The Australian live music scene is heating up for 2026, with a stellar lineup of international artists set to grace Brisbane’s stages. From rock anthems to electronic beats and everything in between, there’s something for every music lover. While Lily Allen’s tour for her “revenge album” is already generating buzz for October, the year ahead promises a smorgasbord of musical talent.
Before diving into the international acts, it’s always a good idea to support our local talent and the smaller venues that are the lifeblood of the music community. Lending an ear to local artists and exploring your neighbourhood’s live music spots can unearth some incredible gems.
Upcoming International Gigs in Brisbane: A Curated Selection
Here’s a look at some of the major international acts heading to Brisbane in 2026, with tickets still available:
Transvision Vamp
Wendy James, alongside bassist Nick Parsons, is set to revive Transvision Vamp for the first time in 27 years. The band, known for their No. 3 Australian hit “Baby I Don’t Care,” will be performing at The Triffid on February 11th and 12th.Dream Theatre
The progressive metal legends from Boston, who have sold over 12 million albums, are returning to Australia. This tour features three original members and a vast catalogue of 16 albums to draw from. Catch them at the Fortitude Music Hall on Sunday, February 15th.Lorde
This New Zealand superstar, whose fourth album “Virgin” topped charts in Australia and the UK, is expected to perform her latest material alongside beloved megahits like “Royals.” Her show is at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Monday, February 16th.Halsey
Renowned for her 2015 album “Badlands,” the American singer-songwriter’s tour promises a theatrical experience. Expect Broadway-style production numbers, complete with ambitious sets, costumes, and choreography. Halsey will be at Riverstage on Tuesday, February 17th.Good Charlotte
The skate-punk heroes from Maryland are making a comeback after an eight-year hiatus. Their tour coincides with the release of their eighth studio album, “Motel Du Cap.” Catch them at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Thursday, February 19th.Morcheeba
Skye Edwards and Ross Godfrey continue to champion the iconic UK act Morcheeba, responsible for hits such as “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day.” They will be performing at the Fortitude Music Hall on Friday, February 20th.
Ed Sheeran
The global phenomenon Ed Sheeran, armed with his trusty loop pedal, will take over Suncorp Stadium for three massive nights. This tour follows the release of his new album “Play,” with Vance Joy, Mia Wray, and Aaron Rowe supporting in Brisbane. Dates are February 20th-22nd.Pulp
Jarvis Cocker and three other core members of the Britpop legends will be gracing Australian stages for the first time in 13 years. Their triumphant return, following last year’s new album “More,” will undoubtedly have fans singing along to classics like “Common People” and “Disco 2000.” Catch them at Riverstage on Tuesday, February 24th.Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Hailed by Rolling Stone as a “rare 21st-century guitar hero,” this Mississippi blues prodigy has been mentored by legends like Buddy Guy and the Rolling Stones. Witness his jaw-dropping talent at The Triffid on Wednesday, February 25th.Ethel Cain
Southern gothic songstress Hayden Anhedönia, a critical darling, is touring in support of her new album “Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You.” She’ll be at the Fortitude Music Hall on February 26th, with the 25th already sold out.G-Flip
The dynamic drummer, singer, and producer, G-Flip, brings their “Dream Ride” tour to Brisbane. They’ll be joined by support act The Beaches! from Canada. The show is at Riverstage on Friday, February 27th.Basement Jaxx
The electronic music duo, who made a significant impact at Coachella 2025, are returning to Australia for the first time since 2010. Experience their electrifying set at Riverstage on Sunday, March 1st.Leftfield
This influential UK dance music act is celebrating 36 years with an Antipodean tour. In Brisbane, they’ll be supported by Late Night Tuff Guy. The performance is at The Tivoli on Thursday, March 5th.Linkin Park
With new vocalist Emily Armstrong stepping in following the passing of Chester Bennington, the nu-metal powerhouse will be performing new tracks like “Heavy Is the Crown” alongside anthems from their three-decade career. They play the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on March 3rd and 5th.
