If it seems like a global superstar has been landing in Western Australia every other week lately, you're not imagining it. Perth's live music scene is in the midst of an unprecedented boom, and the staggering line-up for 2026 promises the momentum is only building.
A Staggering Parade of Stars
The past two months alone have seen Perth welcome an incredible roster of talent, including Mariah Carey, Pitbull, AC/DC, Metallica, Kendrick Lamar, Lewis Capaldi, and Doja Cat. In a stunning testament to quality, these artists collectively hold 19 Grammy awards between them.
But the new year is set to raise the bar even higher. Pop fans can look forward to Lorde, Chappell Roan, One Republic, Kesha, and Ed Sheeran flying west. Rock enthusiasts will get to see Good Charlotte and Machine Gun Kelly, while nostalgia will be served by Brit acts Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Five. Award-winning country star Lainey Wilson rounds out a summer schedule that's hotter than ever.
Venues Stretched to Capacity
The surge in major tours is being felt across Perth's key venues. From January to March 2026, Perth HPC (formerly Challenge Stadium) and Arena Joondalup will host 11 major entertainment events or festivals. This is more than double the five events held at the same venues between October and December 2025.
RAC Arena is experiencing its busiest period on record. General Manager Michael Scott reported the calendar has not just returned to pre-COVID levels but exceeded them, with over 90 ticketed events in 2025. The venue hosted 17 event days last summer but has 32 scheduled for the coming season.
"We've never had so many shows reaching capacity as we've had over this past 12-18 months," Mr Scott revealed. This demand is further evidenced by packed crowds for acts like Gracie Abrams, Tyler, the Creator, and Rufus du Sol.
Stadiums, Investment, and a Competitive Edge
Optus Stadium is also riding the wave, following huge crowds for Metallica and AC/DC in late 2025. The venue is preparing for an even bigger turnout for Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour on January 31 and February 1, 2026. Frontier Touring anticipates a total of 110,000 fans across the two shows, potentially shattering records.
Mike McKenna, Optus Stadium's chief executive, highlighted Sheeran's special connection with Perth, noting his 2018 performance was the stadium's first-ever concert and his 2023 show set a WA record with 73,092 attendees.
This boom is catalysing new investment in live music infrastructure. VenuesWest is developing the Perth Park amphitheatre, a custom outdoor venue for 5,000 to 12,000 people. Meanwhile, Live Nation plans to launch the 3,000-capacity Northbridge Music Hall by the 2026-27 summer, aiming for 150 performances in its first year.
Michael Scott from RAC Arena believes Perth's appeal now outstrips similar-sized cities. "From our understanding, Perth is a preferred location for touring shows over similar sized cities such as Adelaide," he said, citing the enthusiastic population, world-class facilities, and State government investment as key factors.
For Perth music lovers who long complained about being overlooked, the message is clear: the era of waiting is over. The city has firmly established itself as a must-stop destination on the global touring circuit.
