The Great Southern Nights Gig Trails invite you to experience live music a little differently – not in just one venue, but across an entire neighbourhood.
In 2026, the trails return to Newcastle and arrive at Chippendale, Newtown/Enmore and Port Kembla for the first time, turning each district into a walkable celebration of music, creativity and local culture.
Expect surprise performances, buskers and pop-up acoustic sets tucked into bars, rooftops and laneways with plenty of food and drink stops along the way.
Gather your crew, start wandering and see where the night takes you.
FRIDAY 1 MAY 5PM – LATE
Known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving arts scene, 11 venues across Midtown Newcastle will be hosting experiences including live music, a karaoke rickshaw interactive tour, a courtesy bus to help you get around and food and drink specials at venues including Bernies Bar, JAMS, King Street Hotel and more.
SATURDAY 9 MAY 1PM – LATE
Joining the Great Southern Nights Gig Trail for the first time, Chippendale’s little laneways, hidden nooks and beloved bars will be a hive of colourful activity on Saturday 9 May. Discover pop-up performances, acoustic sets, roving entertainment and more at some of Chippo’s finest venues including Gin Lane, Sneaky Possum, The Lord Gladstone Hotel, The Lansdowne Hotel and more.
SATURDAY 9 MAY 12PM – LATE
The same day but a few hours south, Port Kembla, or PK as the locals call it, will come to life with its debut Gig Trail. There’ll be record label pop ups, art exhibitions, street performances and more and you can wander and interact with creatives at venues including The Servo, The Shave Cave, NASA Gallery, Black Metal Motor Co and more!
SATURDAY 16 MAY 2PM – LATE
Known as Sydney’s creative centre, the Newtown Enmore Precinct will be buzzing for 12 hours straight. Don your most comfortable walking shoes, saunter from venue to venue and check out unique activations in some of the District’s most iconic small businesses including Hive Bar, Rising Sun Workshop, The Duke of Enmore, Young Henry’s and more!
