Next Exit

Overview

Packing the car and heading out on a road trip to a regional festival is a joy that's been missing from our lives for far too long. Whether it's Groovin the Moo, Bluesfest or Splendour in the Grass, the out-of-town festival is always a stellar excuse for a weekend away and a banging road trip playlist. Luckily, a new festival has appeared on the 2021 events calendar, promising all this and a line-up of buzzed-about local talent across four regional NSW cities.

Next Exit Festival will take place across two weekends in May, popping up in Tamworth, Gosford, Batemans Bay and Mudgee. Heading out on the statewide tour is Triple J favourites Ocean Alley and Spacey Jane, pop-punk four-piece Dear Seattle, local pop gem Merci, Mercy and indie duo Clews.

The festival was originally conceived to help bushfire-affected towns by bringing a tourism boost to the area and hiring local suppliers. Although these plans were pushed back due to the pandemic, the four-date festival run will no doubt be a boost for the regional towns involved.

NEXT EXIT FESTIVAL 2021 DATES

Friday, May 21 – Bicentennial Park, Tamworth
Saturday, May 22 – Westport Park, Port Macquarie
Sunday, May 23 – Entertainment Grounds, Gosford
Friday, May 28 – Mackay Park, Batemans Bay
Saturday, May 29 – Mudgee Showground, Mudgee