs from 15 to 17 August 2025, featuring three days of deep grooves, wild sounds and creative magic in one of the most vibrant little towns on the Mid North Coast.
This isn’t your everyday festival. It’s an experience that blends genre-bending music, wellness, art, conversation and a whole lot of community spirit. Bellingen reverberates with artistic and musical creativity, all of which will be focused on the Memorial Hall, the vibe is intimate and energising, all at once.
Held in Bellingen, just a 30-minute scenic drive from Coffs Harbour, the Beyond Jazz Weekender is set to become a must-do for music lovers and creative explorers alike. Whether you’re local or just passing through, it’s the perfect excuse to shake off the winter blues and dive into something completely different.
What Is the Beyond Jazz Weekender?
At its core, this is a venue-based music and arts festival that invites audiences to experience jazz in a way they have never experienced it before. But don’t expect a narrow definition of the genre. The name might say jazz, but the programming stretches well beyond the norm.
Across the weekend, you’ll hear everything from neo-soul to electronica, ambient beats to Afro-funk, experimental sets to reimagined standards. Some artists lean into improvisation. Others blend acoustic and digital textures in ways that feel fresh and unexpected.
What ties it all together is the intention behind the curation. This is music designed to move you. Not only physically, but also emotionally and creatively. The kind that makes you stop mid-step and listen.
With the live acts and DJs spread across various performance spaces at the Bellingen Memorial Hall, the emphasis is on creating the perfect atmosphere for each style of music. You’re close to the artists, close to the sound and part of the moment.
Check out the latest lineup updates on the Beyond Jazz Weekender website and get ready to discover something new.
Beyond Jazz Weekender Will Have Live Acts And DJs Spread Across Various Performance Spaces At The Bellingen Memorial Hall
Must See
This year’s headliners include legendary Australian saxophonist Sandy Evans, bringing her globally acclaimed sound to an intimate local setting and Horatio Luna, the Melbourne-based future-jazz bassist and beatmaker known for blending house, funk and spiritual groove into something totally fresh. These two artists alone promise boundary-pushing performances that sit at the heart of what Beyond Jazz is all about.
It’s More Than Just Music
One of the best aspects of the Beyond Jazz Weekender is its ability to strike a balance between energy and stillness. There are moments to move and moments to pause. It’s a full-spectrum experience.
Don’t miss the SunDay Rave, which kicks off with a yoga class and features a curated sound healing session. This is an event where you can indulge in wellness activities, artist interviews and interactive installations that go deeper than entertainment.
It’s a space to explore not just new music but new ways of thinking, feeling and connecting. Begin your day with a mass yoga class, followed by a sound healing session. You’ll leave feeling your heart full and your brain buzzing. Or a notebook full of sketches and a playlist of new obsessions.
And don’t worry, there are plenty of quiet spots to relax too. The in-house jazz cafe will be serving up hot food cooked with soul and chill-out zones are there when you need a break between sets.
Monstress Is A Vibrant And Stunningly Confident All Female Quartet And It’s The Stage On Saturday
Listen To The Nu-Jazz/Jazz Doof Sounds Of Horatio Luna On Friday Evening
Experience The Electrifying Sounds Of Contemporary Jazz, On Saturday Evening, Led By Two Of Australia’s Most Acclaimed Saxophonists, Sandy Evans And Andrew Robson
Bellingen Sets the Tone
The setting for the festival is just as important as the music. If you’ve never been, Bellingen is one of regional NSW’s most creative and eco-conscious towns. It’s the kind of place where artists, makers, musicians and dreamers come to slow down and make things.
Framed by forest-covered hills and laced by the Bellinger River, the town has an easy rhythm that feels instantly welcoming. Cafes spill onto the streets, locals stop for chats, and the energy feels open and warm.
While you’re there, make time to explore the town’s legendary Saturday community markets, check out boutique stores and galleries, or take a walk by the river. It’s all part of the weekend. This isn’t just a music event. It’s a cultural escape.
And a special event for everybody is the Bellingen Big Band; performing a free public show, with special guests appearing throughout the morning. Local creativity on show.
An ECO Certified Celebration
The Beyond Jazz Weekender proudly reflects the values of its host town. Both Bellingen and the Coffs Coast region are officially recognised as ECO Destinations. This badge celebrates sustainable tourism and community-led culture.
That means this is a festival that cares. From locally sourced food and minimal-waste practices to thoughtful transport planning and community involvement, the weekend is designed to leave a positive impact.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to carpool, take public transport or stay locally to support small businesses. You’ll also find plenty of plant-based food options, composting bins, and ethical traders doing their bit.
So, while you soak in the music, you can also feel good knowing you’re part of something that supports people and place.
Framed By Forest-Covered Hills And Laced By The Bellinger River, Bellingen Has An Easy Rhythm That Feels Instantly Welcoming
Only An Hour Drive From The Coffs Coast You Will Find Crystal Falls, Located In Dorrigo National Park.
Bellingen’s Legendary Saturday Community Markets Will Feature A Free Public Show From The Bellingen Big Band
Easy to Reach. Hard to Forget
One of the joys of the Beyond Jazz Weekender is how easy it is to get to…and how hard it is to leave. Bellingen is just a short drive from Coffs Harbour, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a complete weekend getaway. And while the festival draws talent and fans from across the country, it still feels low-key and welcoming. No big city hustle. Just good people, great music, tasty food and a beautifully put-together program.
Tickets are limited, and the modest venue size means things can sell out quickly. Head to the Beyond Jazz Weekender website to grab yours.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Into music that evokes a strong emotional response? In that case, if you crave connection and creativity, or if you’re just after a refreshing winter escape, the Beyond Jazz Weekender is singing your number.
This is a regional festival with heart. One that brings world-class sound to local spaces. One that turns a town into a living playlist. One that sticks with you long after the final note.
So come along. Bring your curiosity. Bring your friends. Bring a notebook, a warm jacket and a spirit ready to be surprised. See you at the Beyond Jazz Weekender. Get your tickets today: Tickets — Beyond Jazz Weekender.
