The Sunshine Coast is set to hum with six string spirit this November as the third annual Noosa Guitar Festival returns from November 23 – 30, 2025, followed closely by Brisbane guitar virtuoso Simon Gardner’s album launch for his sixth studio release, The Spirit of Energy, on November 27.
Presented by Wild Goat Entertainment and Big Sky Guitar Productions, the Noosa Guitar Festival has quickly become one of Australia’s premier celebrations of the instrument, expanding this year across a string of scenic Queensland venues. Performances and workshops will take place not only at Noosa’s beloved Music at Noosa and the historic Majestic Theatre in Pomona, but also at Norton’s Music Factory in Caloundra and the Gold Coast’s creative hub Mo’s Desert Clubhouse.
The 2025 lineup boasts a thrilling mix of styles and generations: Daniel Champagne, Lecia Louise, Kathleen Halloran, Hat Fitz, and Spanish flamenco master Paco Lara with special guest Camaron De La Vega. From finger-picked folk and rootsy blues to fiery flamenco and rock theatrics, the festival offers an inspiring week of performances and masterclasses celebrating the guitar in all its forms.
Among the featured artists is Simon Gardner, one of Queensland’s foremost rock guitarists, whose technical command and melodic flair have earned him acclaim over a 25-year career performing alongside legends such as Joe Satriani, Phil Emmanuel, and Kevin Borich. Gardner will use the festival season to build momentum toward his own headline event – the launch of his new instrumental album The Spirit of Energy at The Royal Hotel, Nundah on November 27.
Supported by groove outfit Busta Mauve, the Brisbane show promises to be a powerful showcase of Gardner’s distinctive blend of melody, emotion and virtuosity. The record follows the singles The Highland Runner and Café Racer, both highlighting Gardner’s flair for weaving cinematic textures with technical precision. His music, often heard on Guitar Gods and Masterpieces on 7mate, continues to reaffirm his standing as one of Australia’s most expressive instrumental storytellers.
Reflecting on the broader scene, festival participant Dominic Ward of the Solstice Guitar Duo recalls how connecting with artists such as Gardner during previous editions “was a fantastic opportunity, it inspired us to explore new styles in our own music.” That sense of shared inspiration is precisely what both the Noosa Guitar Festival and Gardner’s new album embody: a collective celebration of energy, craft and the enduring allure of the guitar.
The 2025 Noosa Guitar Festival runs November 23 – 30, and Simon Gardner’s The Spirit of Energy launches November 27 at The Royal Hotel, Nundah.
For details and tickets, visit participating venues or search the artists online.