Get Ready to Rock with 8 Ball Aitken at Waterview Winter Music Festival

The countdown is on for the very first Waterview Winter Music Festival, and one of the biggest highlights of the weekend will be the appearance of Australian blues and roots powerhouse 8 Ball Aitken.

From 19–21 June 2026, music lovers will gather at Baffle Creek Retreat, 1086 Coast Road, Baffle Creek QLD 4674, for three unforgettable days of live music, camping, culture and community. As one of the headline acts for the Saturday program, 8 Ball Aitken is set to bring his trademark energy, unforgettable guitar playing and world-class stage presence to the festival.

If you love blues, rock, roots and country, this is one performance you will not want to miss.

Who is 8 Ball Aitken?

8 Ball Aitken is one of Australia’s most respected blues and roots artists. Known for his gritty vocals, slide guitar and high-energy performances, he has spent years touring around Australia and overseas, building a reputation as an artist who always delivers a memorable live show.

Originally from Queensland, 8 Ball Aitken has performed in more than 20 countries and has toured through Australia, Europe and the United States. Along the way, he has shared stages with some of the biggest names in blues and roots music and earned a loyal following for his unique sound.

His music combines the raw soul of the blues, the storytelling of country, the spirit of roots music and the power of classic rock. The result is a style that feels both timeless and exciting.

Fans of artists such as John Butler, Ash Grunwald, Diesel and The Black Keys will find plenty to love in an 8 Ball Aitken performance.

Why 8 Ball Aitken is One of the Festival Headliners

For the very first Waterview Winter Music Festival, it was important to create a line-up that would set the tone for years to come. 8 Ball Aitken is exactly the kind of artist who can do that.

He is not just a musician – he is a performer who knows how to connect with an audience. Whether he is playing an intimate acoustic song or launching into a full blues-rock anthem, he brings energy, passion and personality to every moment on stage.

His live shows are known for:

  • Incredible slide guitar playing
  • Powerful, soulful vocals
  • A mix of blues, roots, country and rock
  • Songs that get the crowd dancing and singing along
  • A relaxed, authentic stage presence
  • Moments of humour, storytelling and audience connection

As one of Saturday’s headline performers, 8 Ball Aitken will help create the kind of atmosphere that festival-goers will remember long after the weekend is over.

What to Expect from His Performance at Waterview

When 8 Ball Aitken takes the stage at Waterview Winter Music Festival, expect more than just a concert. Expect an experience.

The Saturday music program will run from 10:00am through to midnight, with a line-up of blues and rock artists building towards 8 Ball’s headline set. By the time he steps onto the stage, the crowd will be ready for a night of powerful music and festival energy.

Festival-goers can expect:

Big Guitar Sounds

8 Ball Aitken is famous for his slide guitar work, creating a sound that is both gritty and melodic. Whether he is playing electric blues riffs or soulful acoustic pieces, his guitar playing is one of the highlights of every show.

Crowd-Favourite Songs

Over the years, 8 Ball Aitken has released a wide range of music, including blues-rock favourites, road-trip anthems and soulful ballads. His set is likely to include fan favourites along with songs that perfectly suit the relaxed but lively atmosphere of the festival.

A High-Energy Festival Atmosphere

There is something special about seeing live blues and rock music outdoors. Surrounded by bushland and water at Baffle Creek Retreat, festival-goers will be able to dance, sing along and enjoy the music under the winter night sky.

A Show for Everyone

Whether you are a long-time blues fan, someone who loves great live music, or simply curious to experience something new, 8 Ball Aitken’s performance will have something for everyone.

About the Waterview Winter Music Festival

Waterview Winter Music Festival is a brand-new three-day live music and camping festival taking place from Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June 2026.

Set at the scenic Baffle Creek Retreat, the festival has been created to bring people together through music, culture and community in one of Queensland’s most beautiful outdoor locations.

The festival is presented by DC World Entertainment Agency and FESTURI – A Multicultural Celebration Inc, in partnership with Baffle Creek Retreat.

Unlike many larger festivals, Waterview Winter Music Festival is designed to have a relaxed, welcoming and community-focused atmosphere. Visitors can camp on-site, enjoy live music throughout the weekend and spend time surrounded by nature.

A Full Weekend of Music and Entertainment

While 8 Ball Aitken is one of the major highlights, there is much more to enjoy across the festival weekend.

Friday 19 June – Battle of the Bands and Open Mic

Friday night kicks off the festival with a Battle of the Bands competition and Open Mic session. Emerging performers and local musicians will have the chance to take the stage and compete for a spot in the main festival program.

Campers can arrive early, set up their tents or caravans, and enjoy live music from 4:00pm until midnight.

Saturday 20 June – Main Festival Day

Saturday is the heart of the festival, with a full day and night of rock, blues and roots music.

The day will begin with drumming performances and interactive drumming sessions on Saturday morning, creating an energetic and welcoming start to the festival atmosphere. Throughout the day, audiences will also enjoy cultural dance performances between bands, adding colour, movement and celebration to the music program.

Alongside 8 Ball Aitken, audiences will also enjoy performances from acts including Mason Rack Band and Matty Rogers Band, creating a line-up packed with talent and energy. The combination of live bands, drumming and cultural dance will make Saturday a vibrant and unforgettable experience from morning through to late evening.

From daytime sets through to the headline performance at night, Saturday promises to be the biggest and most exciting day of the weekend.

Sunday 21 June – Culture, Music and Community

Sunday offers a different side of the festival, with multicultural and First Nations performances, dance, world music and community activities.

Festival-goers can enjoy:

  • First Nations cultural performances
  • African drumming and dance
  • Caribbean and Latin music
  • World music and acoustic performances
  • A free African Drum Circle Workshop for all ages

The Sunday program is all about celebrating culture, diversity and community in a relaxed and family-friendly setting.

Why Baffle Creek Retreat is the Perfect Festival Location

One of the things that makes Waterview Winter Music Festival so special is the location.

Baffle Creek Retreat is set among beautiful bushland and waterways, creating the perfect backdrop for a winter music festival. There is plenty of space for camping, caravans and campervans, allowing people to stay for the entire weekend and enjoy the full festival experience.

Imagine spending the day listening to great music, relaxing by the water, meeting new people and then settling in under the stars for 8 Ball Aitken’s headline performance.

The peaceful atmosphere of Baffle Creek Retreat makes the festival feel more like a community gathering than a typical concert.

Plan Your Weekend Now

The inaugural Waterview Winter Music Festival is shaping up to be one of Queensland’s most exciting new events, and 8 Ball Aitken is the perfect artist to help launch it.

Whether you are a long-time fan or discovering his music for the first time, his performance is guaranteed to be one of the standout moments of the weekend.

Gather your friends, book your tickets, pack your camping gear and get ready for an unforgettable three days of music, atmosphere and adventure at Baffle Creek Retreat.

Waterview Winter Music Festival
19–21 June 2026
Baffle Creek Retreat
1086 Coast Road, Baffle Creek QLD 4674

For tickets and more information, visit www.waterviewwintermusicfestival.com and follow Waterview Winter Music Festival on Facebook for artist announcements and festival updates.