Melbourne’s Palace Foreshore pop-up live music precinct is returning in 2026, while Brisbane’s new On the Banks series will kick off, expanding with the addition of global superstar Grace Jones, among others.
Following an unforgettable 2025 program that re-established Palace Foreshore as one of Australia’s most exciting summer music destinations, the precinct is set to roar back into action next year. From February 26th through to March 15th, the iconic St Kilda Triangle will once again transform into the city’s ultimate sun-drenched playground for music lovers, hosting a world-class program of headline concerts, one-day festivals and special performances.
Meanwhile, a partnership between Queensland Performing Arts Centre and South Bank Corporation will see On the Banks come to life, a new outdoor live concert series. It will kick off on February 25th, and run through to March 22nd.
For the first time since 2018, both cities will get to witness the magnetic presence of Grace Jones, an artist who transcends genres, eras, and expectations. She’ll take to the Palace Foreshore stage on Monday, March 2nd, and On the Banks on Thursday, March 5th.
A boundary-breaker and cultural disruptor, Jones has reshaped music, fashion and performance with an audacity that remains unmatched.
Crowned disco’s Queen during the era of Studio 54, she carved out classics such as “I Need a Man” and “La Vie en rose”, before redefining the ’80s with the avant-garde sophistication of Warm Leatherette (1980), Nightclubbing (1981) and Living My Life (1982). With surreal costuming, radical self-presentation and her iconic creative partnership with Jean-Paul Goude, every Grace Jones performance became a work of living art, a legacy that continues to evolve.
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Joining her on both lineups is MARINA, whose long awaited Australian tour will see her play at On the Banks on Thursday, February 26th, and Palace Foreshore on Saturday, February 28th, Stepping back onto Australian soil for the first time since 2011, her return arrives with the success of her acclaimed sixth studio album Princess of Power. She will be joined by Mallrat in Brisbane.
Pulsing with disco-lit electro pop and declarations of freedom, feminine energy and love, tracks like “BUTTERFLY”, “CUPID’S GIRL”, and “CUNTISSIMO” capture an artist reborn, thriving wholly on her own terms. With Princess of Power, she is not just making music but building a future rooted in authenticity, creativity and courage.
Australian favourites King Stingray are also set to play both series, kicking off On the Banks on Wednesday, February 25th before playing at Palace Foreshore on Sunday, March 1st, bringing their unmistakable Yolŋu surf-rock energy back to Melbourne. Their second album For the Dreams (2024) further cemented the band’s status as one of Australia’s most vital modern rock acts — expanding their sound with tracks like “Through the Trees”, “Looking Out”, “Best Bits” and their first love song “Cat 5 (Cyclone)”. The release captures the whirlwind years that have carried them from their Northern Territory roots to widespread acclaim, while continuing to honour the ancient Indigenous tradition of manikay (songlines) at the heart of their music.
With an ARIA Breakthrough Artist Award, five ARIA nominations, the Australian Music Prize and multiple AIR Awards to their name, King Stingray’s rise has been nothing short of explosive. Expect a euphoric, high-energy set that blends raucous rock ’n’ roll, deep cultural connection, and the infectious spirit that has made them one of the most beloved live acts in the country.
In Melbourne, these new acts join an already impressive summer lineup, including Black Country, New Road, Droppin’ Science, the Streets, Pendulum, and Peach PRC.
Palace Foreshore tickets to Grace Jones will go on sale at 9am (local) on Friday, December 19th. Venue and promoter presales will run from 10am (local) Tuesday, December 16th and Thursday, December 18th, respectively – you can sign up for presale here. King Stingray will go on sale at 9am (local) on Tuesday, December 16th, with a presale running from 9am (local) Monday, December 15th – register here. Tickets to MARINA, Droppin’ Science, Peach PRC, The Streets, Pendulum, and Black Country, New Road tickets on sale now here.
Brisbane will also get to experience Droppin’ Science, the Streets, and Peach PRC, as well as Disco Club (sold out), Bernard Fanning with several special guests, Blockbuster, and Marlon Williams with Sarah Blasko. On the Banks tickets are on sale now here.
Beyond the music, Palace Foreshore and On the Banks offer unique live entertainment experiences. The open-air precincts pair world-class performances with a curated selection of Melbourne and Brisbane’s best food trucks, pop-up bars, local vendors and hospitality partners.
PALACE FORESHORE LINEUP 2026
Thursday, February 26th
Black Country, New Road
Friday, February 27th
Droppin’ Science
Saturday, February 28th
MARINA
Sunday, March 1st
King Stingray
Monday, March 2nd
Grace Jones
Thursday, March 5th
The Streets
Friday, March 6th
Pendulum
Thursday, March 12th
Peach PRC
ON THE BANKS LINEUP 2026
Tuesday, February 25th
King Stingray
Wednesday, February 26th
Marina
with Mallrat
Sunday, March 1st
Droppin’ Science: De La Soul
with Oddisee & Good Compny & Miss Kaninna
Thursday, March 5th
Grace Jones
Friday, March 6th
The Streets
Supported by Double J
Saturday, March 7th (SOLD OUT)
Disco Club
Sunday, March 15th
Bernard Fanning
with Kasey Chambers, The Paper Kites, Troy & Jem Cassar-Daley, Georgia Mooney
Thursday, March 19th
Peach PRC
with Maude Latour, Salty – Supported by Triple J
Saturday, March 21st
Blockbuster
Sunday, March 22nd
Marlon Williams
with Sarah Blasko
