The Cat Empire Announce Massive Australian Tour But Skip Adelaide

Sadly, the jazz meets funk collective won’t be passing through Adelaide on their 12-date national tour.

Image Giulia McGauran

The Cat Empire are embarking on a 12-date national tour in August and September to support their tenth studio album, Bird in Paradise.

Currently gearing up for a huge 61-date tour of North America, Europe and the UK before making their way across Australia, the musical collective are unfortunately skipping Adelaide. But fans shouldn’t fret, with the band taking to Instagram to reveal they are planning a special Adelaide show in the near future.

“Australia! We are super excited to finally announce our ‘Bird In Paradise’ national tour and to have local legends @little_quirks_band joining us for most of the shows! A big thanks to all of you who’ve been writing to us asking about Aussie shows, we can’t wait to see you all in August and September,” the band revealed.

“P.S. Adelaide, we haven’t forgotten you. We are passionate about bringing an all-ages show to your town so everyone can come and enjoy it, but unfortunately the venue we had booked will not be finished renovations in time. But do not fear, we’re cooking up something for you. We love coming to SA and we’ll get over there asap.”

At this stage, those keen to see the jazz meets funk collective will have to travel interstate.

Getting things started with gigs at Fremantle’s Freo Social on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10, The Cat Empire continue with concerts at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre (Friday, August 15), Newcastle’s Bar on the Hill (Saturday, August 16), Mundi Mundi Bash in Broken Hill (Saturday, August 23), Gold Coast’s Miami Marketta (Thursday, August 28), Brisbane’s The Tivoli (Friday, August 29) and Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns (Sunday, August 31 ).

The remaining dates in September take place at Hobart’s Odeon Theatre (Thursday, September 4) and Ballarat’s Civic Hall (Friday, September 5), with the final two shows at Melbourne’s Northcote Theatre on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7.

Pre-sale tickets are available from Tuesday, May 20, at 11:30am local time until Wednesday, May 21, 11:29pm local time. General on-sale begins Thursday, May 22, at 11:30am local time. For full ticketing details, visit thecatempire.com.

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The Cat Empire have been entertaining music fans for over 25 years, with this year’s Bird in Paradise receiving high praise. The AU Review awarded the record four out of five stars, while Australian Music hailed it as “a refreshing callback to The Cat Empire’s earlier days, while showcasing the wisdom and musicality they’ve honed over two decades.”

Described as “a sonic kaleidoscope of flamenco, funk, Latin, jazz and Creole influences” in a press release, the album draws from The Cat Empire’s roots while also embracing modern soundscapes.

“We didn’t set out to make this record — it found us,” says frontman Felix Riebl. “It’s a celebration of spontaneity, togetherness, and letting music lead the way.”

Fans can expect to hear tracks from Bird in Paradise alongside classic The Cat Empire anthems when they hit the road this August and September.

The Cat Empire tour Australia this August and September. For ticketing information, visit thecatempire.com.

The Cat Empire Birds in Paradise 2025 Australian Tour Dates

Saturday, August 9 – Freo Social, Fremantle, WA (18+)

Sunday, August 10 – Freo Social, Fremantle, WA (All Ages Matinee)

Friday, August 15 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW (All Ages)

Saturday, August 16 – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle, NSW (18+)

Saturday, August 23 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Broken Hill, NSW (All Ages)

Thursday, August 28 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast, QLD (12+)

Friday, August 29 – The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD (All Ages)

Sunday, August 31 – Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns, QLD (All Ages)

Thursday, September 4 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart, TAS (All Ages)

Friday, September 5 – Civic Hall, Ballarat, VIC (18+)

Saturday, September 6 – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne, VIC (18+)

Sunday, September 7 – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne, VIC (All Ages)

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