ANNOUNCEMENT: South Australia’s Summer Sounds Festival To Go Ahead

American synthwave duo The Midnight have confirmed acclaimed Australian electronic soul project Boo Seeka as the special guest for all dates of their upcoming Time Machines Australian headline tour, set to begin later this month. The tour will see The Midnight return to Australia for three shows across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, marking their first local headline run since the release of their fifth studio album Syndicate.

Byron Bay Bluesfest has unveiled a major new wave of artists for its 2026 edition, confirming Parkway Drive, Erykah Badu and The Wailers as headline additions to an already formidable bill. The announcement reinforces Bluesfest’s long held reputation for programming that spans generations, genres and cultures, united by musicianship, legacy and the power of live performance.

Fed Square will again become Melbourne's summer living room this February with the return of Open Air At The Square, a free, month-long program that places music, film and performance at the centre of the city's cultural life. Running from February 2 to February 28, 2026, the festival draws together local voices and internationally recognised artists across live music, outdoor cinema and participatory performance, transforming warm summer nights into shared experiences in the heart of Melbourne.

TEG Dainty has confirmed that Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician, songwriter, and performer Bret McKenzie will return to Australia in March 2026 for a series of live performances celebrating his new album, Freak Out City. The tour will see McKenzie perform in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience his signature blend of music, storytelling, and humour in an intimate theatre setting.

Ethel Cain has confirmed New Zealand duo Elliot & Vincent as special guests for her upcoming The Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour, set to run across Australia and New Zealand in February 2026. The announcement comes as demand for the eleven-date run continues to surge, with multiple shows already sold out ahead of the tour's arrival in the region.

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.

Foo Fighters launched their live calendar for 2026 on 10 January with a landmark performance in León, Mexico, marking both their first show of the year and their first appearance in the city. The concert at Velaria de la Feria carried added significance, introducing guitarist Jason Falkner into the Foo Fighters live lineup as he temporarily replaces longtime member Pat Smear, who is recovering from a broken foot.