Music lovers across NSW are revelling after an incredible 2025 edition of Great Southern Nights. With more than 85,000 fans filling 185 venues across the state, audiences enjoyed more than 320 gigs in various Sydney and NSW locations, celebrating the state’s live music culture.
Sparking a revival in live music across the state, Great Southern Nights took place in venues across Sydney, Western Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast region, along with Bathurst, Broken Hill, Byron Bay, the Hunter Valley, Orange, Tamworth and Tilba.
Australia’s biggest names in music including Hoodoo Gurus, Peking Duk, Marcia Hines, Missy Higgins and Lime Cordiale were among the 443 acts to take to venue stages.
The initiative was delivered by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and provided audiences with a diverse range of Australian live music over three memorable weekends.
Aligning with the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms, Great Southern Nights also lined the streets, delivering another year of rich cultural experiences and free events, with two outdoor program highlights - cultivating lively entertainment zones in Midtown Newcastle, and a walkable, free gig trail experience for music and food loving patrons in Sydney’s vibrant Hollywood Quarter.
Accomodation providers, restaurants and cafes across all seven locations also stepped into the spotlight as Great Southern Nights provided a boon to local businesses who capitalised on increased foot traffic, signifying a boost to the state’s creative, night-time and visitor economies.
The NSW Government has committed to delivering Great Southern Nights next year with dates for the 2026 event to be announced later this year.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Great Southern Nights is a shining example of how we’re bringing entertainment precincts back to life and this year’s event has created unforgettable live music experiences for local and visiting music fans in these communities.
"Events like Great Southern Nights energise the nightlife of our cities and regions. I congratulate the team at ARIA for delivering another incredible event, and all the artists, venues and fans who created such a memorable experience for NSW.”
CEO of ARIA Annabelle Herd said: “Great Southern Nights 2025 turned up the volume on just how vibrant and resilient our local music scene is - with thousands of music lovers filling venues from Sydney to the far corners of regional NSW.
"We saw new artists break through and iconic stars pack venues full of people enjoying live music together. ARIA is proud to deliver a program that supports live music and lifts Aussie artists."
Great Southern Nights’ performing artist Kobie Dee said: "The South East Block Party has become one of the most powerful events for our community here in Lexo, Bidjigal land, South Maroubra. Seeing everyone come together for something so positive is incredibly special.
"It’s the kind of experience we didn’t have growing up as kids, so being able to create this for the next generation means everything to me and I’m so grateful that Great Southern Nights backed and sponsored this important community initiative “
