The Red Hot Summer Tour is set to blaze into Speers Point Park in 2026 with a star-studded all-Australian line-up headlined by the legendary Paul Kelly.
The much-loved outdoor music festival returns in January, promising an unforgettable day of storytelling, anthems, and live performances by some of the country’s most iconic artists.
Paul Kelly leads the charge, bringing with him a catalogue that spans more than four decades and includes some of Australia’s most beloved songs.
Known for crafting tracks that have become part of the nation’s cultural fabric, his live performances are a rare chance to experience music that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Joining him on stage is Missy Higgins, fresh from a triumphant run that saw her inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and celebrate the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough album The Sound of White.
Her latest release, The Second Act, has cemented her place as a songwriter whose music continues to resonate across generations, and her live shows remain as raw, powerful, and captivating as ever.
The line-up also features Tex Perkins in The Cruel Sea, whose genre-blending sound and legendary album The Honeymoon Is Over continue to inspire new audiences.
With their recent return to touring and a fresh album under their belt, fans can look forward to a set that fuses nostalgia with new energy.
Meanwhile, The Cat Empire will bring their trademark high-energy performances, delivering a mix of their new Bird in Paradise tracks with the vibrant live sound that has made them global festival favourites.
Kasey Chambers, one of Australia’s most celebrated live performers, will bring her soulful, heartfelt songs to the Speers Point stage, while powerhouse vocalist Jess Hitchcock opens the day.
Known for her stunning collaborations with Paul Kelly, Hitchcock will also showcase her own new music, setting the tone for a day filled with passion and artistry.
With a lineup this hot, demand is expected to be high. Fans are urged to get in quickly to secure their spot at one of the hottest festivals of the summer.
The Red Hot Summer Tour 2026 arrives at Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie, on Saturday, 24 January 2026. Presale tickets open on Wednesday, 24 September at 9am, with general public tickets on sale from Thursday, 25 September at 9am via Ticketmaster.
