The Gum Ball Festival is back for its 20th year, running from the 25th to the 27th of April at Dashville in the Hunter Valley. What started as a small gathering in a bushland clearing has grown into one of Australia’s most unique and beloved festivals, featuring a carefully curated lineup of rock, folk, blues, and alternative music.

Festival founder Matt Johnston and his team at Dashville have spent two decades crafting an experience that’s more than just music—The Gum Ball is a meeting place for music lovers, artists, and families who want a relaxed, all-ages festival with camping, market stalls, and late-night jam sessions around the fire.

This year’s lineup is set to be a big one, with acts across multiple genres, showcasing both emerging artists and household names. If history is anything to go by, festivalgoers can expect plenty of surprises, guest collaborations, and maybe even a few secret sets.

But The Gum Ball isn’t just about the music. Across the festival grounds, you’ll find incredible food vendors, live art installations, kids' activities, and a real sense of community. Unlike bigger commercial festivals, this one keeps its intimate feel—no massive crowds, no corporate branding, just great music and good people.

For those who’ve been attending since the early years, this 20th-anniversary edition is bound to be something special. If you’re new to The Gum Ball, now’s the perfect time to discover why so many festivalgoers keep coming back year after year.

Tickets are selling fast, so if you’re keen to be part of two decades of musical magic, check out dashville.com.au for more info.