Twenty-Five Years of Rhythm: Blues on Broadbeach Unveils Massive 2026 Lineup

Gold Coast, prepare to celebrate as Blues on Broadbeach marks its 25th anniversary, offering four days of vibrant rhythm, soulful sounds, and memorable fun from May 14 to 17, 2026.

Fresh off a major win, taking out Gold in the Major Festivals and Events category at the prestigious Queensland Tourism Awards, Australia’s much-loved festival is powering up for its biggest milestone yet. We’re talking a world-class program packed with international heavyweights and Aussie icons.

The lineup is anchored by two massive headliners: The Teskey Brothers and American blues legend Charlie Musselwhite. The Teskey Brothers are finally making their long-awaited debut at the event, scheduled to play an exclusive, one-off set during the special Sunday Ticketed event.

Headlining the overall four-day free festival program is Charlie Musselwhite. Hailing from the USA, the Grammy Award-winning harmonica virtuoso has spent six decades shaping the sound of modern blues, and this marks his very first performance at Blues on Broadbeach.

The Sound of Soul and Swagger

The US contingent is particularly strong this year. Welcoming powerhouse vocalist Judith Hill, celebrated for her collaborations with titans like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder. She is joined by newly crowned American Grammy winner Ruthie Foster, recognised for securing Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2024 with Mileage. Adding a distinct texture is Robert Finley, bringing that gritty voice and undeniable soulful swagger straight from Louisiana.

Don’t miss New York City’s Daddy Long Legs, who will be making their highly anticipated second Australian appearance.

Australian Icons Take the Stage

The homegrown lineup features some of Australia’s best, starting with blues favourite Ash Grunwald, whose fiery live performances have earned him well-deserved global acclaim. Festival regulars The Lachy Doley Trio are returning with their explosive, organ-driven performances and high-energy shows—they are always a crowd favourite.

Adding legendary status is guitar icon Kevin Borich Express, a fixture in the Australian music scene since the 1970s. Keep an ear out for Karen Lee Andrews; she is set to captivate audiences with her powerful and emotive vocals, staking her claim as one of the festival’s must-see standout performers.

We also welcome Melbourne neo-soul star, WILSN, and Blue Shaddy. And of course, Gold Coast local Mason Rack Band returns for the 25th anniversary. Mason, a Gold Coast local who has witnessed Blues on Broadbeach grow over the past two and a half decades, has played 17 of the 25 editions, and for him, nothing compares.

Crowds at the Blues on Broadbeach in 2024 — Photo by Bianca Holderness

The festival brings together an incredible array of talent; Experience Gold Coast Festival Director Mark Duckworth notes this first announcement features more than 25 artists, including four Grammy Award-winning performers.

As Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate puts it, this event epitomises everything great about the city: “its largely free program, it’s for families and it brings together people from all walks of life to dance, sing and groove their way through four days of entertainment with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop”.

Unlock the Insider Experience

For those ready to dive deeper into the experience, The Twelve Bar Society is back for 2026. This exclusive club offers members a chance to connect with the artists you love, featuring special In Conversation sessions with both Charlie Musselwhite and Ruthie Foster. Membership also grants access to the exclusive Secret Show on Thursday, VIP bar access, and up-close stage viewing gardens that put you right in the heart of the action.

These special tickets move fast. The Sunday Ticket and The Twelve Bar Society memberships are expected to sell quickly. Presale tickets for the Sunday Ticket are available from 10 am AEST Tuesday, November 25, with General Admission tickets following at 10 am AEST Wednesday, November 26.