A Free Open-Air EDM Festival Is Happening In South Bank This Summer
The Brisbane beat
By Victoria Lewis | 13th January 2026If there is one thing Brisbanites can all agree on, it’s that a sweaty summer music festival hits different. The bass, the buzz, the infectious energy – we simply cannot get enough.
Well, good news, ravers, a free open-air electronic dance festival is coming to South Bank this summer with Southwave: Summer Electronic Series taking over the South Bank Rainforest across nine sun-soaked afternoons and after-dark sessions.
From now until 21 February, the South Bank Rainforest is being transformed into a pulsing EDM oasis, with the Tivoli Group rounding up the freshest local and international DJs and bringing them to our beloved Brisbane. And the best part is, it’s all free!
Who’s playing?
Get ready, because some seriously big names will be in Brisbane – headline acts including DJ Seinfeld, Not Without Friends, Folamour, Rose Gray, and Jimi Jules will light up the rainforest across weekend afternoons and nights. Add in pop-up bars, seriously good food, and balmy summer nights, and you’ve got yourself a seriously elite (and affordable) night.
The schedule
With the first few days of the festival kicking off at the very start of the New Year, there are six more days left of festival fun:
Friday 23 January
- DJ Seinfeld
- DJ Jnett
- Sampology
Saturday 24 January
- Not Without Friends
- Macloud
- Caramel Funk
- Laura Vizer
Sunday 25 January
- Jimi Jules
- Amaliah
- Gumm
- Samantha Loveridge
- Aliens In Love
Sunday 1 February
- Châu
- Squidgenini
- Felix
- DJ Windom Earle
- Deejay Hotline
- Natural Steps
Friday 20 February
- Rose Gray
- Big Wett
- Bimini (DJ)
- Absolute.
- Tullio
Saturday 21 February
- Jussam
- Melanin Mami
- Orosa
- Shaq
- Varnan
Gather your mates and gear up to listen to the hottest electro beats, breathe in the crisp, tropical air, and dance the night away – because, honestly, what screams QLD summer more than an open-air dancefloor by the river?
Southwave will coincide with South Bank’s inaugural On the Banks live music series, so you can keep the good times flowing while the city is alive with sweet sounds throughout summer and beyond.
The details
What: Southwave: Summer Electronic Series Where: Rainforest Green, South Bank, Brisbane When: 9 nights from now to 21 February 2026 Cost: All free, baby! Entry into the main event site is free, but registrations are essential, so make sure you register here.
Imagery: @jimi_jules / @mybrissy via @visitsouthbank / @rubygray_
