- Sydney is approaching a major month of music, with global stars ready to descend on the city.
- As we gear up to welcome these artists, the NSW Parliament has passed the Contemporary Music Act 2026.
- Here’s what this new law means for concert-goers and venues.
Spring is blossoming in Sydney, and so is the city’s music scene, with some of the world’s biggest stars set to hit the city’s stages. From Zara Larsson and Olivia Dean to Tame Impala and Lily Allen, we’re seriously spoilt for choice.
As we edge closer to a magical, music-filled month, the NSW Parliament has passed the Contemporary Music Act 2026, marking the first major legislative reform affecting the state’s music industry since 2020.
Promising greater protections for venues, changes to festival regulations and a new system for recognising the venues keeping the city’s music scene alive, the new law is looking to revitalise Sydney’s music scene.
The Bill states that its object is “to assist, promote and strengthen the contemporary music industry throughout New South Wales”.
But what does this law actually mean? We’ve read the bill and simplified it for those who love heading to Sydney’s music venues, but don’t want to bother skimming through legal jargon. Let’s break it down into the five most important (and relevant) parts of the Act.
1. Sydney’s live music venues will get official recognition (which comes with benefits)
One of the main changes is the introduction of a new voluntary venue accreditation scheme.
This will allow eligible music venues to be officially recognised as one of three things: a dedicated live music venue, a significant live music venue or a live music venue.
Sounds like a lot of waffle, right? The precise criteria for deciding which of the three categories a venue falls into hasn’t been set out yet, either, but they’ll loosely follow this guideline:
- Dedicated live music venue: intended for venues whose primary purpose is presenting live music.
- Significant music venue: a venue that makes a substantial contribution to the live music scene but that isn’t necessarily their primary focus.
- Live music venue: the broader category for places that regularly provide live music.
So what does this accreditation mean? The NSW Government says these new categories will allow support to be tailored to different types of venues, from government grants to access to extended trading hours. The changes are also designed to encourage more venues to put live music on their stages.
2. Some venues will get protection against disputes
Sorry, NIMBYs, you’re not going to like this one.
Under the Contemporary Music Act 2026, disputes about the venues’ operation of live music will have to go through mediation before court proceedings can begin. A lot of this will be related to noise complaints.
The NSW Small Business Commission will provide free mediation, with a registrar overseeing the dispute process.
This protection won’t be for everyone though – only dedicated and significant live music venues.
3. Councils can’t impose conditions on live music simply because of genre
Dreaming of putting on a heavy punk rock show? The council can’t discriminate against a live music event solely because of the genre of music.
This applies to things like licensing conditions, development applications and event approvals. Risk assessments also can’t be biased against certain genres of music.
Hopefully, these changes will help Sydney foster a thriving and diverse music scene, with more opportunities for both major acts and niche genres to find an audience.
4. Outdoor concert noise will be measured differently
In great news for big outdoor events, a new approach to noise assessments will take place.
Instead of relying on individual peak readings, the new approach uses an average over a period of time. This means a brief spike in sound doesn’t necessarily constitute a breach if the average remains within the permitted level.
This applies to outdoor events at specific government sites, including Centennial Park, Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House and other venues managed by Venues NSW. It’ll be welcome news for big outdoor music events like On The Steps and the brand-new concert series, Sydney Summertime.
5. Sound NSW gets a permanent legislative footing
What is a “permanent legislative footing” and why should we care?
Basically, the Act is establishing a Sound NSW Advisory Board. This Board will provide advice to assist the NSW Government in the development of policies and initiatives to enhance the contemporary music sector in the state.
The Board is made up of a group of industry experts who “understand the complexity of the needs of contemporary music artists, industry professionals and music businesses.”
They will be selected for assessment panels across Sound NSW funding programs based on relevant experience and expertise, to review applications and provide recommendations to decision-makers for consideration and approval.
Hopefully, the panel will help channel more funding into Sydney’s incredible music events, champion local venues and strengthen the city’s music industry as a whole.
