Splendour has been cancelled – but there’s plenty to see in Sydney this summer

Festivals have long been the go-to way for many Australians to immerse themselves in music, both old and new. From Falls Festival to Splendour in the Grass, these multi-day extravaganzas were considered part of our musical fabric. But now, that fabric appears to be falling apart.

Splendour, one of Australia’s largest music festivals, was cancelled for the second year in a row on Thursday, with its organisers saying it needs “a little more time to recharge”.

The news was a major blow to those who hoped 2025 would mark a turn from last year’s spate of cancellations, beginning with Falls Festival and followed by Groovin’ the Moo, Splendour, Spilt Milk, Yours & Owls, and Bluesfest Byron Bay.

Major music festivals like Splendour in the Grass are in crisis, but there are plenty of other ways Sydneysiders can groove to tunes this summer.Credit: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

But as festivals continue to struggle with economic pressures, extreme weather, and rising insurance costs, Sydneysiders remain as keen as ever for live music. So, here are some other ways you can groove this summer without relying on the increasingly unreliable multi-day gigs.

Pub gigs

You don’t need to travel to regional NSW to boogie. Many of Sydney’s own nightlife venues feature local and touring bands, offering punters a chance to hear both new and familiar music while enjoying a tipple.

The Vanguard in Newtown is never short on talent, hosting artists like Detroit-based trio HiTech (February 21) and critically acclaimed New York vocalist Ganavya (March 6).

Elsewhere, The Lansdowne Hotel will get rowdy with alt-rock band Chaperone (February 28), and soulful with Sydney’s own indie artist Don West (March 14 - 16). Along with themed nights like “Valentines emo night”, Darlinghurst’s Oxford Art Factory will also welcome acts like South Australian up-and-coming boy band Pash (February 8).

The Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House offers a bit of everything, including a wide range of live contemporary music. It will welcome Icelandic blues rock band KALEO on February 20, and New Zealand-Australian R&B vocalist Jordan Rakei will make his Opera House debut on February 26.

And on March 6, Nigerian rock band Etran de L’Aïr, whose first album was named album of the year by Amanda Petrusich at The New Yorker, will perform their hits from the last 25 years.

Local festivals

The word “festival” often conjures images of far-off destinations or multi-day events, but there are some ace festivals in your own backyard (or at least close by).

Between February 7 and March 9, part of Taronga Zoo will transform into a live music extravaganza. Twilight at Taronga boasts an impressive line-up this year, including Bjorn Again, Spiderbait, Boy & Bear, and Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos.

Mardi Gras is a fixture of Sydney’s summer. Between February 14 and March 2, Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy music – from electronica to Nu-Disco – at events like the Mardi Gras Party (featuring the likes of American DJ Honey Dijon and Romy) and the Laneway street party with Aussie DJ Kito and Kiwi DJ Lady Shaka.

Concerts in the park

Sydney’s sprawling parks will be the home of several live music events this summer, including the legendary Laneway Festival. Taking place in Centennial Park on February 9, punters will experience the real “brat summer” alongside UK pop star Charli XCX and other local and touring artists.

Tumbalong Park will host an open-air electronic music festival on February 8, which Sydneysiders can attend free-of-charge. It will feature DJs from around the globe, such as Italy’s Nick Reverse, the UK’s Jakob and Australia’s own Barbuto. Make sure to register beforehand to ensure entry.

Iconic concert venues

Newtown’s Enmore Theatre will see performances from Stranger Things actor-turned musician DJO (February 12) and indie-pop band Peach Pit (March 7). Meanwhile, punters can thrash around to electro-dance band The Prodigy at the Hordern Pavilion on February 13, or go for something more classic with The Kooks on February 20 and Goo Goo Dolls on February 21.

You won’t run out of rock options at Metro Theatre, which has upcoming gigs like Alien Ant Farm & Drowning Pool on February 8 and New Zealand’s rock band Shihad on February 14. But if you’re looking for something more mainstream, Qudos Bank Arena will welcome major international artists this summer, including Drake (February 16 - March 7) and Billie Eilish (February 24 - 28).

Secret gigs

Searching for something a little more exclusive? The Sofar Sounds app could be the answer. Founded in 2009, Sofar is a music events startup company that creates intimate, secret gigs in unique spaces.

Checking the events page for new listings. Those who buy tickets have no idea who they’re going to see and will receive the street address via email or text about 36 hours before the show.

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