All the Adelaide music festivals happening this summer
Harvest Rock returned and another viral artist is headlining Laneway…is the music festival back? Here are all the ones going ahead this summer and how you can stay healthy to enjoy them.
After a tumultuous few years for music festival organisers battling the rising costs of operating, 2025 saw state government-backed festival Harvest Rock return, while other touring festival, Wildlands cancelled it’s 2026 Adelaide leg.
This summer, Laneway will return, bagging another star headliner after Australia had its Brat Summer with Charli XCX. We’ll also see a new festival in Adelaide’s northern suburbs be announced, and a handful of cult favourites return.
But for those heading to music festivals this summer, new research from Flinders University has revealed there’s hidden health risks that come with the crowds.
A global study, which analysed 19 multi-day events, found 70 per cent of reported emergencies weren’t from dehydration or heatstroke, but infectious disease outbreaks.
Meningococcal, influenza, and measles were among the most common, while food-borne illnesses such as Hepatitis A accounted for more than one in five emergencies.
Simple things like making sure your vaccines are up to date and being aware of on-site medical teams will go a long way at keeping you safe, researchers say.
“If you’re heading to a multi-day event, check your vaccinations, wash your hands regularly, and be mindful about what you eat and drink,” said public health researcher and co-author of the study Dr Josh Trigg.
What music festivals are on in Adelaide?
Laneway
When: Saturday, February 14
Where: Adelaide Showgrounds
Cost: $220 – $250
What better way to spend Valentine’s than seeing Chappell Roan, Pinkpantheress, Bladee and Yung Lean all in one day?
These international headliners will be supported at Laneway by artists including Oklou, The Dare, Pash, Lucy Dacus, and Role Model.
From its humble beginnings in Port Adelaide, next year’s event will be held for the first time at the Adelaide Showgrounds, with its biggest capacity yet.
This 16+ event is sold out in Sydney and Melbourne, with Adelaide tickets still available.
Read more about Laneway 2026 in CityMag.
Sidebyside
When: January 31
Where: Tulya Wadli / Helen Mayo Park
Cost: $105 for entry before 3pm or $155 after 3pm
Grassroots electronic music festival Sidebyside from local production company Pivot has announced its biggest lineup to date.
In its eighth year, the event will feature global artists including Swedish producer DJ Seinfeld, who recently collaborated with Australian electropop duo Confidence Man.
These overseas acts will be joined by a range of international artists including producer DJ Rona and Melbourne-based Roza Terenzi.
Find out more about Sidebyside 2026 via their Instagram.
Sanctuary
When: January 17th – March 28th
Where: Tulya Wadli / Helen Mayo Park
Cost: $180 for a club pass
From the same people behind Sidebyside, this seasonal open-air club in Tulya Wadli / Helen Mayo Park is returning for summer 2026.
Although no artists have been announced yet, last year’s festival featured In2stellar, Bashkka, Roi Perez, Reflex Blue and Fantastic Man.
Be warned, though, if the lines are anything like last year, we recommend getting a club pass for priority entry and 10 per cent off at the bar. If not, you’ll want to get there early to beat the queue – but once you’re in, you won’t want to leave.
For more details and to see the artists, follow them on Instagram.
Subscribe for updates
A Day in the Gully
When: Saturday, February 28
Where: Civic Park, Modbury
Cost: $128 – $144
Homegrown local music festival A Day in the Gully is debuting in Modbury this summer, delivered by Standing Room Events.
Headlining the festival are Australian favourites Ball Park Music, who supported Oasis on their 2025 tour across Australia.
Alongside Ball Park Music will be Australian artists Chet Faker, Mallrat, and local South Australian talent The Tullamarines, whose EP Safety Blanket featured in CityMag’s August best new music section.
Read more about A Day in the Gully in CityMag.
Soundsurge
When: Saturday, January 10
Where: The Woodshed, Royal Park
Cost: $35
Soundsurge festival is set to take over The Woodshed in Royal Park for a heavy alternative day-to-night music festival.
With the doors opening at 12, and the first band at 12.30, 11 acts will go into the night, headlined by Emergency Rule and alt-rock band MACEY. This community-driven festival is “a celebration of original live music in South Australia,” organisers said.
For more information and tickets, follow them on Instagram.
Damn Good Year
When: December 31
Where: Three Brothers Arms Hotel, Macclesfield
Cost: Just $25 (including camping) or free for under 18s!
For its inaugural event, this mini camping festival will feature familiar names from CityMag’s best new music column including Oil!, Ricky Albeck, and Ella Ion.
Taking place on New Years Eve at the Three Brothers Arms Hotel in Macclesfield, a 40-minute drive from Adelaide, this super-affordable festival is one for true local music lovers.
Nice Day To Go To The Club
When: Saturday, February 28th
Where: Port Noarlunga Football Club
Cost: $98
Hosted by Daybed Records, the fourth edition of this music festival brings together the old and new in an all-ages punk and garage music festival.
For $98 you’ll get to see 16 bands, both local and international, across two stages. The festival will feature artists Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, alongside Lambrini Girls from the UK and The Bronx from the USA.
Find out more about Nice Day To Go To The Club by following Daybed Records on Instagram.
