An all-Australian roundup gets together for the Red Hot Summer Tour

The 2026 touring festival partners with Werribee's One Electric Day to bring the festival to Melbourne's west.

Red Hot Summer Tour has announced their 2026 summer showcase with an impressive lineup of Australian music legends.

Running across ten days, starting in Warrnambool on Saturday 17 January and signing off in Victor Harbour in South Australia on Saturday 21 March, the Red Hot Summer Tour will be travelling with storytelling icons Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers and Jess Hitchcock.

Red Hot Summer Tour

• Saturday, 17 January – Warrnambool Racecourse, Warrnambool VIC
• Saturday, 24 January – Speers Point Park, Lake Macquarie NSW
• Saturday, 31 January – Westport Park, Port Macquarie NSW
• Sunday, 1 February – Broadwater Parklands, Southport QLD
• Sunday, 8 February – Werribee Park, Werribee South VIC
• Saturday, 14 February – Berry Showground, Berry NSW
• Sunday, 15 February – Bella Vista Farm, Bella Vista NSW
• Saturday, 28 February – Gateway Lakes, Wodonga VIC
• Sunday, 8 March – Launceston Country Club, Launceston TAS
• Saturday, 14 March – Bendigo Racecourse, Bendigo VIC
• Saturday, 21 March – Kent Reserve, Victor Harbour SA

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

 

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Paul Kelly has been at the forefront of music news over the last twelve months, having recently completed a giant arena tour. The live shows saw the premier of latest single ‘Rita Wrote A Letter’ a sequel to his Christmas anthem ‘How to Make Gravy’. The shows also saw him show off new material from his 2024 album Fever Longing Still taking front and centre. He’s bound to bring them to the stage this summer.

He is joined by another Aussie legend who is having a incredible run. Over the last twelve months, Missy Higgins has joined the Hall of Fame at the ARIA Awards, winning he Best Live Act at the same ceremony in celebration of her The Sound of White 20 year tour. She also saw success with The Second Act, and had two songs included in triple j’s Hottest 100 of Australian songs.

Following a support slot with Cold Chisel during their milestone celebrations, Cruel Sea are back to major touring and recording. Their first album in 23 years Straight Into The Sun continues their traditions as one of the most celebrated rock bands in Australia.

The Cat Empire also join the tour, and, in similar fashion to their fellow Red Hot Summer Tour talents, are having a mammoth year. Their refreshed lineup as led by Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill, sees them extensively taking on the world in celebration of their ARIA number two charting album Bird in Paradise, whilst they continue to pop up at festivals left right and centre.

Presales begin Wednesday, 24 September from 9am to 11:59pm local time, with general public sales starting Thursday, 25 September at 9am local time.

For more information, head here.