Adelaide's Sidebyside Festival To Debut Time-Based Ticketing System For 2026 Event

The two-tier ticketing system looks to support emerging acts, while offering attendees a more affordable entry price.

Adelaide grassroots electronic music and arts festival Sidebyside has revealed the line-up for its forthcoming 2026 event, while also debuting an innovative time-based ticketing system.

Taking over Tulya Wardli/Helen Mayo Park on January 31st, the Sidebyside festival is once again continuing to operate as a celebration of sonic innovation, immersive design, and community. Having first launched in 2019 as a way of getting electronic music “out of the club and into the open air,” the event has been a rousing success in Adelaide ever since.

For its forthcoming edition, organisers have locked in a diverse range of locals and internationals, including UK-based Harrison BDP, Sweden's DJ Seinfeld, Dutch producer Suze Ijó, and Germany's own Alex Kassian.

Meanwhile, local representation is strong, with the likes of Keyteye producer RONA. on the bill, alongside the likes of Roza Terenzi, Kia, and a live set from Pretty Girl.

“Each year we aim to curate a sonic journey from start to finish, one that celebrates artists our community know and love, and those they’re yet to discover,” says Festival Co-Director, Elliott Jamie.

“We’re driven to provide a world-class platform for local and Australian talent while giving underground artists an opportunity to play a major festival stage, right herein South Australia.”

One of the more notable aspects of Sidebyside’s upcoming affair is undoubtedly the launch of their time-based ticketing system. A first for an Australian music festival, the scheme is designed to encourage early attendance, and looks to support artists who are performing earlier in the day while also offering attendees a more affordable entry price.

The two-tier system provides tickets which offer 'General Admission Before 3PM' and 'General Admission Anytime.'

Per a press release, the small change represents a larger discourse in the country's festival culture, the support of emerging acts, and the importance of discovering and connecting with grassroots talent.

Tickets for the 2026 edition of Sidebyside are available now, with all attendees urged to turn up early to support the opening acts.