Calling All Young Musicians - Applications Open for Garageband at Adelaide Festival Centre

South Australia’s next generation of musicians are encouraged to apply for Garageband, a multi-stage event at Festival Plaza presented by Adelaide Festival Centre and internationally acclaimed artist and musician Joseph O’Farrell (JOF).

Up to 15 young South Australian bands will have the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops and mentorship throughout April and May, culminating in a huge day of performances in an unforgettable free event on Saturday May 17, as part of DreamBIG Children’s Festival.

Part block party, part live music show – discover the future of South Australian music at Adelaide Festival Centre!

Crowd of audience members clapping and cheering at a live entertainment event, bathed in stage lighting.

Applications can be submitted here until Saturday March 22. To be eligible, the majority of band members must be aged 21 years and under.

Garageband creator Joseph O’Farrell: “This is a performance that the audience and the young bands will never forget. We encourage young musicians to take this opportunity to come out of the garage and onto the main stage at South Australia’s heart of the arts!”

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM: “Adelaide is Australia’s first, and only, UNESCO City of Music, celebrating 10 years in 2025. What better way to nurture our city’s musical community, than by supporting the limitless possibilities of South Australia’s young musicians!”

Outdoor stage performance in front of historic cathedral with crowd gathered in urban plaza.

DreamBIG is the longest–running curated children’s festival in the world, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. Over 2.5 million children have participated since its inception (as Come Out Festival) and it continues to be an intrinsic part of growing up in South Australia, maintaining its reputation of excellence locally, nationally, and internationally.

Garageband is presented in collaboration with Festival Plaza and Carclew.

Applications for Garageband can be submitted here until Saturday March 22.

DreamBIG Children’s Festival will take place from 7-17 May 2025 at Adelaide Festival Centre.

Large crowd of audience members with raised hands and phones facing a brightly lit stage with performers and vertical lighting installations.

Performer in a vibrant pink patterned dress singing to a crowded venue audience lit by stage lighting.