Here at the Tanks, we are MASSIVE supporters of Aussie music. We've prided ourselves on bringing some of the best bands from across the country to Cairns for three decades and also love giving emerging and local talents a world-class space to perform.
2026 is shaping up to be another amazing year of live music. We've already locked in a bunch of acts for the first half of the year, but there's plenty more to come! From 90s rockers, Baby Animals and Regurgitator, to The Cat Empire alumni Harry James Angus, or indie surf rockers The Terrys and The Grogan, there's a lot to love about what's on in 2026 at Tanks Arts Centre.
For international acts playing in 2026, see here.
Harry James Angus, the firebrand trumpet-playing vocalist from The Cat Empire, is known both for his thrilling live performances and for his constant musical re-invention. He's bringing together an all Aussie cast for a night of improvisation, energy and good times.
IZY is a FNQ-born neo-soul trio whose slinky, all-instrument, future-soul sound carries the lineage of Prince, D’Angelo and old-school soul. Jamahl Yami is a Waanyi and Gangaliida rapper whose work moves between personal narrative, cultural experience and boundary-pushing Australian hip hop. Los Caracloes weave Latin American folk traditions into the mix with guitars, charango, tres, bombo, congas and percussion.
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These cheeky indie rockers bring that laidback but still high-energy Aussie rock that makes you hit the waves (or rather bask under a waterfall FNQ style).
They're the kind of blokes who named their band after their share house landlord, and nickname themselves Tezzas, so you to to expect a fun and unforgettable night in Tank 5.
If The Terrys tickle your fancy, so will The Grogans. We'd say they're a touch more chilled than The Terrys, and they've got that classic Aussie-Indie-Surf-Garage rock vibe that we know you'll love.
They've been around the block for a decade now and we've seen them consistently deliver quality tune after tune.
Head to the beach, chuck on The Grogans, and you're set for a great day!
Kevin Borich is renowned as one of Australia’s greatest and most acclaimed guitarists. The names above aren't just selected randomly, Kevin's jammed on stage with all of them and more!
His latest album Duets, brings together a cast of Aussie music greats and a couple of international stars. He'll be joined by two incredibly talented Aussie rock mainstays, Jon Carson on drums and Chris Gilbert on bass for a night of dancing and phenomenal guitar solos in Tank 5.
Last time they came to the Tanks, they sold out, so definitely don't snooze on buying your tix!
Regurgitator are known for their distinct genre-bending mix of mostly alt rock, electronica, hip hop, and pop, and their live show is unlike any other. They're a bit wacky, they jump around the stage like they're still 20, they get the crowd AMPED and bring a level of joy that only The Gurge can do.
Come relive your youth, it's so much better than throwin' on a CD (omg stop, we're showing our age).
It hasn't been too long since this high-energy indie-folk duo were in Cairns but they've got a whole new album under their belt since they were last here!
They're heading straight from touring it through Europe to Aussie shores launching Moonrise into the world. We've had it on repeat in prep for their show and have linked below for you to have a listen to as well. See ya there folks (and folk lovers).
If you like your gigs with a slice of nostalgia, this one is for you. Baby Animals are particularly noted for breaking through a male-dominated music scene with the powerhouse vocals of frontwoman Suze DeMarchi.
They dominated Aussie charts in the early 90s and for good reason, and after wowing Savannah in the Round goers in 2025, we couldn't help but get them back to FNQ for a headline show.
If you want to party like it's '93, we'll see you at the Tanks.
We'll add more as we announce new shows.
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Image: Regurgitator playing at Tanks Arts Centre in 2023, photo by Nathan Kelly