Beyond Jazz Weekender: 15–17 August 2025
Published on 03 June 2025
Think you know jazz? Think again. The inaugural Beyond Jazz Weekender hits Bellingen Memorial Hall from 15–17 August 2025, inviting adventurous audiences to explore a bold fusion of live jazz, club culture, wellness and immersive art experiences designed to thrill the senses.
Conceived to be an annual event to drive destination tourism to the NSW Mid North Coast, Beyond Jazz reimagines jazz as a living, breathing, genre-crossing force. From cutting-edge improvisation to deep club grooves, the weekend promises a vibrant playground of sonic exploration and soulful relaxation.
Expect a dynamic lineup of live jazz performances, including national guest artists collaborating with local talent in The House Band Sessions, alongside an all-weekend DJ program channeling jazz, funk, soul and other jazz-adjacent hybrids. Attendees are invited to take part in dance lessons and to strut their stuff at The Saturday Social, while live podcast interviews, art installations, and roving performers activate every corner of the recently refurbished Hall.
For those seeking balance, the final day of programming consists of a Day Rave-meets-Wellness Retreat, featuring yoga, sound healing, and a curated musical odyssey designed to stimulate both mind and body. Add to that soul food, cocktails, and local hospitality, and you've got a weekend unlike any other.
Mayor, Cr Steve Allan said, “Beyond Jazz Weekender is a celebration of creativity and community, and we’re proud to see Bellingen leading the way in regional cultural innovation.”
“This festival is about more than music—it’s about connection, discovery, and showcasing the incredible talent and spirit that define our Shire,” Mayor Allan added. “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors from near and far to experience everything the Bellingen Shire has to offer.”
With a 600-person capacity and an ambition to grow, Beyond Jazz Weekender is not just a festival, it’s a cultural invitation.
Early bird tickets are available now, with full program details launching on Friday 20 June at: beyondjazzweekender.com.au