New Found Sound Guide 2026
Taking over Yartapuulti/Port Adelaide for the third year running, roving music fest New Found Sound has once again delivered an eclectic program highlighting incredible artists playing unique spaces across the Port. 40 artists have been handpicked to perform at this free event on May 9, with the genre-spanning lineup featuring something for everyone. If you’re unsure about who to see or what venues are involved, have a gander at our handy guide so you make the most of your time at the festival.
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10 Gallon Hat
Like a home away from home, 10 Gallon Hat is a cosy bar in the heart of Port Adelaide serving an invigorating selection of craft brews, local wines and signature cocktails. Hosting an all-local lineup, alt-rock folk enchantress Grace Vandals (5pm) kicks things off, followed by alt-country emo trio stripes, scarf (6:10pm), goth pop act Blood Circles (7:20pm) and punk rock and rollers LOLA (8:30pm).
158 St Vincent Street
Colac Port Adelaide
The COLAC Hotel recently underwent a $1.5 million redevelopment, transforming the Heritage-listed establishment into a thriving gastro pub with a seasonal menu and a boutique distillery producing whisky, gin, vodka and liqueurs. Experimental soul act The Matehs (5pm) and country folk star Rob Edwards (6:10pm) get things underway before pop singer Elizabeth Ruyi (7:20pm) and funk masters King of Spain (8:30pm) command the dancefloor.
1 Santo Parade
Fergie Mac’s Lounge
Slinging gourmet deli sandwiches during the day, Fergie Mac’s Lounge doubles as a wine bar in the evening where punters can enjoy share plates while listening to local live music. Enjoy soothing soul-influenced tunes from four of SA’s best: Ms Chipeta (6pm), Grace Shirley (7:10pm), Stickybeak (8:20pm) and vibrant jazz outfit Minnie Little Trad Band (9:20pm).
229 St Vincent Street
Lighthouse Wharf STage
Adjacent to The Lighthouse Wharf Hotel and just a stone’s throw from the iconic red lighthouse, this outside stage has a stacked bill anchored by emerging Noongar rapper Inkabee (6:10pm). Enjoy a pint and a parmi in the Lighthouse before heading outside for tunes from indie groovers Broken Waves (5pm), electro pop duo Miss Orange Juicy (7:20pm), souljazz artist Jamie Lena Kerslake (8:30pm) and the rap meets beats team of Bloomy Meadows & Inkswel (9:40pm).
Black Diamond Square
McGregor & Young Distillery
Inspired by owners Chris and Scott’s South Aussie and Tassie roots, this is the place to be for those who love gin. After a recommendation? Go for the juniper-forward Temperance. Delicious. As for the music, there’s a real mix bagged, with soon-to-be global superstar Ella Ion (6pm), alt-R&B artist Leni (7pm), shoegaze favourites Sunsick Daisy (8:10pm) and alternative rock outfit Loopole (9:20pm), all strutting their stuff.
312 St Vincent Street
Pirate Life Brewery
Since opening in 2019, Pirate Life Brewery and Taphouse has become a major reason for the Port’s resurgence. With its enviable beer selection, spacious outdoor area and elevated pub grub menu, it ticks all the right boxes. Showcasing a rock-heavy lineup, Afrobeat rockers Maajela (6:50pm) and rising stars Swapmeet (8pm) are joined by dynamic duo Charlie Needs Braces (9:10pm) and posthardcore revellers Colourblind (10:10pm), before psych-rockers Druid Fluids (11:20pm) close things out.
18 Baker Street
Port River Cruisers
Port River Cruises once again gives music lovers the chance to experience some great local talent while taking in the Port from the water. Jump on board the 100-seater Catamaran as Arrernte country singer-songwriter Scott Rathman Jnr (6pm), folk artist Jack Ray (7:10pm), introspective artist Marina Anthea (8:20pm) and indie folk duo Gilly & Bede (9:20pm) perform while sailing down the Port Adelaide River.
1 McLaren Wharf
SA Maritime Musuem
The South Australian Maritime Museum becomes a live music hub for one night only as part of New Found Sound, with interdisciplinary artist Tristan Louth-Robins (5:30pm), experimental academic littlescale (6:40pm), tutti horn player Emma Gregan (7:50pm) and Melbourne-based improv trio LIIT (9pm) all involved. Along with great music, the museum will be free to enter, allowing people the chance to explore the exhibits.
126 Lipson Street
Waterside Workers Hall
The Port is chock full of heritage-listed buildings, but few are as important as this venue, which was first operated by the Waterside Workers’ Federation of Australia, a long-running union dedicated to helping the wharfies. Now occupied by Vitalstatistix, it’s a home for contemporary art and community. Expect pop flavours from Meena de Silva (6:30pm), the experimental rock goodness of Djawbreaker (7:40pm), mindblowing trip hop duo Mum & Dad (8:50pm), the avant-garde melodies of Avalone Kane (10pm) and a fierce closing set of punk defiance from New South Wales act Canine (11:30pm).
11 Nile Street
Clipper Ship City of Adelaide
Here’s something a little different. Spend three hours on the world’s oldest clipper ship, City of Adelaide, with multi-instrumentalist Adam Page and drummer extraordinaire Andreanna Massacci (5-8pm). The two will perform their experimental looping compositions as those on board enjoy their set while watching the sunset over the Port.
Dock 2, Honey Street
New Found Sound celebrates the vibrant arts and music culture that colours Port Adelaide’s historic streets. The free festival, which takes place on May 9, sees 50 local music acts perform across 10 iconic venues.
