Picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, you’re sprawled out in Centennial Park with your mates and a drink in hand, when the unmistakable opening riff of “The Adults Are Talking” starts to play.
Well, this could soon be your reality. Sydney Summertime has found its first big name: Grammy Award-winning rock band The Strokes will lead the lineup for Centennial Park’s brand-new concert series.
Taking place on February 20, the concert will be The Strokes’ only Sydney show and only outdoor show of their Australian tour. The highly anticipated performance will close out their Reality Awaits world tour, which includes four east coast gigs in early 2027.
Also joining Sydney Summertime’s debut show is Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Beck, who has played countless sold-out shows across his four-decade career. Australian artist Courtney Barnett will make a long-awaited return to the spotlight with her new album, alongside Promiseland, the high-energy project of Johann Rashid.
And that’s not all. The team behind Sydney Summertime have promised that there’s plenty more to look forward to, with further international acts and Australian artists set to be announced in the coming months.
The first-ever Sydney Summertime season will run across late February and March 2027, with individual concert dates set to be announced soon. On show days, the concert gates will open in the afternoon, with music running into the evening and headline sets finishing by 10pm.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
“The Strokes are one of the biggest names in alternative rock, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to Sydney Summertime. Bringing an iconic band like The Strokes to NSW will put our state firmly in the spotlight, attracting fans from across Australia and around the world and giving visitors another reason to stay longer, do more and return again.”
Sydney Summertime ticket information
There will be six ticket experiences available to purchase for The Strokes’ show at Sydney Summertime.
These range from General Admission through to Gold Circle, with front-of-stage standing, dedicated entry and early access to the arena included in the latter. Return public transport will also be included in every ticket.
Concert-goers can grab The Grove tickets, which will give them access to Sydney Summertime’s garden VIP village, featuring dedicated food outlets, bars, shaded gardens and seating.
That being said, there will also be a strong variety of food trucks and local producers, plus beverage offerings for those who opt for General Admission and don’t want to miss out. Their website states, “expect an elevated line-up that celebrates the best of Sydney’s hospitality scene”, including handpicked restaurants, gourmet food trucks and standout NSW wines.
For an elevated view of the concert, The Terrace will offer partially covered grandstand viewing overlooking the main stage, with a mix of standing and unreserved seating, as well as access to The Grove.
The Suites will offer private spaces for groups of 30 to 50 guests, with elevated stage views, dedicated hosting and tailored food and beverage options.
Finally, the Golden Grove tickets will combine The Grove experience with access to Gold Circle.
Exact ticket prices are yet to be announced, but General Admission is expected to remain relatively accessible, thanks to their range of experiences designed to suit different budgets.
Ticket experiences and age requirements will vary based on the concert, though it has been confirmed that the debut show will be open to ages 16 and over.
Dedicated accessible viewing will also be available across two areas, including an elevated platform for wheelchair users and companions and a ground-level sectioned viewing area, with accessible amenities and designated accessibility staff on site.
Tickets for The Strokes Reality Awaits at Sydney Summertime go on general sale at 1pm AEST on Tuesday, September 29 via Moshtix, with presales commencing Monday, 28 September.
You can sign up for pre-sale information and updates by clicking here.
