With just over a week to go, the countdown is well and truly on for River Sounds 2026, and Bellingen is gearing up for one of its biggest weekends of the year. Set across two huge days, the festival will transform the Showground into a vibrant hub of music, culture and community, with more than 40 artists performing across four stages.
This year’s program strikes a perfect balance between homegrown talent and nationally recognised acts. A strong contingent of local bands and DJs sit alongside a stacked lineup of headliners, giving the festival its signature mix of grassroots energy and big-stage moments. Leading the charge are Australian hip hop heavyweights Thundamentals, known for their high-energy live shows and crowd anthems, alongside psychedelic favourites The Babe Rainbow, whose sun-soaked sound feels tailor-made for a Bellingen afternoon.
Also joining the top tier are genre-bending soul artist Kaiit, delivering powerful vocals and undeniable presence, and 90s funk icons Skunkhour, bringing serious groove and nostalgia. Friday night will set the tone with Touch Sensitive performing live with a full band, while Magic Dirt roll in with their unmistakable alt-rock edge, and William Crighton delivers one of the most compelling live shows in the country.
River Sounds isn’t just about the music — it’s a full festival experience designed for everyone. As an all-ages event, it creates a space where families, young people and seasoned gig-goers can come together. The Bello Youth Hub will once again host a dedicated safe space for young attendees, offering a welcoming environment to relax and connect. Across the site, roving performers will pop up throughout the weekend, while a curated selection of food trucks, market stalls and a fully licensed bar round out the offering.
Festival Director Ben Lewis says the event holds deep personal meaning. “There’s nothing more rewarding than putting on a festival like this in a place I call home,” he says. “Bellingen has such a strong creative spirit, and River Sounds is about celebrating that — bringing people together, supporting artists, and creating something the whole community can be proud of.”
Kicking off Friday from 4:30pm to 11pm, the opening night sets the tone before a full-day program on Saturday from 11am to 11pm. Saturday begins on a more meditative note, with legendary DJ Phil Smart delivering his Be Hear Now ambient sound bath — a perfect way to ease into the day before the energy builds across the afternoon and into the night.
With the final week approaching and excitement building, River Sounds 2026 is shaping up as an unforgettable weekend on the Mid North Coast. Limited tickets remain, so don’t miss your
