Brisbane/Meanjin’s new riverside concert series On the Banks has officially kicked things into another gear, announcing a second wave of artists that cements its place as one of Australia’s biggest live music events of early 2026. Set against the glowing skyline of South Bank, the series will run from 25 February to 22 March, transforming the Cultural Forecourt into a summer-long celebration of outdoor music, warm nights, and world-class performers.
Today’s announcement brings four major headline additions — King Stingray, MARINA with special guest Mallrat, Grace Jones, and Sarah Blasko — joining an already stacked bill featuring De La Soul with Oddisee & Good Compny, The Streets, Bernard Fanning, The Paper Kites, Blockbuster, Marlon Williams, Peach PRC, and more. If the inaugural line-up signalled ambition, this second reveal declares it loudly: On the Banks is ready to play in the big leagues.
Opening the series on 25 February, Yolŋu surf-rock trailblazers King Stingray will bring their high-energy, sun-soaked sound to the Forecourt. Born in Yirrkala and steeped in Yolŋu songlines, their fusion of culture and indie rock has made them one of the most uplifting live bands in Australia. Hits like Get Me Out and Milkumana have earned them ARIA Breakthrough Artist honours and a loyal nationwide following — expect a powerful communal moment to kick off the festival.
The following night, global art-pop powerhouse MARINA returns to Brisbane for the first time in 15 years. Armed with her transformative new album PRINCESS OF POWER, MARINA arrives in full reinvention mode — euphoric electropop, disco pulses, and declarations of self-possession. Joining her is Brisbane’s own Mallrat, fresh off a #1 ARIA album, international acclaim, and a career defined by boundary-pushing collaborations. Together, they’re set to deliver one of the most anticipated pop double-bills of the entire series.
Then, on 5 March, comes a cultural earthquake: Grace Jones. A singular titan of music, fashion, and performance art, Jones remains unmatched in theatrical scale and creative audacity. From Pull Up to the Bumper to Slave to the Rhythm, her influence has shaped generations of artists — and seeing her command the riverside stage beneath the city lights promises a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Brisbane has never had a night like the one Grace Jones is about to deliver.
Closing the series on 22 March, Sarah Blasko joins Marlon Williams for a night steeped in emotional clarity. With a career spanning seven albums, three ARIA Awards, and some of Australia’s most beloved songwriting, Blasko brings her introspective new work I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain to the riverside alongside Williams’ rich, genre-defying performances.
Presented by QPAC and South Bank Corporation, On the Banks is shaping up as the definitive soundtrack of the Queensland summer — a place where the warm air, the river breeze, and the city skyline form the backdrop to some of the most compelling artists on the planet. With more announcements still to come, the party on the river is only just beginning.
Go HERE for full program and ticketing information.
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