From Grammy-nominated blues stars to past Tank 5 sell-outs, start planning your 2026 gigs at Tanks Arts Centre now.
The year’s live music program kicks off with a one-off jazz-fusion show on 31 January with Harry James Angus (former trumpeter and vocalist of The Cat Empire) and friends. Angus will be joined by a cast of current and past FNQ residents including: Jamahl Yami, Waanyi/Gangaliida rapper and 2024 triple j Unearthed NIMA competition winner; IZY, neo-soul three piece (previously known as The Montgomery Brothers); and Los Caracoles, vibrant Latin-fusion duo.
Indie-surf-garage rock fans can catch The Terrys on 14 February and The Grogans on 28 February. These two groups are sure to deliver an unforgettable night out full of dancing and good times.
From international shores, we see UK dance legend Example bring his blend of EDM, hip-hop and party anthems to Cairns on 21 February. Example is noted for club songs including Changed the Way You Kiss Me, Ministry of Sound’s third most-played song on Youtube, as well as Kickstarts and Stay Awake.
Come journey through the history of dub to the present with UK’s Mad Professor’s Dub Down Under tour on 13 March. A disciple of Lee "Scratch" Perry, he stands as one of the leading producers in dub reggae's second generation.
One of Australia’s most acclaimed guitarists Kevin Borich performs on 14 March joined by two incredibly talented Aussie rock mainstays, Jon Carson on drums and Chris Gilbert on bass. The tour comes following the release of Kevin’s latest album Duets, which was met with rave reviews and shot swiftly to number one on the ARIA Rock, Blues and Jazz Charts.
Past Tank 5 sell-outs and 90s genre-benders Regurgitator on 17 April who once again bring their unsurpassable energy back to Tanks Arts Centre.
From the USA on 12 March, audiences can catch Willie Watson, co-founder of Old Crow Medicine Show and Gillian Welch collaborator. His Americana Folk (think folk with a country twang) will be sure to give you goosebumps and is a must-do for anyone who likes a bit of banjo and harmonica and nostalgic vibes.
If there's ever a gig you’re guaranteed to have fun at, it's USA’s Steve Poltz on 2 April. Poltz’s music and live show is filled with fun and mischief in just the right amount. He’s a little indie, a little country, and is notable as a founding member of Rugburns and as co-writer on Jewel’s 1996 hit You Were Meant for Me.
Indie-folk lovers can catch high-energy Melbourne-duo The Pierce Brothers on 18 April. We last saw them for a special Art Sounds show on the lawn at Court House Gallery, and if you loved that set, this Moonrise album launch tour is not to be missed.
One of the world’s leading bluesmen of our time, Grammy-nominated legend Eric Bibb returns to Cairns on 2 May with his full band to celebrate the release of his new album One Mississippi. He sold out his last solo Tanks show in 2023 so expect another sell-out.
After wowing Savannah in the Round goers in 2025, 90s rockers Baby Animals with powerhouse vocalist Suze DeMarchi are back in FNQ for a headline show at the Tanks on 8 May.
Finally, those who love to laugh have plenty of comedians heading their way with Dave Hughes on 20 February, Schalk Bezuidenhout (South Africa) on 27 April and Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase later in the year on 6 October.
Tanks Arts Centre announces new shows regularly, so expect more great acts coming your way in 2026. Sign up to Tanks-mail to get the news delivered to your inbox first.
For any media enquiries including to arrange interviews, please contact Jilara Kuch at jilara.kuch@cairns.qld.gov.au or 07 4032 6634.