A new report from RMIT University warns that Australian music festivals are at risk of extinction unless they adapt to the climate crisis. The study, titled 'Rain, Heat, Repeat: How Music Fans are Experiencing Extreme Weather', found that extreme and unpredictable weather is driving changes in consumer behaviour, leading to late ticket purchases and event cancellations.
Researchers interviewed 1,155 people who attended live music events in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania. Almost one-third said they now check weather forecasts before buying tickets, while 34% said extreme weather has made them more cautious about purchasing. Among regular gig-goers, that figure rose to 44%. One in three said they would avoid a festival if temperatures were forecast to hit 35°C.
The report notes that in a single week last month, 26 live music events were cancelled as the north-east seaboard prepared for Cyclone Alfred. In 2024, major festivals including Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo cancelled due to insufficient early ticket sales, a trend linked to weather-related caution.
Associate Professor Catherine Strong, a sociologist at RMIT, said the normal festival business model relies on early ticket sales, but consumers are now delaying purchases until they can meaningfully assess weather forecasts. This creates financial strain, as late cancellations increase artist fees and insurance costs.
The report also found that 85% of festivalgoers had been affected by floods, storms, heatwaves or bushfire threats at events in the past year. This is pushing consumers toward 'safer' options like large arena concerts, threatening the careers of local musicians who rely on festivals to reach new audiences.
