The NSW Govt. Is Making A Major Investment Into The Live Music Scene

Great Southern Nights is a program by the NSW Govt. driven by ARIA & Destination NSW that’s investing heavily into the live music sector, especially this year. We break down 4 ways they're doing it:

1. Saving Groovin The Moo

For starters, they saved Groovin The Moo, a beloved regional festival that has been struggling these past few years. They helped fund a re-launch in 2026 with a one date stop in Lismore and a lineup that isn’t bad at all including Denzel Curry, Matt Corby, Tones & I, Ninajirachi & more.

2. Gig Trails - Street Parties

Gig Trails are like a curated pub crawl for live music. Expect pop-up sets at pubs, rooftop gigs, and laneway performances in a multi-street takeover across key centres in NSW. These are going to be such a vibe, they’re free and it’s something people in this state have been craving. Gig Trails will hit the following locations:

Newcastle - Friday 1st May

Chippendale - Saturday 9th May

Port Kembla - Saturday 9th May

Newtown & Enmore - Saturday 16th May

3. Live Fest

Live Fest is the NSW Govt’s efforts to drive music tourism into regional economies. They’ve done this by putting on two mini festivals in scenic locations at Dubbo and Tamworth. So, round up some mates & make a road trip out of it.

Dubbo - Saturday 2nd May

Ft. Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Cat Empire, & more.

Tamworth - Saturday 9th May

Ft. Lime Cordiale, Thelma Plum, Kita Alexander, & more.

4. + A Whole Bunch of Gigs

They’re also throwing on 300+ gigs around the state in May, some of the acts including; Boy Soda, Thundercat, Pania, Keli Holiday, Jessica Mauboy, Baker Boy, Mike Champion, Meg Mac, What So Not, Kah-Lo, Larissa Lambert, Golden Features, Touch Sensitive, Hatchie, Genesis Owusu & many more.

We got to give props when they're due, and they're definitely due here. Well done Aria and Great Southern Nights! You can see the whole program, and deep dive into the initiatives on the Great Southern Nights website here.