The iconic Sydney Opera House Forecourt is set to host an unprecedented 12 nights of live music as Live Nation Australia expands its popular "On The Steps" summer concert series for 2026. Running from November 28 to December 12, the extended program not only promises an eclectic mix of international and Australian talent but also reaffirms its commitment to raising vital funds for Support Act, Australia’s leading music industry charity. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the series, now in its fifth year under Live Nation’s stewardship, with an anticipated audience of over 50,000 music enthusiasts converging on one of the world’s most recognisable cultural landmarks.
A Landmark Venue for Live Performance
The Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves as an unparalleled backdrop for the "On The Steps" series. Its forecourt, with its panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, transforms into a vibrant outdoor arena, offering a unique concert experience that merges architectural grandeur with world-class musical performances. The selection of this venue underscores Live Nation’s dedication to creating memorable live music events in culturally significant locations. The series leverages the Opera House’s established reputation as a beacon of artistic excellence, drawing both local attendees and international visitors eager to experience music in such a distinguished setting. For five years, Live Nation has meticulously curated the "On The Steps" lineup, growing it from a nascent idea into a highly anticipated annual fixture on Sydney’s cultural calendar, consistently attracting diverse audiences and contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant arts scene. This year’s expansion to nearly two weeks of programming reflects both the series’ burgeoning popularity and Live Nation’s confidence in its ability to deliver large-scale, high-quality events.
An Expanded Chronology of Stellar Performances
The 2026 "On The Steps" lineup is a meticulously crafted tapestry of genres and generations, designed to appeal to a broad demographic. The newly added dates significantly bolster the series’ scope, commencing with a nostalgic journey and culminating in a powerful display of contemporary rock.
The series kicks off on November 28 with a triumphant return for veteran Australian rock band Australian Crawl, supported by Boom Crash Opera. This opening night taps into a rich vein of Australian music history, promising an evening of classic hits that resonate deeply with local audiences. Following this, November 29 offers a unique communal experience with Pub Choir’s Ultimate PDA, a mass sing-along event featuring the charismatic talents of Ben Lee, Miles Phillips, and the prestigious Australian Youth Orchestra. This innovative inclusion highlights the series’ commitment to diverse musical engagement beyond traditional concert formats.
December begins with a powerful double-header. On December 1, American punk rock stalwarts Rise Against will electrify the forecourt, joined by Celtic punk legends Dropkick Murphys and Haywire, promising a night of high-energy performances. The very next evening, December 2, brings a change of pace with Mercury Prize winner James Blake, whose ethereal electronic soul will be supported by Xmunashe, offering an evening of intricate soundscapes and captivating vocals.
Australian talent shines brightly on December 3 as Sydney’s own DMA’S take to the stage. The band has declared this their biggest show to date, a testament to the magnitude and prestige of performing at the Opera House Forecourt. Their indie anthems are sure to draw a passionate crowd. This is followed on December 4 by UK indie rock darlings Wolf Alice, fresh off their "Group of the Year" win at the 2026 BRIT Awards, demonstrating the series’ commitment to featuring critically acclaimed international acts at the peak of their careers. They will be supported by Folk Bitch Trio and Swapmeet.
One of the series’ early successes is evident on December 5, where Dizzee Rascal’s show, featuring Example, ArrDee, and Swaglord Savannah, has already sold out. This rapid sell-out underscores the enduring appeal of the grime pioneer and the strong demand for his high-energy performances in Australia. On December 6, Texas singer-songwriter Dylan Gossett will charm audiences with his evocative storytelling and country-infused sound, supported by The Jack Wharff Band. Gossett’s meteoric rise, propelled by his self-released 2023 single "Coal" which impressively charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs, highlights the series’ ability to attract emerging global stars.
The latter half of the series maintains this diverse momentum. On December 8, British artist Suki Waterhouse will launch the Australian leg of her "Loveland" tour, bringing her unique blend of dream-pop and indie-rock to the iconic venue. The support act for this highly anticipated performance is yet to be announced. The overwhelming popularity of Australian indie favorites Spacey Jane is clear, with both their December 10 and December 11 shows, supported by Telenova and Armlock, already completely sold out, indicating a powerful connection with their fanbase. The "On The Steps" series culminates on December 12 with a formidable closing act from post-hardcore band The Amity Affliction, supported by Thornhill and WAAX, promising an intense and memorable finale to the 2026 program.
Capacity, Logistics, and Economic Impact
The expansion of "On The Steps" to 12 nights is accompanied by a significant increase in operational scale. Live Nation Australia has enhanced the Forecourt’s capacity to accommodate as many as 7,000 people per show, a substantial increase from previous years, reflecting sophisticated logistical planning and a commitment to audience comfort and safety. With more than 50,000 patrons expected across the entire run, the series represents a major logistical undertaking, involving hundreds of personnel in production, security, ticketing, and hospitality. This scale of operation not only delivers world-class entertainment but also generates considerable economic activity. Local businesses, from restaurants and bars to hotels and transport services, benefit from the influx of concert-goers. The event also creates numerous temporary jobs, contributing to the local economy and bolstering Sydney’s reputation as a premier destination for major cultural events.
