Sydney Festival

Artists including Hot Chip, Emma Donovan, and Paris Paloma appeared on the stacked program for the 2026 Sydney Festival.

In Australia, it’s the artists and activists who have shown that festivals belong to the people.

The music lineup features performances by Rizo, Lisa O’Neill, and Courtney Barnett, as well as a closing night celebration featuring South African DJ Mo Laudi.

Organisers assured patrons that the rest of Sydney Festival’s program has not been affected.

The 24-day music and arts program features more than 1,000 artists and over 150 events.

This year's Sydney Festival is a celebration of the city, the place we all call home. But it's also offering a chance to reflect on the meaning of belonging, the things that drive us apart and those that bring us back together. Maxim Boon speaks to Festival Director Wesley Enoch and several of 2019's featured artists about building their stories on strong foundations.

"A surreal black-tar freak-out like 'Mad Max' was ripe pickings for the group."

"As the shambling flesh-eaters besieged the rapidly disintegrating farmhouse, the band crashed and thumped through their set, chugging guitars jostling next to screaming synth barrages."

"Time grew elasticised. Had minutes passed? Or hours?"