It’s hard to name a more iconic Australian live music venue than the Sydney Opera House. In fact, I dare you. And while the Concert Hall, Utzon Room and other architecturally stunning indoor spaces have their merits, a show on the Opera House forecourt – out in the air, with views across the harbour – is beyond special.
Last year, the Sydney Opera House On The Steps series brought some of Australia’s most beloved musicians to the Opera House forecourt, with Parcels, Ruel and Jimmy Barnes all performing outside of the country’s most famous building, as well as global acts including Franz Ferdinand, Loyle Carner and Boy and Bear. This year, On The Steps will return to the Sydney Opera House Forecourt from December 1 to 12, bringing nine nights of live music to what we think is the country’s most magnificent stage. Now in its fifth year, the Live Nation series has become something of a Sydney summer fixture, pairing big-name acts with that crazy-good Harbour Bridge-and-Opera House backdrop. For 2026, the headliners are particularly stacked.
American punk-rock heavyweights Rise Against will kick things off on December 1, joined by fellow genre legends Dropkick Murphys, before Mercury Prize-winning electronic artist James Blake takes over the Forecourt on December 2.
Then it’s over to Sydney’s own DMA’S on December 3, bringing their indie-rock anthems home, followed by British alt-rockers Wolf Alice on December 4. Fresh from taking home Group of the Year at the 2026 BRIT Awards, they’ll be joined by Naarm-born favourites Folk Bitch Trio and Swapmeet.
For something more bass-heavy, Dizzee Rascal is headlining on December 5, with Example, ArrDee and Swaglord Savannah also on the bill. Country singer-songwriter Dylan Gossett will follow on December 6.
Next up, Spacey Jane will play two shows on December 10 and 11, supported by Telenova and Armlock. The shows had previously sold out, but additional tickets to these ones have just been released (thanks to a recent licensing change increasing the outdoor event capacity for major concerts at the Opera House Forecourt to up to 7,000 people). The first run of shows will wrap up with Australian post-hardcore favourites The Amity Affliction on December 12.
More than 50,000 people are expected to attend On The Steps across the 2026 season, and there’s a bonus feel-good reason to get your tickets. On The Steps will once again raise funds for Support Act, the music industry charity providing crisis relief and mental health and wellbeing support to musicians, crew, managers and other music workers across Australia.
Tickets to the announced shows are on sale now, with more shows still to be announced. You can check out the full line-up and score tix over here.
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