The event is open to solo artists, duos and bands with a maximum of 5 members.

All applicants must be 18+ at the time of the finals in November 2026.

Regional event sets will be up to 30 minutes, and must include a minimum of 80% original music. Final set times will be confirmed closer to the event date.

Backing tracks that replace live instruments are not permitted. Live looping is allowed, but must be recorded live (not pre-recorded). Any samples must be approved by the event host prior to the event.

Regional representatives selected to perform at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music will be required to perform:

• One 15 minute showcase set (Nov 6) on the Main Stage;
• Two 60-70 minute sets (Nov 7 – 8), with at least 50% original music.

The event is open to most genres, excluding metalcore and deathcore.

Acts may only enter one Passport to Airlie regional event per year. Previous entrants are encouraged to apply again. Previous national winners must sit out one year before re-entering.

Any performer that may be part of a band already on the ABFOM bill must place the Passport to Airlie sets as priority. It is their responsibility to ensure that the billed act fulfils its commitments. An act already booked to play on the bill cannot enter Passport to Airlie as that act.

All acts must arrive at their regional event at least one hour prior to start time. Performance times will be drawn on the day. All participants are required to remain at the event until the regional representative is announced.

PA and backline are supplied by the venue. Acts may be required to use the provided equipment. Any additional or specialised equipment must be arranged in advance with the host and venue.

Acts must confirm availability for all relevant dates, including regional events, finals, and the Airlie Beach Festival of Music (Nov 6 – 8, 2026). Finalists must arrive in Airlie Beach by Thursday afternoon (Nov 5).

Acts progressing through the competition must perform with the same lineup as their regional event.

All artists are expected to actively promote their involvement in Passport to Airlie and encourage support from their audience.

By entering, applicants consent to the use of images and audio for promotional purposes, with credit provided where possible.

Regional representatives will receive a bursary tiered by act size, with $500 awarded to solo artists, $1,000 to duos, $1,500 to trios, and $2,000 to full bands, payable upon invoice after the festival.

Clarification and queries can be made to passport@airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com