Australia's only state-wide live music initiative – supporting artists, venues and the broader industry – Great Southern Nights is back in 2026, with more than 300 concerts planned.
Backed by NSW Government in association with ARIA and Destination NSW, Great Southern Nights will feature gigs all across New South Wales (hosted by 200-plus venues) between 1-17 May.
Events will be staged across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Dubbo, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, South Coast and Orange; ideal for both locals to partake in live music, especially the regional centres, as well as the perfect opportunity for city dwellers to indulge in a road trip.
An addition to Great Southern Nights in 2026 is a new series of events dubbed Live Fest, a single day offering, with uniquely programmed line-ups in Dubbo and Tamworth, with music lovers encouraged to bring their friends and make a weekend of it by exploring everything these regions have to offer.
"Great Southern Nights is about connecting audiences of all ages across NSW with the unique joy of great live music and showing up for the places that support it," CEO of ARIA Annabelle Herd says.
"Bringing iconic artists to multiple regions across NSW creates big, shared moments for local communities, friends, and families."
Live Fest Dubbo (to take place at Lazy River Estate 2 May) will be headlined by a number of ARIA Hall of Fame inductees, with Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire and Kasey Chambers on the bill.
"Really looking forward to bringing our travelling caravan to Dubbo and playing under those big skies," Paul Kelly says. "It’s been too long!"
Meanwhile, Live Fest Tamworth (9 May) will feature a who's who of Australia's indie pop-rock stocks including Lime Cordiale, Jet, The Living End and Thelma Plum.
Digging deeper into who else is playing, the likes of Ball Park Music, The Jungle Giants, Peking Duk, Young Franco, Baker Boy, JK-47, Genesis Owusu, Jessica Mauboy, The Whitlams (Orchestral), Emma Donovan, WILSN, Jack River, Meg Mac, Gordi and Hatchie will all perform special Great Southern Nights concerts.
"So stoked to be joining forces with Great Southern Nights this May! I can't wait to be back with our old pals GAUCI in Sydney at such an intimate venue," Hatchie says.
Adds Baker Boy: "Pumped to get to collaborate with Great Southern Nights again to take the Baker Boy show to the Northern Beaches. Looking forward to bringing DJANDJAY to Dee Why RSL!"
The diverse line-up of artists coupled with the best live music venues across the state create the perfect occasion for visitors to turn a gig into an unforgettable weekend across Greater Sydney and NSW, exploring the State's glittering coastline, thriving regional towns and stunning natural landscapes.
"Great Southern Nights shows the power of live music to bring people together and create energy in communities right across NSW," Minister for Jobs and Tourism The Hon. Steve Kamper says.
"When you see local venues buzzing and artists performing in towns big and small, you really feel the impact these experiences have beyond the stage.
"Live Fest adds a new layer to the programme, especially for regional centres like Dubbo and Tamworth giving people a reason to turn a great night out into a greater short break.
"Great Southern Nights is exactly the kind of event that helps showcase what metro and regional NSW has to offer and strengthens our reputation as a leading destination for live music and cultural experiences."
Great Southern Nights takes place 1-17 May.
Great Southern Nights 2026 Line-up
3%
Amber Lawrence
Augie March
Baker Boy
Ball Park Music
Beddy Rays
Bliss N Eso
Boy Soda
Cloud Control
Dune Rats
Electric Fields
Emma Donovan
Genesis Owusu
Gordi
Hannah Joy (Middle Kids)
Hatchie
Hellions
Jack River
Jaguar Jonze
James Reyne
Jessica Mauboy
JK-47
Jon Stevens
Kah-Lo
Keli Holiday
KLP
Larissa Lambert
Lisa Simone
Maddy Jane
MAY-A
Meg Mac
Memphis LK
Pania
Peking Duk
Pete Murray
Playlunch
Regurgitator
Sara Berki
Shane Howard + Shane Nicholson + Sara Storer
Sons Of The East
Steph Strings
The Grogans
The Jungle Giants
The Living End
The Terrys
The Vanns
The Whitlams (Orchestral)
Them & I
Thundercat
Trials
VV Pete
WAAX
What So Not
WILSN
Young Franco
Plus more to be announced
