Chappell Roan to headline St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival as it makes its Gold Coast debut in 2026
After more than two decades lighting up Brisbane, the iconic Laneway Festival is heading for new territory. In 2026, the much-loved indie-music gathering will take over the Gold Coast for the first time, launching its Queensland leg at Southport Sharks on Saturday February 7.
It’s finally here! Laneway Festival is officially returning for 2026 with a star-studded lineup of local and international artists to celebrate the festival’s 21st birthday.
After years of hoping, the princess of the Midwest, Chappell Roan, will be making her Laneway Festival debut, headlining the festival with her iconic queer anthems and global pop hits. Joining Chappell on the lineup is Mercury Prize-winners — and Laneway professionals — Wolf Alice, who are amped to tear up the stage with their blend of grunge rock and dream folk. The festival has also scored a host of Laneway-only performances, from the intimately earnest Role Model, to the pop internet sensation PinkPantheress and the indie chaos of Wet Leg.
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The lineup will also see Yung Lean and Bladee will team up for a joint performance in a rare exclusive, the heartfelt storytelling of Lucy Dacus, master of midwest emo Alex G, the folk-psych tunes of Mt. Joy, plus so much more.
With the Brisbane Showgrounds preparing for development ahead of the 2032 Olympics, Laneway Festival’s Gold Coast debut comes at the perfect time – giving fans a fresh backdrop at Southport Sharks. The new site offers a unique setting with an easy-to-navigate layout, seamless movement between stages and transport connections. Intimate yet expansive, it’s set to deliver a world-class festival experience in 2026.
Laneway Festival co-founders Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio say, “It’s incredible to be celebrating 21 years of Laneway. What began as a little street party in a Melbourne laneway has grown into a summer ritual across Australia and New Zealand. Every year we’re blown away by the response from the artists, fans, and community that make Laneway so special — 2026 is about honouring that history while looking to the future.”