Get ready, music lovers! Bluesfest 2026 is shaping up to be an epic event, and the first wave of artists announced is already causing a buzz. This iconic Australian festival is returning after a record-breaking year, promising an unforgettable experience for music fans of all ages.
Mark your calendars: Bluesfest 2026 will take place at the Byron Events Farm in Byron Bay from April 2nd to 5th next year.
The lineup is a fantastic mix of legendary acts and rising stars, headlined by the iconic Split Enz, Earth, Wind & Fire, and The Pogues.
Split Enz, featuring the talented brothers Neil and Tim Finn (of Crowded House fame), will be performing a full reunion set. This marks their first full-scale Australian tour in nearly two decades, making it a must-see for fans.
Also gracing the stage are funk and soul pioneers Earth, Wind & Fire, who last played at Bluesfest in 2012, and the Irish punk-folk legends The Pogues, returning after 14 years to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their groundbreaking album, Rum, Sodomy & the Lash. This is a special tribute to the late Shane MacGowan.
But that's not all! The international talent doesn't stop there. Get ready for performances by Sublime, The Black Crowes, Counting Crows, blues veteran Buddy Guy (on his farewell tour), and the Marcus King Band. And representing the local scene, you can look forward to Xavier Rudd, The Living End, South Summit, Mental As Anything, Skegss, The Dreggs, Pierce Brothers, and Mark Seymour.
This announcement comes on the heels of a hugely successful year for Bluesfest. The 2025 edition, held over the Easter long weekend, drew over 109,000 attendees across five days. This was the highest attendance since 2019 and the third-largest turnout in the festival's 35-year history! Festival Director Peter Noble stated, "We’re the top-selling festival in the country, and we’ve worked hard to get here… Festivals are back."
Here's where it gets exciting: Several of the announced artists, including The Pogues, Sublime, and Buddy Guy, will also be playing exclusive headline shows around the country as part of the Bluesfest touring program.
The second lineup announcement for 2026 is expected in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for even more incredible artists. Tickets and further information are available at bluesfest.com.au.
What do you think of the lineup so far? Are you excited about any particular acts? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think the festival's success is sustainable, or will it face challenges in the future? Let's discuss!
