Music News

Port Fairy Folk Festival has unveiled a substantial fourth artist announcement for its 49th event, further shaping what is already one of the most expansive and culturally rich programs in the festival's recent history. Taking place across the Labour Day long weekend in March 2026, the iconic Victorian gathering continues its long tradition of blending international voices, First Nations storytelling, Australian songwriting excellence and deeply rooted community participation.

St Kilda Festival has confirmed its return for 2026 with the first five acts unveiled for what is shaping as one of the biggest editions in the event's long and storied history. Set across two days on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026, the iconic free festival will once again transform Melbourne's bayside into a celebration of Australian music, culture and summer.

Chet Faker has released his new single Can You Swim?, a poignant preview of his forthcoming album A Love For Strangers, scheduled for release on 13 February 2026 through BMG.

Blues On Broadbeach will mark its 25th anniversary in 2026 with four days of live music on the Gold Coast from 14 May to 17 May, as the festival celebrates a quarter of a century of rhythm, soul, community spirit and international recognition. The event's landmark year follows its recent Gold win in the Major Festivals and Events category at the Queensland Tourism Awards, a result that highlights the importance of the festival in the cultural life of the state.

Byron Bay Bluesfest will roar into its 37th edition in 2026 with one of the most important reunions in Australasian music history. Split Enz, in their first Australian appearance in two decades, will headline the Easter weekend event from 2 to 5 April 2026, confirming a landmark moment for the festival and for generations of fans who witnessed the band rewrite the rules of art-pop and new wave.

The Red Hot Summer Tour is set to turn up the heat in 2026 with a scorching all-Australian line-up headlined by one of the nation's most iconic and enduring singer-songwriters, Paul Kelly.