Hilltop Hoods
Australia’s own hip-hop legends are set to play stadiums across the nation following the release of their ninth album, “Fall from the Light.” Supporting acts include Maverick Sabre, Trials, and DJ Total Eclipse. Catch them at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on March 13th (March 14th 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 solo album “Tea and Sympathy.” He’ll be joined on stage by Kasey Chambers, The Paper Kites, Troy and Jem Cassar-Daley, and Georgia Mooney. This special event takes place at the Cultural Forecourt, South Bank, on Sunday, March 15th.Babymetal
This unique Japanese band, known for its fusion of heavy metal sounds with kawaii aesthetics, pop vocals, and dance routines, is sure to deliver a memorable performance. Experience the “gobsmacking” spectacle at Riverstage on Sunday, March 22nd.Wu-Tang Clan
The legendary hip-hop supergroup is returning for what is billed as their “final time,” featuring all living members on stage: RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son, Young Dirty Bastard. The show is at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, March 25th.The Black Crowes
The Atlanta bar-room rockers, massively popular in the 1990s, will be performing their iconic hits, including “Hard to Handle,” “Jealous Again,” “Remedy,” and “Twice As Hard.” They are scheduled for the Fortitude Music Hall on Monday, April 6th.
Baker Boy
The Yolngu artist, who released his second album last October, blends ancestral influences with contemporary production. Expect to hear new material alongside fan favourites like “Cool as Hell.” He’ll be at The Triffid on Saturday, April 11th.Bic Runga
A beloved artist in Aotearoa, Bic Runga returns to perform songs from her new album “Red Sunset.” Her show is at The Princess on Saturday, April 11th.Regurgitator
Ben, Quan, Pete, and Sarah of Regurgitator are set to play all their beloved hits, from “Kong Foo Sing” to “Polyester Girl.” Catch them at The Tivoli on Friday, April 24th.Deftones
The nu-metal titans from Sacramento, with nearly 40 years of musical history, are touring with their new album “Private Music.” Special guests Interpol and Ecca Vandal will also be performing. They play the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on May 6th and 7th.Boy & Bear
The Sydney indie folk five-piece is back, celebrating 15 years since their double-platinum album “Moonfire.” They’ll be performing fan favourites with special guests The Dreggs, Bear’s Den, and Rageflower. The show is at Riverstage on Friday, May 8th.Eskimo Joe
Perth’s stalwart alternative rock trio is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” by performing it in its entirety. Catch them at The Triffid on Saturday, May 9th.Five
The reunited UK boy band, signed by Simon Cowell and having sold 20 million records, are back with all five original members. Get ready to “Keep on Movin’” with them at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, May 20th.Ron Sexsmith
The Canadian crooner, known for his intricate and playful songwriting, is bringing his highly anticipated Australian tour to town. He will perform at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday, April 19th.Ball Park Music
Brisbane’s own jangle-pop darlings are embarking on another rock’n’roll adventure, promising to play a mix of fan favourites and deeper cuts from their discography. Catch them at The Tivoli on Friday, June 5th.Suzanne Vega
Hum along to classics like “Tom’s Diner” and “Marlene on the Wall” as the “new-waif” legend returns to perform songs from her impressive 40-year career. She’ll be at the Fortitude Music Hall on Saturday, September 12th.Conan Gray
The former YouTuber, who has sold out iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Wembley Arena, is set to play the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, September 29th, as part of his “Wishbone” world tour.Ashnikko
Described as an “unhinged bubblegum rapper-vamp,” Ashnikko’s visually striking videos are a must-see. She brings her “Smoochies” tour to Brisbane’s Riverstage on Friday, September 25th, promising an experience the city might not be ready for.
Olivia Dean
London-born Olivia Dean arrives in Australia fresh from her Triple J Hot 100 topping song “Man I Need,” featured on her second album “The Art of Loving.” She will be performing at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, October 13th.Lily Allen
The quirky pop songstress, who achieved household name status with her autobiographical album “West End Girl,” will be performing the entire album in its searingly honest entirety on her upcoming tour. Her Brisbane show is at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Friday, October 23rd.
