Townsville festival Tropic Fiesta recently unveiled a killer music program spanning across three weekends, 18 venues and over 50 performances. With their crown jewel event Tropic Sounds around the corner hosting the likes of Tones and I, Illy, Pierce Brothers, CLEWS, and more, the organisers have also snuck in a weekend of music fun that is completely free.
From Friday, 19 May, to Sunday, 20 May, you can catch a plethora of incredible artists at East End Fiesta and Street Beats, held in the iconic Flinders Street Entertainment precinct. Sectioning each venue and performance area into genres, it will be easy to run around the precinct catching all your favourite (or soon-to-be favourite) acts.
Following suit, we’re here to take you through the ultimate guide to this entirely free weekend, so we can give you the low-down on which artists are unmissable.
For Folk & Country Lovers
ARIA Award winner and legendary singer-songwriter Pete Murray will be performing his heart out on Friday Night on the Street Beats Main Stage. Making a quick stop in the beautiful sunshine state before jetting off to his European tour, Murray will bring all the tunes to this gig, including his most recent release, The Night Before I Go.
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Also beloved in the Aus folk scene is the incredible Greta Stanley, who will take to the stage on both Saturday and Sunday for East End Fiesta. Drawing from inspirations like Bon Iver and Fleetwood Mac, Stanley has been releasing soulful hit after hit since her start in 2014. Now she commands a stage like no other and continues to enamour audiences with her soulful voice and heartfelt tunes. Be sure to catch her on the Heritage Stage on Saturday and at Townsville Brewing Co. on Sunday!
For Hip-Hop Die Hards
Iconic rapper JK-47 will bring his unique and introspective brand of hip-hip to The Bank Nightclub for East End Fiesta. Releasing his debut album in 2020, Made For This, the lyrical genius has gone from strength to strength, receiving praise for addressing topics like racism, inequality, and the impact of colonisation in his music. He’s a major artist to watch in the Aus Hip-hop landscape, and seeing him perform at a free event will be a treat!
Taking to the stage just before Pete Murray on Friday and Before JK-47 on Saturday, Cloe Terare has her work cut out for her. However, it’s no biggie for the rising star who takes to the stage like a duck to water. Releasing her debut album Burn Book last year, the Toowoomba-based artist has dealt with a flurry of love, especially for girls her age relating to the jovial but sassy nature of her songs. Channelling artists like Ariana Grande and Doja Cat, Terare is the perfect addition to the Australian hip-hop/pop genre.
For Rock Fans
Any rock fans attending the festival this weekend will already know the incredible Eliza & The Delusions, who bring their modern indie sensibilities to Otherwise Bar this Saturday night. Establishing their presence in 2017 with their debut EP, The Deeper End, Eliza and The Delusionals have continued to make waves in the industry, touring around the country and cutting their teeth in the indie rock scene. Influenced by indie rock, punk, and pop, the band’s sound is often described as a blend of 90s alternative rock. This show won’t be one to miss!
Wanting to branch further into the heavier end of the rock genre? Then pop over to FLNDERS Bar & Nightclub to see metal band Ocean Grove close the festival on Sunday night. Forming in 2010, these guys quickly weaselled their way into the hearts of every metal lover in Australia and have lasted the distance. Known for their hectic shows, these guys will have you partying well past your bedtime.
For Pop Fanatics
For those of you out there who are looking for your pop hit this weekend, make it a priority to head over to and catch the incredible Tia Gostelow performing her recently released single, Sour. Chatting with The Music just a few weeks ago, Tia spoke about her plans for her gig at East End Fiesta, and fans are sure in for a treat! Read the full interview here.
If you’re still craving some pop tunes, Clea is one not to miss. Known for her dreamy sound and unique sonic choices, she routinely captivates audiences with her ‘out-of-the-box’ way of performing and singing. Weeks away from releasing her new album, this show will allow fans to catch a glimpse into the new record.
For Electronic & DJ Enthusiasts
If you want to feel the beat in your bones, these recommendations are for you. Electronic rock band Art vs Science will bring the house down at Street Beats on Friday night, bringing back the old party anthem Parlez-vous français? so you can relive your 2010 fantasy. The band will also bring out the big guns from their most recent album, Big Overdrive, which will surely put you in the dancing mood.
Also on the Dj decks will be the incredible alt-dance trio Haiku Hands, who have blown up in recent years for their unique take on dance music. The trio’s newest single, Nunchucka, which was featured in our most recent Hit-List article, was one of their best yet, blending thoughtful lyrics with insanely addictive beats. If that doesn’t get you up, grooving along, nothing will!
For more information on East End Fiesta and Street Beats, head here.