t’s the festival that captures the creative soul of the Gumbaynggirr coast. As River Sounds 2026 expands its footprint, the Bellingen Showgrounds are preparing to host a homecoming of rhythm, culture, and world-class talent.
On Saturday May 16, Bellingen Showgrounds will once again pulse with live music as River Sounds returns for its biggest year yet. What began as a one-off local event has quickly grown into the region's most significant contemporary music festival.
In 2026, River Sounds expands to four stages, delivering its most diverse program to date and transforming the Showgrounds into a multi-genre playground from afternoon through to evening. The lineup is led by Australian hip hop royalty Thundamentals, psychedelic rockers Babe Rainbow, and internationally acclaimed Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, the British R&B and soul trio known for their raw musicianship and vintage flair.
Bringing ’90s energy and unmistakable Aussie attitude are Skunkhour, while proud Gumbaynggirr rapper Tasman Keith delivers sharp lyricism and powerful storytelling grounded in culture and Country. For those chasing late-day dancefloor energy, Mood Swing & Chevy Bass will unleash seismic bass drops and high-voltage beats, alongside a stacked lineup of artists spanning indie, hip hop, rock and electronic.
River Sounds is more than a music event, it’s a gathering that captures the creative heartbeat of Bellingen. Surrounded by rolling green hills and community spirit, the festival blends big-name acts with grassroots energy in a way only a regional town can.
Early Bird tickets sold out in record time. Second release tickets are on sale now for a limited time via riversounds.com.au. With four stages and a lineup built to move both heart and feet, River Sounds 2026 promises another unforgettable chapter in Bellingen's live music story. Tickets: www.riversounds.com.au
