What sort of festival is Good Things
So Good Things—it's this one-day, multi-stage rock and metal festival that tours major cities in Australia. Put together by the same crew behind the legendary Soundwave festival, it's all about heavy alternative, punk, hard rock, and metalcore. Think of it as cramming that whole "weekend at a festival" vibe into a single, insane day. You get international headliners mixed with top local Aussie acts. The place is known for crazy mosh pits, die-hard fans, and a lineup that's stacked with legends from the 90s and 2000s alongside today's heaviest hitters.
What are the origins of the Good Things festival?
Back in 2018, AJ Maddah—the guy who started Soundwave—launched Good Things. After Soundwave called it quits in 2015, Maddah saw this gaping hole in the Australian market for a massive heavy music festival. So he filled it. Good Things was born to bring together international and local talent in a curated way. The first one hit Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, and later added Adelaide. Honestly, it's the direct spiritual heir to Soundwave, carrying that torch for hard rock, metal, and punk.
What kind of music and atmosphere can attendees expect?
The vibe? Intense. High-energy. Totally community-driven. The music's mostly heavy—metalcore, deathcore, nu-metal, post-hardcore, punk rock—you name it. The crowd's passionate but respectful, with a strong culture of mosh pits, crowd surfing, and stage diving. The grounds are split into multiple stages, so you can flow between sets easily. There's this big nostalgia factor too, with headline acts often being iconic bands from the 2000s and 2010s. Overall, it's all about cathartic release and just sharing that love for loud, aggressive music.
Key characteristics of the Good Things festival experience:
- Single-day format: Unlike those multi-day things, Good Things packs everything into one long day—usually from midday to late evening.
- Multi-stage setup: Typically 3 to 4 stages, each featuring different sub-genres of heavy music.
- International headliners: Pastliners have included bands like Slipknot, System of a Down, Deftones, and Bring Me the Horizon.
- Strong local representation: Each year, they showcase a curated selection of top Australian heavy acts.
- Merchandise and food: Dedicated merch tents and a variety of food and drink vendors are standard.
How does Good Things compare to other Australian music festivals?
Good Things is totally different from mainstream stuff like Splendour in the Grass or Falls Festival, which mix indie, pop, and electronic music. It's closer to the now-dead Soundwave or Download Festival (UK/Australia). No multi-day camping here—it's a one-day event held in urban spots like showgrounds or sporting precincts. That makes it way more accessible for fans who can't commit to a whole weekend. Its main rival in the heavy space is Knotfest Australia (Slipknot's festival), though Good Things usually has a wider variety of sub-genres within heavy music.
What is the typical lineup structure?
The lineup's tiered: one or two massive international headliners at the top, then a strong undercard of international and local support. Headliners are usually legendary bands with history, while the undercard mixes established acts and rising stars. They often announce the lineup in phases, building hype. A typical lineup might include metalcore, deathcore, nu-metal, and punk bands, so there's something for every heavy music fan.
Example of a typical Good Things lineup tier (hypothetical):
| Tier | Examples | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Headliners | Slipknot, System of a Down | Massive international acts, usually closing the main stage. |
| Sub-headliners | Deftones, Bring Me the Horizon | Major international acts playing just before the headliner. |
| International Support | Parkway Drive, Architects | Well-known international bands in the heavy scene. |
| Local Support | Alpha Wolf, Polaris | Top Australian heavy bands, often rising stars. |
| Opening Acts | Ocean Grove, Void of Vision | Emerging local bands, playing early in the day. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Good Things Festival
Is Good Things Festival a camping festival?
Nope, it's a one-day, non-camping thing. Held in urban spots like showgrounds or sporting precincts. You just travel there for the day and head home after. No on-site camping facilities at all.
What is the age restriction for Good Things?
It's all-ages, but there are rules for minors. Under 18s need a parent or legal guardian with them. Some venues might have alcohol-free areas for younger folks. Always check the specific event page for exact rules.
How many stages does Good Things have?
Usually three to four stages, each dedicated to a different sub-genre or vibe within heavy music. The main stage hosts the biggest headliners, while smaller stages feature emerging and local acts. They're usually close together so you can move between sets easily.
When does the lineup usually get announced?
Typically in two phases. First phase, including headliners and some major support, drops around July or August. Second phase fills out the undercard a few weeks later. Tickets often go on sale right after the first announcement.
Short Summary
- Genre and focus: Good Things is a one-day, multi-stage rock and metal festival, focusing on heavy alternative, punk, hard rock, and metalcore.
- Origin and legacy: Launched in 2018 as the spiritual successor to Soundwave, it fills the gap for a large-scale heavy music festival in Australia.
- Atmosphere and culture: Known for high-energy mosh pits, crowd surfing, and a passionate, community-driven fan base.
- Lineup structure: Features a tiered lineup with massive international headliners, strong international support, and a curated selection of top local Australian acts.
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