Brisbane’s 2026 Gig Guide: A Smorgasbord of International Sound
As the year rolls on, Brisbane’s live music scene is gearing up for an electrifying 2026, with a stellar lineup of international artists set to grace the city’s stages. Following the buzz around Lily Allen’s upcoming tour of her “revenge album,” the calendar is filling up fast with a diverse array of musical talent. From rock anthems to electronic beats and heartfelt ballads, there’s something for every discerning music lover.
While the international headliners are grabbing headlines, it’s also a prime time to champion local talent. Consider curating your listening habits to include Australian artists and explore the vibrant smaller venues that form the backbone of our live music ecosystem.
Here’s a curated selection of some of the hottest international acts heading to Brisbane in 2026:
February 2026: A Month of Rock, Pop, and Prog
Transvision Vamp
Wendy James, along with bassist Nick Parsons, is set to reignite the stage as Transvision Vamp, marking their first reunion in 27 years. The band, famous for their No. 3 Australian hit “Baby I Don’t Care,” promises a dose of nostalgic energy.- Venue: The Triffid
- Dates: February 11-12
Dream Theatre
Boston’s progressive metal titans are returning with a formidable force. Boasting 12 million albums sold worldwide and featuring three original lineup members, they’ll be drawing from a vast catalogue of 16 albums.- Venue: Fortitude Music Hall
- Date: Sunday, February 15
Lorde
New Zealand’s global sensation Lorde is expected to captivate Brisbane audiences. Following the success of her No. 1 album in Australia and the UK, “Virgin,” fans can anticipate a performance that might just include her iconic megahits like “Royals.”- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Date: Monday, February 16
Halsey
Known for her impactful 2015 album “Badlands,” the American singer-songwriter is bringing a spectacular, Broadway-style production to her tour. Expect ambitious scenery, dazzling costumes, and intricate choreography.- Venue: Riverstage
- Date: Tuesday, February 17
Good Charlotte
The skate-punk heroes from Maryland are making a comeback after an eight-year hiatus. Their return is bolstered by their eighth studio album, “Motel Du Cap.”- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Date: Thursday, February 19
Morcheeba
This beloved UK act, fronted by Skye Edwards and Ross Godfrey, continues to deliver their signature blend of trip-hop and downtempo. Prepare for hits like “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day.”- Venue: Fortitude Music Hall
- Date: Friday, February 20
Ed Sheeran
The global phenomenon Ed Sheeran will be taking over Suncorp Stadium for a massive three-night engagement. Fresh off the release of his new album “Play,” he’ll be accompanied by a stellar lineup of warm-up acts including Vance Joy, Mia Wray, and Aaron Rowe.- Venue: Suncorp Stadium
- Dates: February 20-22
Pulp
Jarvis Cocker and three core members of the iconic Britpop band are set to make their first Australian appearances in 13 years. Their triumphant return, following the release of their new album “More,” promises singalongs to classics like “Common People” and “Disco 2000.”- Venue: Riverstage
- Date: Tuesday, February 24
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Hailed by Rolling Stone as a “rare 21st-century guitar hero,” this Mississippi blues prodigy, mentored by legends like Buddy Guy, is set to deliver a jaw-dropping performance.- Venue: The Triffid
- Date: Wednesday, February 25
Ethel Cain
Critically acclaimed Southern gothic songstress Hayden Anhedönia arrives toting her new album, “Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You.”- Venue: Fortitude Music Hall
- Date: February 26 (February 25 is already sold out)
G-Flip
The dynamic Australian drummer, singer, and producer, G-Flip, brings their “Dream Ride” tour to Brisbane, with Canadian support act The Beaches!- Venue: Riverstage
- Date: Friday, February 27
Basement Jaxx
Fresh off a show-stealing performance at Coachella 2025, this legendary electronic duo returns to Australia for the first time since 2010.- Venue: Riverstage
- Date: Sunday, March 1
Leftfield
The hugely influential UK dance music pioneers are celebrating 36 years with an Antipodean tour. Brisbane audiences will enjoy support from Late Night Tuff Guy.- Venue: The Tivoli
- Date: Thursday, March 5
Linkin Park
Charging forward with new vocalist Emily Armstrong, following the passing of Chester Bennington, the nu-metal titans are set to perform new material like “Heavy Is the Crown” alongside anthems from their three-decade career.- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Dates: March 3 & 5
March 2026: Hip-Hop Legends and Local Heroes

