Dougstock is South Australia's favourite hilltop musical experience, a fiercely independent, grass-roots festival held high in the stunning Willunga Hills on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Born from founder Doug's 40th birthday celebration and a long-held dream of creating a festival inspired by the spirit of the 1969 Woodstock, Dougstock has grown since 2020 into one of South Australia's most loved independent music festivals. Each December, music lovers gather on a breathtaking private hilltop overlooking McLaren Vale and the sparkling Gulf St Vincent for a weekend of live music, open skies, rolling hills and unforgettable sunsets - the kind of place and experience that stays with you long after the last song ends.
Now heading into its seventh year - Dougstock SEVEN - the festival remains proudly independent and community-driven. Built from the ground up each year by a passionate team of volunteers, creatives and locals, Dougstock was created with one clear purpose: to champion original South Australian music in a regional setting where experiences like this are increasingly rare.
Music First
At its heart, Dougstock exists to celebrate South Australian artists. Each year the festival carefully curates a diverse lineup that blends emerging talent with established favourites, giving performers the stages, sound and audience they deserve. From soul, jazz and blues to indie rock, folk, hip hop and electronic music, Dougstock is all about original artists creating exciting, authentic work.
The festival's Main Stage delivers the big energy experience - full production, incredible bands and unforgettable headline moments - while the cosy Dragonfly Stage & Lounge offers a more intimate and immersive space to slow down, connect and discover something special.
Created in collaboration with Tric Tuckfield and the loved Dragonfly Dreaming - Music & Harmony Festival, the Dragonfly area has become a defining part of the Dougstock experience. With its magical double tipis, vintage lounge spaces, ambient performances and welcoming atmosphere, it brings a soulful, creative energy to the hilltop and perfectly complements the excitement of the main arena.
The Hilltop Experience
Dougstock is more than a music festival - it's a full weekend escape.
Guests can camp onsite across two nights and wake up to sweeping views across the Fleurieu landscape. The festival site also features a handpicked mix of local food vendors, markets, a fully licensed bar and a dedicated kids zone, creating a genuinely family-friendly event that welcomes all ages.
Dougstock is also proud to work alongside Biodiversity McLaren Vale to help revegetate and care for the property, ensuring this beautiful landscape can continue to host unforgettable experiences for years to come.
What Dougstock Is About
Dougstock is built on connection - between artists and audiences, friends and strangers, music and place. It's inclusive, creative, relaxed and just the right amount of whimsical. People return year after year for the incredible original music, the breathtaking scenery, the warm community atmosphere and the feeling that, for one weekend, they've discovered something truly special.
In 2025, the festival was honoured to be nominated for Best Small Festival at the South Australian Music Awards - recognition that belongs as much to its audience, artists, volunteers and partners as it does to the festival itself.
So, pack a tent, gather some friends and head for the hill this December.
Dougstock can't wait to welcome everyone back under the open skies. ❤️