Kick off the summer and your 2026 dancing on your feet with Southwave: Summer Electronic Series, a program of free events from January 2 to February 21 that’ll bring some of the most internationally renowned electronic artists to Brisbane, not to mention some of our brightest local talent.
Across nine balmy summer nights, Southwave will transform South Bank’s Rainforest Green into a lush dance floor, pulsing with bass and the good vibes that make the River City a favourite destination for artists all over the world.
Drift along riverside afternoons, with an exquisite soundtrack in the background, pop-up bars, delicious food and more. Some of the highlights include genre-blurring and melodious Maribou State, French multi-instrumentalist Folamour, with his world-famous blend of soul, funk, disco, afrobeat and pop. Rose Gray’s 90s rave style and powerful vocals will have you in a trance, or you can chill out with DJ Seinfeld’s acclaimed lo-fi style.
The headliners line-up is completed by Jimi Jules, whose jazz-trained musicianship and Swiss-Caribbean roots create something wholly unique, Bimini — of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK fame— who will bring their fierce energy and sense of performance to the stage, and ABSOLUTE. one of dance music’s most exciting new figures.
Dave Sleswick, Curator and Creative Director of The Tivoli Group explained what makes this event so impactful: “Electronic music has always been about connection and possibility. This series takes the spirit of the club and puts it into the heart of the city — celebrating the diversity, creativity and boldness of the scene in a way that is open to everyone.
“Brisbane is entering a moment in time where our public spaces can and should be reimagined as spaces for art, music and togetherness — where young people, tourists and electronic music lovers can all share the same dancefloor.”
Practical information
Southwave will take place across several evenings spread out from January 2 to February 21, and entry to the main event site is free!
However, you must register for events you’re interested in, and you can do that here. While registering your attendance won’t guarantee entry, it will help keep you up to date with set times and any important information, like weather events. We recommend arriving early because, once an event reaches capacity, people will be admitted on a “one out, one in” basis.
📍Rainforest Green, The Arbour, South Brisbane
Full line-up
Friday, January 2 — 3pm until late
- Maribou State
- Paris B2B Juno Mamba
- Kuzco
- Phil Smart
Saturday, January 3 — 3pm until late
- Folamour
- Aldonna
- Wax’o Paradiso
- Celine Boudelot
- A Love Supreme DJ’s
Friday, January 23 — 5pm to 10pm
- DJ Seinfeld
- DJ JNETT
- Sampology
Saturday, January 24 — 3pm to 10pm
- Not Without Friends
- Luke Alessi
- Jordan Brando
- William Kiss with macloud B2B Caramel Funk
- Laura Vizer
Sunday, January 25 — 3pm to 10pm
- Jimi Jules
- Amaliah
- Gumm B2B Samantha Loveridge
- Aliens In Love
Sunday, February 1 — 2pm to 8pm
- Chau
- Squidgenini
- Felix
- DJ Windom Earle
- Deejay Hotline
- Natural Steps
Friday, February 20 — 5pm until late
- Rose Gray
- BIG WETT
- Bimini
- Absolute
- Tullio
Saturday, February 21 — 3pm to 10pm
- Jussam
- Melanin Mami
- Orosa
- Shaq
- Vaman
- Family Tree