The Australian Open 2026 isn’t solely about tennis. It's also about the festival experience. The AO Live Music event brings international and local artists to Melbourne across selected dates during the Australian Open in January and early February. AO Live Music features multiple live music nights across the Australian Open, showcasing pop, electronic, and dance artists. With something for everyone, fans can enjoy music, food, entertainment, and the atmosphere of the Australian Open. Let's review the lineup, schedule, and practical tips for attending AO Live Music.
AO Live Music Festival Lineup
AO Live Music for the Australian Open 2026 has been confirmed with headline performances across Melbourne Park precinct venues. The 2026 AO LIVE presents global and Australian artists on multiple dates during the tournament. If you're new to tennis and taking tennis lessons in Sydney, just remember that this kind of live music and entertainment is fairly unique to the Australian Open. Here are the confirmed acts and their scheduled nights.
British electronic pop veterans known for genre-blending hits like Over and Over and Ready for the Floor. Their live shows combine danceable beats with playful visuals and crowd-friendly energy.
A UK producer and singer-songwriter whose atmospheric electronic sound blends house, pop, and introspective lyrics. Best known for tracks like Cola and Numb, Elderbrook delivers immersive, rhythm-driven live performances.
An Australian DJ and producer recognised for melodic techno and progressive house. Cassian has performed on major international stages and is known for polished, late-night club-style sets.
One of Australia’s most influential electronic acts, famous for tracks such as My People and Talk Like That. Their high-energy performances mix dance music with rock influences and bold stage presence.
The Australian global star rose to prominence with chart-topping hits including Without You and Stay. Known for emotional vocals and crossover pop-rap appeal, his performances attract massive crowds.
A Perth-formed indie rock band celebrated for melodic songwriting and introspective lyrics. With hits like Booster Seat and Hardlight, they bring a more alternative sound to the AO Live lineup.
The long-running Australian pop duo behind classics such as Untouched and 4ever. Their shows combine pop hooks, rock energy, and strong crowd interaction.
A Grammy-nominated electronic duo blending dance, pop, and global influences. Known for vibrant visuals and infectious tracks like Best Friend and Purple Hat, their sets are upbeat and festival-ready.
An American singer and actor whose music blends pop with emotionally driven storytelling. Following the success of Snow Angel, she has quickly become known for powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence.
A world-renowned DJ and producer celebrated for her house and techno sound. Famous tracks like It Goes Like (Nanana) have made her a staple of international festival lineups.
AO Live Music Event Schedule and Venue Details
Here are the key event details at a glance, which are different from the dates of the whole Australian Open tournament.
Dates and Headliners
- Tuesday, 13 January 2026 – Hot Chip (Opening Week, TOPCOURT)
- Wednesday, 14 January 2026 – Elderbrook (Opening Week, TOPCOURT)
- Thursday, 15 January 2026 – Cassian (Opening Week, TOPCOURT)
- Friday, 16 January 2026 – The Presets (Opening Week, TOPCOURT)
- Wednesday, 28 January 2026 – The Kid LAROI (AO LIVE Presents, John Cain Arena)
- Thursday, 29 January 2026 – Spacey Jane (AO LIVE Presents, John Cain Arena)
- Friday, 30 January 2026 – The Veronicas + SOFI TUKKER (AO LIVE Presents, John Cain Arena)
- Saturday, 31 January 2026 – Reneé Rapp (AO LIVE Presents, John Cain Arena)
- Sunday, 1 February 2026 – Peggy Gou (AO LIVE Presents, John Cain Arena)
Venue
John Cain Arena at Melbourne Park hosts the AO LIVE stadium concerts. Located within the Australian Open precinct, this indoor venue accommodates major music events alongside tennis sessions.
Tickets and Passes
So you've decided you'd like to attend. Here's how. AO LIVE tickets grant access to the concert and include a Ground Pass for the corresponding day of the Australian Open, allowing entry to tennis precinct zones, acoustic sessions, DJ sets, and more. Tickets went on sale via Ticketmaster and the official Australian Open site, with pricing that varies by show and seating category. These events are incredibly popular, and tickets sell out fast.
Where to Stay for AO Live Music
For those from outside of Melbourne, there are several great accommodation options. Whether you need luxury, convenience, or something on a budget, there are places to stay.
Luxury Accommodation
Here are a few 4- or 5-star hotels in Melbourne. If you're going to see some top-level tennis from the best, you should consider staying in the best places.
The Langham, Melbourne
Crown Towers Melbourne
Park Hyatt Melbourne
Mid-Range Hotels
These 3- and 4-star hotels balance comfort, quality, and affordability. They're the perfect choice between luxury and budget for the 2026 Australian Open.
Novotel Melbourne on Collins
Rydges Melbourne
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Budget-Friendly Accommodation
If you want to save money for the music, watching tennis, your own tennis lessons, or other entertainment. Here are some places you can stay on a budget.
Ibis Budget Melbourne CBD
City Square Motel
Space Hotel
fans attended the Australian Open.
Getting to AO Live Music
Thanks to the Australian Open's central location and, subsequently, AO Live Music, it's relatively easy to get there.
Getting to AO Live Music By Public Transport
You can take the train to Flinders Street Station, Jolimont Station, or Richmond Station. It's a short walk to John Cain Arena from any of these stations. Train stations, including Richmond, Jolimont, and Flinders Street, are within a short walk of Melbourne Park, and nearby tram routes (including Route 70) offer frequent services during the Australian Open. Tram travel is free for AO ticket holders during the tournament.
Parking for the Australian Open and AO Live Music
If you're travelling there by car, there's limited parking available at the Yarra Park Car Park near the venue. However, we'd recommend using public transport, taxis, or an Uber to get there. There's also bicycle parking near the Melbourne Park entrance if you want to cycle to and from the event.
What to Expect at AO Live Music
Though live music is in the event's name, there's more to it than just the music. This is a full festival experience alongside some amazing tennis.
Food and Drink
At AO Live Music, you can enjoy gourmet food trucks, pop-up bars, and a range of culinary delights, so you won't be hungry during the event. You can enjoy some of Melbourne's best street food and refreshments between performances.
The Festival Atmosphere
The event is a festival but part of the Australian Open, which brings music and sport together. This is a unique event that's fun, colourful, and buzzing with excitement for artistic and sporting performances.
Other Entertainment
The headline acts aren't the only artists performing, so be sure to see what else is going on around the venue. Families can enjoy the AO Ballpark, while the AO Live Stage also has live acts during the tournament.
Why You Should Go to AO Live Music 2025
There are plenty of reasons to attend AO Live Music 2025. For one, it's a one-of-a-kind festival at and during the Australian Open, a Grand Slam event and the first major tennis tournament on the calendar. It also features a world-class lineup of artists.
This is perfect for fans of tennis or music. Whether you love tennis or both, AO Live offers a perfect mix. And if you're looking to enhance your game, consider exploring tennis coaching. From January 23 to January 25 at John Cain Arena, you can enjoy incredible acts, a festival atmosphere, and the highest levels of tennis.
If you are inspired by music and tennis, and you would like to start tennis lessons in Sydney or anywhere in Australia, visit Superprof and find a long list of local tennis coaches ready to start lessons with you today! If you're in Melbourne and looking to sharpen your skills off the court, consider checking out a local tennis class Melbourne.
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