After wrapping up a brilliant third season only days ago, Live at the Gardens has wasted no time setting Melbourne’s music community buzzing again. The beloved open-air concert series will return to the Royal Botanic Gardens in March 2026, spreading six nights of world-class music across two weekends: 6–8 March and 13–15 March.
Once again, the Gardens’ Observatory Precinct will transform into a glowing amphitheatre of sound, light and native foliage, promising unforgettable evenings where the city’s skyline meets nature and live performance. MG Live has announced five headline shows spanning folk, indie, electronica, hip hop and more — pairing homegrown heroes with international trailblazers.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday 10 December at 12pm AEDT, with presales opening Monday 8 December at 11am AEDT.
Opening Night: Marlon Williams Leads a Soul-Stirring Friday (6 March)
The 2026 season launches with New Zealand treasure Marlon Williams, whose hypnotic voice and genre-blurring songwriting have earned global acclaim. Fresh from releasing Te Whare Tīwekaweka — his third consecutive #1 album in NZ — Williams will send his haunting folk, alt-country and indie tones drifting through the gum trees.
Joining him are powerhouse performers Emma Donovan (Gumbaynggirr soul royalty) and rising star Kee’ahn, ensuring the opening night offers rich storytelling grounded in First Nations presence and artistry.
Songwriters’ Showcase: Thelma Plum, Sons of the East & Jem Cassar-Daley (7 March)
Saturday brings a triple bill of Australian songwriting excellence:
- Thelma Plum, the Gamilaraay artist whose Better In Blak reshaped contemporary pop and earned her a major ARIA win.
- Sons of the East, whose grassroots fanbase and glowing international reviews have made their live shows essential viewing.
- And Jem Cassar-Daley, crafting ethereal indie-folk soundscapes that continue to attract devoted listeners.
Expect harmony, heart and stories that linger long after the last chord.
Electronic Vanguards: LEFTFIELD, Paul Mac & Late Nite Tuff Guy (8 March)
Sunday dives deep into bass and bliss as pioneering UK electronic act LEFTFIELD makes their first Australian appearance in eight years. With classics like Open Up and Phat Planet still shaking dance floors, their latest work remains fearless and future-leaning.
They’re joined by:
- Innovator Paul Mac (DJ set), and
- Australia’s techno icon Late Nite Tuff Guy.
Get ready for a night of soaring builds, ground-quaking drops and pure communal release under the stars.
Weekend Two: Cut Copy, Todd Terje & Friends Take Over (13 March)
Melbourne legends Cut Copy headline Friday with their radiant synth-pop designed for movement and joy. With a catalogue that has shaped two decades of Australian electronica — from Hearts on Fire to their newest album Moments — their return to the Gardens promises a euphoric night of nostalgia and new horizons.
They’ll be joined by a dream dance lineup:
Todd Terje, CC:DISCO!, Crazy P (DJ set) and Colette, turning the Gardens into a late-summer dancefloor beneath the elm canopy.
Closing Night: Bliss n Eso Bring the Energy (15 March)
The final Sunday wraps with hip hop heavyweights Bliss n Eso. With five #1 Australian albums, record-breaking tours and a fiercely loyal fanbase, the trio delivers anthems built for unity and volume.
Rounding out the bill:
Drapht — known for sharp bars and unstoppable hooks — and beloved duo Horrorshow, making closing night an explosive celebration of Australian rap.
What Critics Are Saying
“A summer of music, nature and culture.” — Arts Hub
“Incredible band, great venue, good times.” — Australian Musician Magazine
“One of the most beautiful places on earth.” — Alex Kapranos, Franz Ferdinand
A Melbourne Tradition in the Making
There’s nothing quite like watching world-class artists beneath the open sky, framed by ancient trees and mirrored lakes. Live at the Gardens has fast become one of Melbourne’s most magical music rituals — a place where the city slows down, the stars emerge early, and thousands share in the power of song outdoors.
Mark your calendars, Melbourne. The Gardens are calling.
Live at the Gardens — March 2026
Tickets on sale 10 December, 12pm AEDT from Ticketmaster.
LIVE AT THE GARDENS – MARCH 2026 LINEUP
Friday 6 March, 2026
Marlon Williams
Special guests Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn
Presented by Triple R
Saturday 7 March, 2026
Thelma Plum and Sons Of The East
Special guest Jem Cassar-Daley
Sunday 8 March, 2026 *Public Holiday Eve
Leftfield
Special guests Paul Mac (DJ Set) and Late Nite Tuff Guy
Presented by Triple R
Visit mg.live/leftfield for national tour dates
Friday 13 March, 2026
Cut Copy
Special guests Todd Terje, CC:DISCO!, Crazy P (DJ Set), Colette
Presented by Triple R
Sunday 15 March, 2026
Bliss n Eso
Special guests Drapht and Horrorshow
All ticketing and event information liveathegardens.com.au
EVENT INFORMATION
Live at the Gardens is Licensed All-Ages. Strictly no BYO alcohol or food. Broad offering of food and beverages will be available on site with every attempt to ensure all dietary requirements are catered for. Everyone requires a paid ticket excluding babies in arms 24 months and under. Patrons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at all times.
TRANSPORT AND PARKING
For all public transport and parking information
liveatthegardens.com.au/transport
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers. Ticketmaster are the authorised ticketing agency selling tickets for Live at the Gardens. We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the Live at the Gardens, MG Live and Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne websites.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures have honoured and celebrated the role of music and songlines for over 60,000 years. The Mushroom Group and MG Live acknowledge and pay respect to all Traditional Custodians of Country, including the lands on which we work, and our artists create and perform.
liveatthegardens.com.au
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Live at the Gardens is proudly presented by MG Live | Part of the Mushroom Group and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
