The celebrated Great Southern Nights music festival is set to make a triumphant return to Newcastle in May 2026, headlined by two international stars: Australian genre-bending artist Genesis Owusu and American vocal powerhouse Lisa Simone.
Star-Studded Newcastle Shows Announced
Organisers have confirmed that four major concerts will take place in Newcastle as part of the fifth edition of Great Southern Nights, which runs from May 1 to 17 across New South Wales. While the full lineup is still being finalised, music fans can expect an unforgettable experience.
Genesis Owusu, the acclaimed 27-year-old musician known for his innovative blend of hip-hop, punk, and funk, is anticipated to perform in Newcastle. Details are yet to be confirmed, but his inclusion adds significant excitement to the program.
Owusu rose to fame with his debut album Smiling With No Teeth, which won both the Australian Music Prize and an ARIA Award for Best Album. His track Get Inspired gained widespread popularity after featuring in a KFC television advertisement.
Lisa Simone Celebrates Musical Legacy
Lisa Simone, daughter of the legendary Nina Simone, will bring her soulful R&B performance to Newcastle's Civic Theatre on May 15. At 63, Simone has carved out an impressive career of her own, earning two Grammy Award nominations and starring in Broadway productions like Rent, Aida, and The Lion King.
Her Great Southern Nights appearance promises to be a heartfelt tribute to her mother's enduring influence on music and civil rights activism.
Additional Local Talent on Display
The Newcastle lineup also features several homegrown and interstate artists:
- Jack River: The Forster-raised indie-pop singer-songwriter will perform at the King Street Bandroom on May 14, marking her first Newcastle show since 2023.
- Hannah Joy: The Middle Kids frontwoman will deliver a solo performance at the Civic Playhouse on May 8.
- Boy Soda: Central Coast electronic artist Boy Soda is scheduled to play at the King Street Warehouse on May 2.
Comparing Previous Years' Offerings
While Newcastle hosted 38 shows during the 2024 Great Southern Nights festival—featuring acts like Hoodoo Gurus, The Presets, and Dan Sultan—this year's initial announcement includes fewer events. However, more shows are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
In 2025, Newcastle West's Midtown precinct was selected as one of only two live music trails in NSW, hosting performances by The Cruel Sea, Sarah Blasko, and King Stingray.
Statewide Festival Expansion
The 2026 Great Southern Nights program will feature over 300 gigs at more than 200 venues across NSW, including Sydney, Wollongong, Dubbo, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, the South Coast, and Orange.
New highlights this year include mini-music festivals in Dubbo and Tamworth:
- Live Fest Dubbo: Launching the festival on May 2 at Lazy River Estate with a lineup including Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, and Kasey Chambers.
- Tamworth Concert: On May 9, the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre will host Lime Cordiale, Jet, The Living End, and Thelma Plum.
Supporting the Live Music Industry
Great Southern Nights is a collaborative initiative between the NSW Government and the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), established in 2020 to revitalise the live music sector following the devastating impact of COVID-19 lockdowns.
The festival continues to play a crucial role in supporting artists, venues, and music lovers across the state, fostering cultural vibrancy and economic recovery.
