Great Southern Nights will return in May with its most expansive program to date, adding further artists and reinforcing a strong footprint across regional New South Wales, including the New England.
Running from 1 May over 17 nights, the 2026 program now features 320 artists performing across 215 venues. The event stretches from Merimbula in the south to Kingscliff in the north, reaching inland centres such as Wagga Wagga and remote communities including Boggabilla, highlighting a deliberate push into regional and border areas.
Communities across the North Coast, including Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads, are again set to benefit from the influx of live music activity, while northern inland towns such as Boggabilla underscore the program’s widening geographic reach.
New initiatives including Live Fest in Dubbo and Tamworth, River Sounds, the return of Groovin the Moo, and recently announced Gig Trail events have already bolstered the line-up. Organisers today confirmed a further 13 artists spanning a mix of emerging and established Australian acts. including Ayesha Madon, C.O.F.F.I.N and Dean Turnley; Drapht, L.A.B and Old Mervs; Pacific Avenue, Rhythm Section and Shady Nasty; and Soul Wun, The Rubens, Tigerlily and Wade Forster.
With supporting acts included, the total number of performers is expected to exceed 700 across the state.
Ticket demand is already strong, with some shows sold out, including performances by Gordi and Hatchie. Events featuring Paul Kelly and Missy Higgins as part of Live Fest Dubbo are selling quickly, alongside shows from Jess Mauboy, Sons of the East, Augie March, MAY-A and Hannah Joy.
The program continues to position regional centres—particularly across northern NSW—as key beneficiaries of the state’s live music recovery strategy, driving both cultural activity and local economic impact.
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