The Gum Ball 2026 is coming up this weekend with a packed three-day program, delivering camping-festival magic, huge live sets and a wind-down to close out the April long weekend.
The beloved Dashville event returns with its signature mix of discovery, family-friendly fun and late-night chaos, rolling out a multi-stage lineup that stretches from intimate daytime performances to sweaty, full-throttle midnight sets.
This year continues the festival’s tradition of blending established favourites with emerging artists across rock, folk, pop, soul, psych and everything in between.
Festivities begin Thursday with a special evening of curated performances featuring Jordie Lane & Band, Emily Lubitz and Norwood.
It’s a separately ticketed warm-up that sets the tone for the weekend, a night of storytelling, harmonies and the kind of musicianship Gum Ball regulars cherish before the main chaos kicks in.
Friday ramps things up fast, launching into a full-day program that winds from roots and indie moments through to late-night spectacle.
Highlights include sets from Christine Anu, Kingswood, The Vasco Era and These New South Whales, plus a dash of cheek with Tainted Burlesque and the return of the beloved Silent Disco.
With everything from burlesque to punk-leaning chaos, Friday sets up the festival’s trademark energy shift from afternoon sunshine to after-dark wildness.
Saturday brings another stacked showing, moving seamlessly between genres and generations. Fans can look forward to appearances from Benji & the Saltwater Sound System, Sub-Tribe, Mess Esque, Marvell and a powerful evening run featuring a headline set from King Stingray.
Jazzparty, Holiday Mystics and a late-night 18+ edition of The Late Show keep the energy high before the second Silent Disco takes over into the early hours.
Sunday settles into classic Dashville vibes, relaxed mornings, community spirit and a final burst of party energy.
The day features everything from young performers and open mic sessions to country, soul and rock acts, before evening closers including Gleny Rae & The Country Ace Soul Band, Don Walker, Immy Owusu and a finale from Meg Washington.
It’s the festival’s most eclectic day, designed to ease campers through their last few hours on site before one final blowout under the stars.
Beyond the music stages, Gum Ball 2026 once again leans into its reputation as a full festival experience, with a sprawling Other Things program designed to keep punters busy from sunrise yoga to craft workshops.
Across the weekend, festivalgoers can dive into everything from Circus Works workshops and Circus Playground sessions to hands-on activities like weaving and yarning, DIY festival sunnies, poetry on the porch and even Paint Winston the Dog, creating a space where creativity and participation sit alongside the live music program.
Gum Ball 2026 runs from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 April at Dashville. Thursday’s opening night requires an additional ticket. Full weekend passes, day tickets and program details are available now via dashville.com.au.
