The Gum Ball Music & Arts Festival has unveiled the first round of its huge 2026 lineup, marking the beloved festival’s 21st birthday with a stacked list of artists, big names, and returning favourites.
After a record-breaking 20th anniversary in 2025, the Dashville team is gearing up for an even bigger celebration next April. With even more acts to be announced, it’s shaping up to be one of the standout events on the Hunter’s cultural calendar.
Held across 24–26 April in the bushland surrounds of Dashville at Lower Belford, the festival is promising an unforgettable birthday edition filled with live music, art, workshops and its famously laid-back atmosphere.
Leading the first lineup announcement is King Stingray, returning in a full-circle moment after blowing audiences away during their breakout 2022 appearance at The Gum Ball.
Fresh off major wins including ARIAs, the Australian Music Prize and an APRA Award, the Yolŋu surf-rock heroes will help headline the festival’s milestone year. They’ll be joined by genre-defying powerhouse Meg Washington, whose most recent ARIA win and acclaimed fifth studio album have cemented her as one of Australia’s most compelling artists.
Music royalty Don Walker also joins the bill, bringing a lifetime of songwriting mastery to the Dashville stage. From Cold Chisel classics to his recent solo work, his performance is set to be one of the festival’s highlights.
The massive first drop also includes Kingswood, These New South Whales, William Crighton, The Vasco Era, Jazzparty, Davey Lane, Mylee Grace, Regikay, FäHM, Chain Daisy and more.
The Gum Ball’s reputation as one of Australia’s most welcoming and community-driven festivals continues to grow, with its musician-run ethos, family-friendly setup and natural bushland setting setting it apart from the big-business festival landscape.
With camping, skating, comedy, markets, workshops and an always iconic Silent Disco on the cards,as well as a yet-to-be-announced prelude concert on 23 April, 2026 is looking like a landmark year.
Tickets are available now for The Gum Ball 2026, running 24–26 April at Dashville, Lower Belford. More acts will be announced in January, with full festival details and ticketing options available via dashville.com.au.
