Brisbane is once again saving its best for winter, and the soundtrack for winter 2026 is finally here, as Open Season rolls around for another year.
More than 100 artists and special events will take over more than 10 venues, spanning theatres, clubs, galleries and public spaces to transform the river city into a city of sound.
Open Season champions local, national and international artists, and a bold expression of the city’s independent creative spirit. The 2026 edition embraces unexpected venues and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
“Open Season has always been about building something from the ground up, a programme that belongs to the city and the people who live here,” Creative Director Dave Sleswick says. “In 2026 we’re expanding further than ever: more venues, more artists, more unexpected spaces. It’s rough around the edges, full of bite and big ideas, and driven by people who genuinely care about making Brisbane a more interesting and culturally rich place to call home.”
The 2026 line-up unites international icons, legendary pioneers, emerging voices and local innovators. A highlight is the world premiere, Gil Scott-Heron by Brian Jackson & Yasiin Bey. Brian and Yasiin celebrate the revolutionary artistry of Gil Scott-Heron, whose voice and vision continue to inspire generations.
Plus there’s rappers Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE, bringing sharp, introspective lyricism to the stage. . . Heartthrob Saint Levant bringing his trilingual love songs to The Princess Theatre, the sonic weight of Mogwai (celebrating 30 years), electronic sets from the likes of Skin On Skin, Alison Wonderland, dameeeeela, C.Frim and more. . . And intimate performances from Welsh singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon, British poet and musician Kae Tempest, The National’s legendary Matt Berninger and more.
Peach PRC is welcomed into the programme after the cancellation of her On The Banks performance due to illness, and Australian artists remain at the heart of Open Season. Hiatus Kaiyote return to Brisbane as part of a special 15-year anniversary tour, plus exclusive to Open Season are garage punk legends Eddy Current Suppression Ring.
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Rum Jungle, Mulga Bore Hard Rock, Full Flower Moon Band, Shady Nasty, Beddy Rays, Hatchie and Jem Cassar-Daley also feature among the line-up.
A keystone even of Open Season is Against The Grain Festival, celebrating the ten-year anniversary of Brisbane-based event promoters, GRAIN. It’s a one-day block party featuring more than 30 artists. Plus, Blak Day Out is an annual celebration of Blak excellence and First Nations voices, stories and sound featuring Beddy Rays and Jem Cassar-Daley.
South System makes its return after a stellar 2025 season, with free performances from RONA and many more. Plus, Centrefold is a celebration of women and GNC creatives and electronic artists.
Open Season 2026 is on in Brisbane throughout winter.
Open Season 2026 Line-Up
Alison Wonderland
Artificial (Live)
Beddy Rays
Ben Gerrans
Ben Kweller
Bradley Zero
C.Frim
Cate Le Bon
Clara La San
Current Joys
Dameeeela
Deafheaven
Dry Cleaning
Earl Sweatshirt & Mike
Eddy Current Suppression Ring
Full Flower Moon Band
Gil Scott-Heron By Brian Jackson & Yasiin Bey
Hana Stretton
Hatchie
Hiatus Kaiyote
Jem Cassar-Daley
Kae Tempest
Matt Berninger (The National)
Mogwai
Mulga Bore Hard Rock
Nothing
Peach PRC
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
Rona.
Rum Jungle
Saint Levant
Shady Nasty
Silversun Pickups
Skin On Skin
Sorry
Sparks
Spy
Stereolab
The Black Angels
Wednesday
