Summer in Australia is never complete without live music under the open sky, and Red Hot Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the season’s standout events. Running across January, February and March, this national festival is rolling out an all-star lineup featuring legendary names and fresh talent. With shows spanning coastal towns, city parklands and regional centres, it offers fans the perfect way to celebrate summer while supporting homegrown artists. UPDATE: New shows added.
Red Hot Summer 2026
This year’s edition of Red Hot Summer 2026 shines a spotlight on Australian icons while giving space to rising voices destined to define the future of local music. Leading the charge is Paul Kelly, a songwriter whose songs are woven into the fabric of Australia’s cultural identity. His presence alone makes the festival unmissable, but the rest of the lineup proves the organisers have outdone themselves.
Missy Higgins brings her acclaimed storytelling and emotive delivery to the stage, while The Cruel Sea reunite to deliver their distinctive rock-driven energy. The Cat Empire are set to unleash their infectious grooves, promising a party atmosphere wherever they play. Country fans will revel in the heartfelt performances of Kasey Chambers, while Jess Hitchcock, a powerful emerging voice, adds a fresh dimension to the mix. Together, these artists make Red Hot Summer 2026 a truly unifying celebration of Australian music.
Lineup Red Hot Summer 2026
Paul Kelly
Missy Higgins
The Cruel Sea
The Cat Empire
Kasey Chambers
Jess Hitchcock
Why Red Hot Summer 2026
What sets this festival apart is its ability to balance nostalgia with discovery. Long-time fans will be thrilled to hear timeless songs from Paul Kelly and Kasey Chambers, while The Cat Empire and The Cruel Sea guarantee dynamic performances that lift the atmosphere. Missy Higgins continues to captivate with her heartfelt style, and Jess Hitchcock brings a sense of discovery for audiences keen to see where the next chapter of Australian music is heading.
Regional Hubs & Coastal Escapes
The festival’s spread of locations ensures that audiences from regional hubs to coastal escapes can share in the experience. Whether you’re dancing barefoot on the grass at the Gold Coast, soaking up country charm in Berry, or enjoying the energy in Bendigo, you’ll find each setting adds something unique to the music.
Red Hot Summer 2026 promises long afternoons of sun-soaked live music, timeless songs, and the kind of shared energy that only great festivals deliver. If you’re ready for a summer soundtrack filled with legendary voices and unforgettable performances, this is the festival to mark in your calendar.
Tour Dates Red Hot Summer 2026
17 January Saturday 1pm, Warrnambool Racecourse, Warrnambool, VIC (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
24 January Saturday 1pm, Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie, NSW (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
31 January Saturday 1pm, Westport Park, Port Macquarie, NSW (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
01 February Sunday 1pm, Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast, QLD (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
08 February Sunday 1pm, Werribee Park, Werribee South, VIC (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
14 February Saturday 1pm, Berry Showground, Berry, NSW (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
15 February Sunday 1pm, Bella Vista Farm, Bella Vista, NSW (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
28 February Saturday 1pm, Gateway Lakes, Wodonga, VIC (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
08 March Sunday 1pm, Launceston Country Club, Launceston, TAS (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
14 March Saturday 1pm, Bendigo Racecourse, Bendigo, VIC (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
21 March Saturday 1pm, Kent Reserve, Victor Harbor, SA (All Ages*) – Tickets at Ticketmaster.
11 April Saturday, RACECOURSE, Bunurong / Mornington, VIC (All Ages) – Tickets at Ticketmaster. JUST ADDED.
18 April Saturday, SEAFRONT OVAL, Batjala / Hervey Bay, QLD (All Ages) – Tickets at Ticketmaster. JUST ADDED.
09 May Saturday, WHITFORDS NODES PARK, Hillarys, WA (All Ages) – Tickets at Ticketmaster. JUST ADDED.
23 May Saturday, SANDSTONE POINT RESERVE, Sandstone Point, QLD (All Ages) – Tickets at Ticketmaster. JUST ADDED.
Secure Your Tickets Early
Tickets go on presale from Thursday 25 September at 9am AEST. Given the strength of the lineup and the popularity of the tour, fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure their place at one of the nation’s most beloved summer events. For more information check out the official Red Hot Summer website.
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