In 2008, Stonefest celebrates the University of Canberra’s 40th birthday. Stonefest 08 will showcases artists playing a diverse selection of sounds over two exciting days!

Held at the University of Canberra and set amongst the landscaped campus grounds, Stonefest is a celebration commemorating the unveiling of the foundation stone by the right honorable J.G. Gorton, M.P, Prime Minister of Australia on October 28th 1968, to mark the establishment of the Canberra College of Advanced Education, now the University of Canberra.

Read all about John Gorton and the fabled 'Stone Fairy' here.

For more information on the University Of Canberra's 40th birthday, visit http://www.canberra.edu.au/40.

Since its creation four decades ago, Stonefest has without doubt become the one of the largest music festivals in the ACT and surrounding region, and the largest University based music festival in Australia.

If you'd like to join the official Stonefest mailing list, send an email to stonefest@canberra.edu.au. Sign up, and you'll get the latest info and some cool prizes to get you into that celebration mood.

Also, check out our Facebook Event page, and remember to RSVP!

 

28th October 1968
The Foundation Stone is placed.

1971 The first Foundation Day celebrations are held.

1972 The first Stone Day celebrations are held over one day. Activities include: BBQ, poetry readings, sporting matches, film screenings, bands and beer.

1973 Stone Day Program goes over 2 days. Additional activities: Red Cross Blood Bank Drive, Car Rally and Concert.

1976 Stone Day turns into 'Stone Week'. Week long activities for students include Union Talent Quest and the Male Bewdy Contest.

1980s Stone Week grows into a larger event embraced by the wider community. Quality of entertainment grows also with larger headlining bands appearing.

Early 1990s Stone Week truly becomes a notable event on the Canberra entertainment calendar.

1994 Stone Week is given a theme. Past themes include Return to Woodstock, Circus, Back to the Beach, Alien Abduction, Oktoberfest, Halloween and Stoneage.

2000 StoneWeek becomes 'Stonefest'. A festival that is recognised around the region as Canberra's premier entertainment event.

2001 Super Heroes passes the most successful Stonefest with the largest attendance ever recorded and the best entertainment lineup ever showcased.

2002 A New Frontier sets a new high standard for entertainment in the Canberra region. STONEFEST is now the largest music festival in Canberra and the largest University based music festival in Australia.

2003 Batteries Included showcases another superb lineup, with the Regurgitator and 28 Days ending the festival on an emphatic wave. An energetic atmosphere showed the patrons pleasure and delight.

2004 The Proud, The Loud, The Many. With massive international dance movers Groove Armada and the eclectic Von Bondies giving one damn fine performance. The biggest line-up so far and a lot of happy punters.

2005 Your Own Wonderland saw the likes of Electric Six and the Living End grace the Stonefest stages for another fine party.

2006 Your Own Backyard rocked out with the likes of The Hoodoo Gurus, The Mark Of Cain, Sarah Blasko, cog, Chris Lake, Kid 606, and Drop The Lime.

2007 Paul Kelly, The Waifs, Cut Copy, Scribe, Bag Raiders, Butterfingers, Aston Shuffle, and more present a wide slice of aural happiness for the Stonefest crowd.