Star‑Studded Return for Bluesfest 2026: First Wave of Lineup Unveiled
The iconic Australian music festival Bluesfest has confirmed the dates and unveiled its first wave of artists for 2026, signalling a big comeback for the event.
Dates & Location
Bluesfest 2026 will be held over the Easter long weekend, from Thursday 2 April to Sunday 5 April 2026, at the Byron Events Farm in Byron Bay, New South Wales.
Headline Acts & Highlights
The first announcement reveals a lineup of 35 artists, led by the reunion of legendary New Zealand art‑rock band Split Enz. The band, original members Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Noel Crombie and Eddie Rayner, will mark their first Australian performance in nearly 20 years.
Other major names in the lineup include:
Earth, Wind & Fire, returning to Bluesfest for the first time since 2012.
Rolling Stone Australia
Sublime, making their Australian debut, with founding members joined by Jakob Nowell.
The Pogues, appearing for the first time in 14 years, celebrating 40 years since their classic album.
Buddy Guy, the blues legend will return after what many thought was his farewell tour.
Full list includes (among many others): The Black Crowes, Counting Crows, Marcus King Band, The Living End, Xavier Rudd, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Robert Randolph, Skegss, and several exclusive debuts.
Why This Matters
The 2026 edition arrives after the organisers briefly signalled the 2025 festival might be the last. But strong ticket demand and artist interest prompted a reversal, making this comeback especially significant.
Festival director Peter Noble OAM described the announcement as “a beauty,” emphasising that fans’ enthusiasm kept the festival alive.
Upgrades & Logistics
In response to attendee feedback, several improvements are planned for 2026:
A larger main‑stage footprint
New seating zones and undercover areas for campers and deck‑chairs (indoor & outdoor)
Expanded bus services and transport access
What’s Next
More artist announcements are expected in the coming months. Organisers are encouraging fans to secure tickets early as demand is already high.
For music lovers, Bluesfest 2026 promises to be a major draw, combining legend reunions, debut performances, and a refreshed festival experience.