Ball Park MusicGreat Southern Nights returns in 2026, taking over different corners of New South Wales with a killer line-up and announcing two new Live Fest events.
This year’s program takes place from Friday, 1 May, to Sunday, 17 May. It brings over 300 gigs to more than 200 venues across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Dubbo, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, the South Coast, and Orange, supercharging the arts and cultural events sectors in NSW.
Along with unveiling the full program, the Great Southern Nights team has announced the new event series, Live Fest, bringing single-day live music offerings to Dubbo and Tamworth. Punters are encouraged to attend with friends, plan road trips, and explore the regions.
Live Fest Dubbo will take over the Lazy River Estate on Saturday, 2 May, and feature this year’s Red Hot Summer Tour acts, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, and Jess Hitchcock.
Paul Kelly commented, “Really looking forward to bringing our travelling caravan to Dubbo and playing under those big skies. It’s been too long!”
Live Fest Tamworth will take place the following weekend – Saturday, 9 May – at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre. Acts performing include Lime Cordiale, Jet, The Living End, Thelma Plum, and Kita Alexander.
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This year’s Great Southern Nights program is packed with the artists you love, across all genres. From some of Australia’s most recognised names like The Living End and Pete Murray to rising stars such as BOY SODA, MAY-A, and Playlunch, the unexpected reunion of Hellions, and much more, over 300 gigs will take place across NSW.
You can check out the full line-up below. For tickets and venue information for each gig, head to the Great Southern Nights website.
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said, “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. Bringing iconic artists to multiple regions across NSW creates big, shared moments for local communities, friends, and families.”
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper added, “Great Southern Nights shows the power of live music to bring people together and create energy in communities right across NSW. 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 program, 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 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 HATCHIE | HELLIONS | JACK RIVER | JAGUAR JONZE | JAMES REYNE
JESSICA MAUBOY | JK-47 | JON STEVENS | KAH-LO (Nigeria)
KELI HOLIDAY | KLP | LARISSA LAMBERT | LISA SIMONE (USA)
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 (USA) | TRIALS | VV PETE | WAAX
WHAT SO NOT | WILSN | YOUNG FRANCO
And more to be announced!
