Australia’s live music scene is no stranger to overcoming challenges — but climate change is bringing a new, growing threat that we can’t ignore.
Our new report, Rain, Heat, Repeat: How Music Fans Are Experiencing Extreme Weather, reveals the increasingly serious impacts of extreme weather on music audiences — and the possible future of live events across the country.
Commissioned by Green Music Australia and co-authored by Associate Professor Catherine Strong, Dr Ben Green, Dr Todd Denham of RMIT, and Dr Lauren Rickards of La Trobe University, the report found that 85% of festival-goers experienced what they perceived to be extreme weather at a music event over the past 12 months.
Through surveys at live music events and festivals across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania, we engaged with a diverse sample of 1155 attendees, spanning ages from 18 to over 60.
The survey aimed to provide an initial snapshot of how, if at all, audience behaviour is shifting in response to climate impacts. We explored whether concerns about extreme weather are influencing ticket purchasing decisions, event attendance, and perceptions of government action on climate.
View the full report and polling data below.
What we discovered was that extreme weather is already changing behaviour:
13% of festival-goers are attending fewer events because of extreme weather.
34% are more cautious about buying tickets.
Among Australia’s most passionate live music fans - those who attend gigs weekly - 44% are more hesitant.
With more than 50 music festivals fully or partially cancelled since 2015 due to extreme weather, and over 26 events wiped out in a single week this year from the risks of Cyclone Alfred, it’s clear that these aren’t just isolated events.
Extreme heat influences attendance
Extreme heat is a key weather concern, with 68% of attendees saying they’ve experienced it at a festival in the past year.
The tipping points are alarming:
One-third of those surveyed would avoid a festival if the forecast hits 35°C.
Two-thirds would stay home if it’s over 40°C.
And if the temperature climbs above 45°C, 84% said they wouldn’t attend.
Rain and flooding are also major factors, especially for New South Wales and Queensland audiences. 45% of attendees have faced heavy rain, and nearly one in five in NSW have experienced flooding impacts at a live event.
Festival Impacts
The report also examines how festivals may be differently impacted by extreme weather across the country. Festivals identified in Creative Australia's Soundcheck report were overlayed with predicted impacts from the IPCC analysis of changes to the Australia climate.
A call to action
Green Music Australia CEO Berish Bilander warns that climate disruption isn’t a one-off crisis like the pandemic — it’s a growing trend that threatens the very heart of Australia's music culture. "Understanding how music audiences are responding to these changes is crucial in shaping the future of live music in Australia," Bilander said. "Without stronger climate commitments, the future of Australia’s music festivals — and the communities they bring together — remains at risk."
This is reflected in the findings which found 81% of those surveyed said governments aren't doing enough to protect live music from climate impacts.
The Rain, Heat, Repeat report offers clear recommendations for action:
- Governments must urgently act on climate science
- Elevate First Nations leadership in climate solutions
- Strengthen protections for live music
- Improve transparency and risk communication for audiences
- Invest in sustainable infrastructure and climate-safe event design
- Introduce consumer protections for ticket holders
- Prioritise research and sector-wide collaboration
Associate Professor Catherine Strong from RMIT University, a co-author of the report says: "Music festivals are an important part of Australia’s cultural landscape. This research shows that the impacts of the climate crisis are already making some audience members think twice about attending festivals, and this is likely to increase. Action is needed now to ensure the sustainability of festivals — while remembering that music festivals are only one small part of what we will lose if we continue on our current path."
Untitled Group Event Manager Miranda Nicol explains the impact on festival organisers "At Untitled Group, we are continuously reassessing the way we run our festivals to align with a proactive climate mindset. As little as five years ago, we could plan our seasonal events with reasonable confidence around a determined weather forecast. Where previously the March Labour Day weekend had cool nights and days sitting in the mid-twenties, we encountered a record-breaking heatwave in 2024 during our Pitch Music & Arts Festival. The heightened fire risks and heat-related health concerns for our patrons ultimately led to the festival’s cancellation."
"The flow-on effect can be seen in a decreased sense of trust in future events, resulting in last-minute ticket purchasing behaviour, and increased queries on heat mitigation strategies prior to purchasing. Whilst these issues present many challenges, we have engaged fire behaviour and heat management experts to work in tandem with trusted emergency service stakeholders to develop scientifically-backed plans to operate safely in this new landscape. Unfortunately, the parameters placed on event infrastructure to suit these changing conditions come at a high cost to independent promoters. With heat and fire-related event cancellation triggers becoming increasingly common, the long-term sustainability of the broader festival community is at risk without concerted climate action and financial support from governing bodies."
No Music on a Dead Planet
The release of Rain, Heat, Repeat comes as part of our NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET campaign — calling on music fans to vote climate. That means backing candidates who will prioritise real climate action: 100% renewable energy, no nuclear, and an end to fossil fuel handouts.
The future of live music — and our planet — depends on it.