Beyond the immediate economic boost, "On The Steps" plays a crucial role in enhancing Sydney’s cultural vibrancy. By consistently attracting a mix of globally renowned artists and showcasing top Australian talent, the series reinforces the city’s position on the international music map. It provides unparalleled opportunities for local artists to perform on a grand stage and connect with wider audiences, fostering growth within the Australian music industry.
A Commitment to Industry Welfare: Support Act
A cornerstone of the "On The Steps" series is its unwavering commitment to Support Act, the Australian music industry’s dedicated charity. This partnership highlights a critical aspect of the live music ecosystem: the welfare of the individuals who make it all possible. Support Act provides essential services, including short-term financial relief and crucial mental health support, to music workers facing crisis. These are the unsung heroes behind the scenes – the technicians, roadies, venue staff, managers, and countless others whose livelihoods are often precarious and whose mental well-being can be challenged by the demanding nature of the industry.
All proceeds generated from the official "On The Steps" merchandise sales will directly benefit Support Act. This initiative offers fans a tangible way to contribute, allowing them to take home a memento of the event while simultaneously supporting a vital cause. Last year, this merchandise drive proved highly successful, demonstrating the audience’s willingness to contribute. This year, Live Nation is building on that success with a fresh design, aiming to further boost donations.
Furthermore, Live Nation has integrated an option for fans to add a direct donation to Support Act when purchasing tickets to any Live Nation show in Australia through November. This broadens the fundraising reach beyond "On The Steps," allowing a wider segment of the music-loving public to contribute to the charity’s mission. These combined efforts are expected to raise significant funds, which are critical for Support Act to continue its extensive range of programs.
Mike Ross from Live Nation Australia underscored the importance of this partnership, stating, "Live music wouldn’t be possible without the people working behind the scenes. Fans really got behind our On The Steps merchandise last year, and we’re excited to build on that support with a new design that gives them a great memento of the shows while raising funds for music workers doing it tough." This sentiment highlights Live Nation’s recognition of its social responsibility within the industry.
Clive Miller, CEO of Support Act, reiterated the profound impact of these contributions: "Funds raised through the series help Support Act to provide short-term financial relief and mental health support to music workers in crisis." These funds directly translate into practical assistance, such as rent relief, medical expenses, or counseling services, offering a lifeline to individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks. The partnership with "On The Steps" not only provides financial aid but also raises crucial awareness about the challenges faced by music industry professionals, fostering a greater sense of community and support within the sector.
Broader Implications for the Australian Music Scene
The expanded "On The Steps" series stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and dynamism of the Australian live music industry. After navigating challenging periods, events of this scale signal a robust return to large-format concerts and a renewed enthusiasm from both artists and audiences. The blend of international headliners with prominent Australian acts demonstrates a strategic approach to programming that satisfies diverse musical tastes while also championing local talent. For Australian artists like DMA’S, performing on the Opera House Forecourt is not just another gig; it’s a career highlight, offering unparalleled exposure and validation.
The series also sets a benchmark for philanthropic engagement within the entertainment sector. By weaving charitable giving so intrinsically into its operational model, Live Nation and "On The Steps" serve as a model for how major cultural events can contribute meaningfully to social welfare, beyond their primary entertainment function. This holistic approach, combining cultural enrichment, economic benefit, and social responsibility, solidifies "On The Steps" as more than just a concert series; it’s a significant cultural and community event for Sydney and the broader Australian music landscape. The 2026 iteration is poised to be the most ambitious and impactful to date, cementing its legacy as a pivotal moment in the annual calendar.
ON THE STEPS 2026 – Full Schedule
- Nov. 28 – Australian Crawl (with Boom Crash Opera)
- Nov. 29 – Pub Choir’s Ultimate PDA (with Ben Lee, Miles Phillips and the Australian Youth Orchestra)
- Dec. 1 – Rise Against (with Dropkick Murphys, Haywire)
- Dec. 2 – James Blake (with Xmunashe)
- Dec. 3 – DMA’S (with Automatic)
- Dec. 4 – Wolf Alice (with Folk Bitch Trio, Swapmeet)
- Dec. 5 – Dizzee Rascal (with Example, ArrDee, Swaglord Savannah) – sold out
- Dec. 6 – Dylan Gossett (with The Jack Wharff Band)
- Dec. 8 – Suki Waterhouse (support TBA)
- Dec. 10 – Spacey Jane (with Telenova, Armlock) – sold out
- Dec. 11 – Spacey Jane (with Telenova, Armlock) – sold out
- Dec. 12 – The Amity Affliction (with Thornhill, WAAX)
