What’s On: Australian Open 2026 Preview
ace your summer
By Cali Westmoreland | 30th October 2025In Melbourne, the feeling of summer doesn’t truly begin until the first serve echoes through Rod Laver Arena. For the month of January, the city will once again transform into a runway of effortless style, summer sounds, zesty spritz’ and buzzing energy that lingers long beyond the final point.
Between the pops of champagne and perfectly timed backhands, the Australian Open strikes the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. It’s fashion, food, and fierce competition, all centred around one electric arena. From classy whites to sporty silhouettes, courtside celebs and athletes will up their fashion game, leaving heads turning both on and off the court.
It’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss, so let’s get into the juicy details.
Dates, tickets & access
From the 12 January to the 1 February 2026, all the excitement of the Australian Open will officially kick off. A Ground Pass from $49 gives you full access to the buzz, entertainment, and energy across Melbourne Park, while an Arena ticket starts from $85, putting you front and centre with the world’s best players, live in all their Grand Slam glory.
Live music
Have you seen this year’s lineup? Dance the night away to headline performances from Kid Laroi, The Veronicas, and Renee Rap, with Spacey Jane and Peggy Gou adding indie cool and electronic energy to the mix. From pulsating beats to sing-along anthems, it’s big, bold, and utterly unforgettable – the ultimate soundtrack to summer.
Courtside culinary highlights
As the competition heats up, so do the flavours. This year’s lineup serves everything from luxe dining experiences to casual courtside cravings to keep you cool between sets. If you’re looking to bring the taste of Brisbane with you, SK Steak & Oyster and Sushi Room are serving elevated experiences – from refined steak and seafood, to a private omakase with Champagne – making it easy to indulge on and off the court. Shake Shack is also bringing its iconic New York energy down under with a limited pop-up ShackBurger. Pair that with a Grey Goose Lemon Ace Cocktail, and you’ve got yourself a true grand slam of summer flavours.
Off-court experiences
And the excitement doesn’t stop at the court. The Australian Open is set to serve up 21 days of giveaways and immersive experiences. Fans can test their skills at the Million Dollar One Point Slam for a chance to verse World Number One Carlos Alcaraz (please say hi from us if you see him).
A-List action
If you’re after a true celeb sighting, the Australian Open is the place to be. Last year, courtside style reached new heights, with Phoebe Dynevor of Bridgerton turning heads in impeccably polished ensembles. Liam Hemsworth, Tyra Banks, and many other international stars added to the glamour grid, proving the Australian Open is far more than a sporting event – it’s the definitive summer spectacle.
So, whether you’re watching the action courtside, enjoying a spritz in the shade, or dancing under Melbourne’s summer sunshine, one thing is clear: this year’s Australian Open promises to be unforgettable. From first serve to last sunset, this is summer at its boldest and brightest.
Learn more here.
Imagery: @janniksin, @australianopen, @theveronicas
