Make Music Day Returns This Month with Over 360 Local Performers Across 40 Venues
A record number of performers will take to stages across the city and North Adelaide for this year’s Make Music Day.
Image Candice Hu
Make Music Day returns in 2026 with another jam-packed day of live music across the city and North Adelaide.
Presented by City of Adelaide on Saturday 20 June, Make Music Day is a celebration of live music featuring more than 360 performers across 107 musical acts taking to stages in 40 venues from morning to midnight
Pubs, bars, cafes, galleries, bookstores and public spaces will be transformed into live performance areas showcasing South Australia’s diverse music scene, with everything from solo performers and bands to choirs and community groups popping up at iconic venues and unique locations across the CBD and North Adelaide.
The list of artists involved is massive, with the likes of local favs Adelaide Afrobeat Collective, My Chérie, Coldwave, Nat Luna, Empty Threats and more performing on the day.
First held in France as Fête de la Musique over 40 years ago, Make Music Day is now a global movement that not only showcases local artists, but also creates new opportunities for young and emerging artists, culturally diverse musicians, neurodivergent performers and artists living with disability to connect with new audiences.
After debuting last year, Lord Mayor of Adelaide Dr Jane Lomax-Smith is excited for the return of Make Music Day 2026.
“This free festival which showcases bricks and mortar venues will be an expression of Adelaide’s grassroots music culture, music making and supporters of music,” said the Lord Mayor.
“Adelaide’s music scene is world-class for many reasons, but above all, it reflects the diversity that defines our city. With a focus on accessibility and inclusion, this festival is for everyone.
“From techno to Tarab, we’re home to an extraordinary range of musical traditions, and Make Music Day is about celebrating them all throughout Adelaide for one big day.”
Alex Masso, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Music Association, is ecstatic to be working with the City of Adelaide as part of the nationwide Make Music Australia campaign.
“Although Make Music Day is focused on community involvement, the benefits extend much further than the audience and performers. There's an entire industry dependent on people making and enjoying music in all forms. City of Adelaide should be commended for providing so many opportunities for people to get involved and show their support.”
Alliance Francaise d’Adelaide are once again teaming up with the Adelaide Central Market for a curated program of music spotlighting the songs and sounds of France in the city’s premier food destination.
Alliance Francaise d’Adelaide Executive Director Anne-Lise Heynen-Giri said Fete de la Musique globally turns every corner into a stage and brings music to everyone.
“We’re thrilled to see this French-born celebration come to life in Adelaide’s streets, boosting the city’s vibrant live music scene.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to our French music and language event in the Adelaide Central Market. Discovery, delight and dancing is on the cards for Make Music Day.”
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There are so many incredible events taking place throughout the day, but if you’re after a little taste of what to expect, here are some of the highlights.
The Metro is partnering with Runt Records for an all-ages showcase of alt-rock featuring Rosie and the Posies, Witch Spit and Empty Threats.
Lowlife Basement Bar has an eclectic selection of Adelaide favourites, with folk rock from Ned Baulderstone, indie rock from the rising Pearly Stars, daring, dazzling and unique songcraft from My Chérie and an unmissable headline set from Adelaide’s beloved Post-Punk outfit Coldwave.
Arthur Art Bar has assembled an impressive lineup of Adelaide’s next wave of alternative stars, kicking off at 3pm with shoegaze outfit Wreked Society and finishing with a headline set from the genre-defying TempL.
Nexus Arts is hosting a Hafle Arabic event with group and solo performances from Rabih Intarazy, Adnan Barake and Raja Jamaleddine, a vocal choir and traditional Middle Eastern dance, dabke.
Adelaide Railway Station is the location for a pop-up performance of 100-plus singers in the Public Primary Schools Music Festival Choir who will serenade morning commuters, followed by 50 young string musicians in the afternoon
Enjoy a pint and a pizza at Crafty Robot Brewing as Harpin’ Will K and Exeter Blues get their groove on.
The East End’s Howling Owl has something for the neo-soul, funk and jazz lovers, with five local acts on the bill, including Elena and Terry’s Pocket, while down the West End, TIA Live has an all-metal lineup that includes metal band Falter and punk ratbags Death Televised.
Make Music Day takes place on Saturday 20 June in 40 venues across the City and North Adelaide. The full program is available at experienceadelaide.com.au.