Hilltop Hoods
Australia’s undisputed hip-hop legends are embarking on a stadium tour following the release of their ninth album, “Fall from the Light.” They’ll be joined by support acts Maverick Sabre, Trials, and DJ Total Eclipse.- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Date: March 13 (March 14 is sold out)
Bernard Fanning with Kasey Chambers
As part of the On the Banks festival, Powderfinger icon Bernard Fanning will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his album “Tea and Sympathy.” He’ll be joined on stage by Kasey Chambers, The Paper Kites, Troy Cassar-Daley, and Georgia Mooney.- Venue: Cultural Forecourt, South Bank
- Date: Sunday, March 15
Babymetal
Prepare for a unique fusion of heavy metal intensity and J-pop charm as Japanese kawaii metal band Babymetal brings their distinctive sound and visual spectacle to Brisbane.- Venue: Riverstage
- Date: Sunday, March 22
Wu-Tang Clan
The legendary hip-hop collective is returning for what they’re calling their “final time.” All living members, including RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son, Young Dirty Bastard, are expected to grace the stage.- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Date: Wednesday, March 25
April 2026: Blues, Indie, and Rock Royalty

The Black Crowes
The Atlanta bar-room rock legends, who dominated the 1990s, are set to play their iconic hits, including “Hard to Handle,” “Jealous Again,” “Remedy,” and “Twice As Hard.”- Venue: Fortitude Music Hall
- Date: Monday, April 6
Baker Boy
The Yolngu artist, known for blending ancestral influences with sharp production, will be showcasing material from his second album, released last October, alongside fan favourites like “Cool as Hell.”- Venue: The Triffid
- Date: Saturday, April 11
Bic Runga
A beloved icon in Aotearoa, Bic Runga returns to perform songs from her new album, “Red Sunset.”- Venue: The Princess
- Date: Saturday, April 11
Regurgitator
Get ready for a dose of classic Australian alternative rock as Ben, Quan, Pete, and Sarah deliver all the hits from “Kong Foo Sing” to “Polyester Girl.”- Venue: The Tivoli
- Date: Friday, April 24
Deftones
The revered nu-metal gods from Sacramento, with nearly 40 years of history and a new album, “Private Music,” under their belt, will be joined by special guests Interpol and Ecca Vandal.- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Dates: May 6 & 7
Boy & Bear
The Sydney indie folk five-piece is celebrating 15 years since their double-platinum album “Moonfire.” They’ll be performing all their favourites, with support from The Dreggs, Bear’s Den, and Rageflower.- Venue: Riverstage
- Date: Friday, May 8
Eskimo Joe
Perth’s stalwart alternative rock trio is marking the 20th anniversary of their seminal album “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” by playing it in its entirety.- Venue: The Triffid
- Date: Saturday, May 9
Ron Sexsmith
The acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter, known for his intricate and playful songwriting, is finally bringing his long-awaited Australian tour to Brisbane.- Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Date: Sunday, April 19
May 2026: Boy Bands and Indie Darlings

Five
The iconic UK boy band, responsible for selling 20 million records, has reunited with all five original members. Get ready to “Keep on Movin'” at Boondall.- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Date: Wednesday, May 20
Ball Park Music
Brisbane’s own jangle-pop darlings are hitting the road for another rock’n’roll adventure, promising a mix of fan favourites and deeper cuts from their beloved catalogue.- Venue: The Tivoli
- Date: Friday, June 5
September 2026: Legends and Rising Stars

Suzanne Vega
The “new-waif” legend returns to serenade Brisbane with her 40-year career spanning hits like “Tom’s Diner” and “Marlene on the Wall.”- Venue: Fortitude Music Hall
- Date: Saturday, September 12
Conan Gray
Having conquered venues like Madison Square Garden and Wembley Arena, the former YouTuber is set to fill Boondall on his “Wishbone” world tour.- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Date: Tuesday, September 29
Ashnikko
The unhinged bubblegum rapper-vamp is bringing her “Smoochies” tour to Brisbane, promising a show that few will be prepared for.- Venue: Riverstage
- Date: Friday, September 25
October 2026: Chart-Toppers and Pop Icons
Olivia Dean
Fresh from topping the Triple J Hottest 100 with her track “Man I Need” from her second album, “The Art of Loving,” the London-born singer-songwriter arrives with her soulful sound.- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Date: Tuesday, October 13
Lily Allen
The quirky pop songstress, known for her autobiographical and searingly honest lyrics, will perform her latest album, “West End Girl,” in its entirety on her upcoming tour.- Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
- Date: Friday, October 23















