NSW's monster live music program just got bigger with two new outdoor experiences added to the Great Southern Nights 2025 calendar.
Following last year’s success, Newcastle and Sydney’s Hollywood Quarter will host walkable gig trails where punters can roam between venues for a proper festival atmosphere with performers, food and drink specials all part of the deal.
The new additions come as the series prepares to deliver over 330 gigs across NSW from 21 March to 6 April.
Newcastle
- Multi-venue live music Gig Trail throughout Midtown Newcastle
- Saturday 29 March, 2PM – Sunday 30 March, 2AM
- Venues: Bernie’s Bar, Jams Karaoke & Bar, Mad Poet, The Happy Wombat, The Koutetsu, The Rogue Scholar, The Scholar’s Den
Sydney
- Hollywood Quarter Gig Trail in Surry Hills
- Saturday 5 April, 12PM – Sunday 6 April, 4AM
- Venues: Ace Hotel Sydney, Alberto’s Lounge, Burdekin Hotel, Butter, Golden Age Cinema and Bar, Harry’s, Hollywood Hotel, Paramount House Hotel, Surry Hills Hotel, The Soda Factory
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Punters will encounter street performers, buskers, circus acts and pop-up performances while wandering between venues, creating what organisers promise will be an “immersive festival-wide experience.”
The Newcastle trail kicks off a massive program featuring King Stingray, Running Touch, Sarah Blasko, Xavier Rudd and The Cruel Sea, set to transform the city’s nightlife across 17 nights.
Meanwhile, the Sydney edition includes a rooftop highlight called Space is The Place Vol. 2 at Paramount House, curated by artist Jono Ma with performances from Jonti, Ben Freeman, Sudek (Royel Otis), Kirin J Callinan and more.
Tickets are already scarce for some shows. Bec Sandridge, The Beths, Boo Seeka, Boy & Bear, Lime Cordiale, Missy Higgins and The Cat Empire dates have sold out, while Hoodoo Gurus, SAFIA, Xavier Rudd and You Am I are “selling fast.”
Minister for the Arts, Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “Great Southern Nights is all about bringing back live music in New South Wales. I can’t wait to see these gigs lighting up the venues and streets of Newcastle.
“This will be a great night out in Newcastle, with the live music trail allowing visitors and locals to move from venue to venue, enjoying an amazing vibe in the streets along the way.”
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd added: “Great Southern Nights brings an incredible energy to local communities across NSW, transforming a Saturday night into a vibrant celebration of live music. Through Great Southern Nights, ARIA collaborates with local venues, artists and councils to create a fun festival atmosphere where doors stay open late and streets come alive with music bringing joy and connection for audiences of all ages.”
For more information, head to greatsouthernnights.com.au.