So, we’ve covered some of the biggest changes coming to Sydney’s live music scene following the passing of the Contemporary Music Act 2026. Now, let’s take a look at all the big shows coming to Sydney this October.
The big music acts coming to Sydney this October
Olivia Dean
When Olivia Dean performed on the Fleet Steps at the Sydney Opera House last year, fans literally chartered boats just for the chance to hear her addictive voice.
The “Man I Need” singer, who won Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards, will perform two sold-out shows at Afterpay Arena this October as part of her The Art of Loving tour. The singer is on track to become one of the most recognised names in British pop music, and there’s no doubt this concert will be one to remember.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 9 and 10.
Price: Tickets sold out, but keep an eye on Ticketek Marketplace.
Lily Allen
Sydney’s response to hearing that this West End girl is heading Down Under was huge. The English singer-songwriter returned with West End Girl seven years after No Shame, delivering lyrically honest and vocally striking songs that firmly cemented her comeback as a huge success.
Where: TikTok Entertainment Centre, 2/14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000.
When: October 25 and 26.
Price: From $109.90.
Zara Larsson
The Swedish pop sensation has recently been making waves on her Midnight Sun Tour, thanks to her viral “Lush Life” dance, stunning, colourful makeup looks and overall incredible vibes. Her album Midnight Sun is full of confidence, dance hits and songs that show off the singer’s impressive vocal range. This performance is guaranteed to be a highlight in Sydney’s pop calendar.
Where: Hordern Pavilion, Gate C/3 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021.
When: October 15 and 23.
Price: $119.90.
Move My Way at Carriageworks
Carriageworks is busy providing us with some great events in October, and day festival Move My Way is here to kick it all off.
The one-day celebration of jazz, soul and hip-hop will include performances from Mercury Award-winning jazz-funk collective Ezra Collective, rapper Freddie Gibbs, Afrobeat seven-piece Kokoroko and Sampa the Great, alongside a curated selection of local and international artists.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015.
When: October 3, doors open 2:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $189.90.
Hilary Duff
Millennial icon Hilary Duff will bring her lucky me tour to Australia this October, featuring special guest La Roux (the artist behind the hit song “Bulletproof”). The multi-platinum Lizzie McGuire star made a smooth transition from early-2000s teen pop to a more mature electropop sound, which she’ll be bringing Down Under to Sydney’s Afterpay Arena.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 24 at 7:30pm.
Price: Tickets from $159.90.
5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer is Australian boyband royalty, gaining international fame in 2013-14 after supporting One Direction on their Take Me Home tour.
Their Everyone’s A Star! world tour sees them return to their home stage in Sydney at Afterpay Arena, where they’ll play the explosive singles “NOT OK,” “Boyband,” and now “Telephone Busy”, as well as some of their popular, older hits (we’re hoping for “She Looks So Perfect”).
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 30.
Price: From $101.85.
Conan Gray
American singer-songwriter Conan Gray is bringing his Wishbone World Tour down under this October, kicking off an incredible month of music. The “Heather” singer recently sold out legendary spaces like Madison Square Garden, the Kia Forum, and Wembley Arena, so his return to Australia is set to be a very exciting event.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 1.
Price: $99.90.
Tame Impala
Psych-pop star Kevin Parker, also known as Tame Impala, is returning to Australia with four huge arena shows in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth this October.
Following the release of his acclaimed fifth studio album, Deadbeat, the singer of “The Less I Know The Better” (which was number 4 on 2015’s Hottest 100 and number one for Hottest 100 of the 2010s) will bring special guest Ninajirachi along for the ride. There’s no doubt that fans will be fighting for tickets to this dreamy, psychedelic rock gig.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 19.
Price: From $119.90.
Hans Zimmer
The iconic Hans Zimmer is taking his live show to the next level with his latest The Next Level tour. Expect spectacular sound, ambitious staging and his powerhouse 19-piece band, joined by Australian vocal sensation Lisa Gerrard and a host of other acclaimed vocalists. This is one live music experience you won’t want to miss.
Where: Afterpay Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127.
When: October 28 and 29.
Price: Tickets from $175.
