Who’s on the Laneway Festival 2026 Line-Up? Our 7 Predictions + 3 Who Probably Won’t Be There
Laneway Festival 2026 is just around the corner, and you know what that means — the guessing game has officially begun. Every year fans scramble to work out which global superstars, indie darlings, and local heroes will grace the Laneway stages across Australia and New Zealand. With whispers already flying (hello, Chappell Roan), we’ve rounded up the acts most likely to make the cut… and a few who probably won’t.
Laneway had its biggest year yet in 2025, pulling in over 200,000 fans across Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. The line-up leaned heavily into pop and electronic favourites like Charli XCX, Clairo, Beabadoobee, and BICEP, proving the festival isn’t afraid to put huge names front and centre.
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That makes 2026’s line-up one of the most anticipated yet. So who’s on the cards? Let’s dive in.
7 Acts We Think Will Play Laneway 2026
Chappell Roan
Easily the biggest rumour floating around. Chappell Roan has skyrocketed into global pop stardom, and Laneway would love to be the festival that brings her down under while the hype is at its peak. If she’s free, this feels almost locked in.
Fred again..
Fred’s no stranger to Laneway, and the love affair between him and Australian crowds is real. His latest EP with Skepta along with his blend of emotional electronic anthems and unforgettable live sets would make him a top-tier drawcard again in 2026.
Tame Impala
Australia’s psychedelic giants last appeared at Laneway back in 2017. With a new album on the way, the timing is right for Kevin Parker and co. to make a grand return as potential headliners.
Wolf Alice
Fresh off the release of their new album The Clearing, Wolf Alice are perfectly poised to hit Laneway 2026. Their grungy yet cinematic sound fits right into the festival’s DNA.
Genesis Owusu
One of Australia’s brightest stars. Genesis Owusu has proven himself a festival powerhouse, and with new music in the mix, he’s a safe bet for Laneway to showcase homegrown talent at the top of the bill.
The 1975
They’ve done Laneway before, and with gaps in their schedule next year, The 1975 could easily be back to deliver their slick mix of nostalgia-drenched indie pop and festival-ready hits.
Wet Leg
The UK duo are still riding high from their breakout success, and with no major Australian dates announced, Laneway is the perfect landing spot. Their quirky indie bangers would go down a storm.
3 Acts Who Probably Won’t Be There
Dominic Fike
He headlined Laneway in 2024 and is already tied up with other Aussie festival slots (like Spilt Milk). Laneway usually keeps things fresh, so don’t count on seeing him this year.
Olivia Dean
A rising star who’s just wrapped a heavy touring cycle, including Laneway appearances last year. Chances are she’ll sit this one out rather than return so soon.
Turnstile
The hardcore favourites played recently, and while they’d be a thrilling addition, their global commitments (plus Laneway’s current pop/electronic focus) make them a long shot for 2026.
Most Likely Headliners
If we had to call it now, we will most likely see one of these three on the top of the poster.
Chappell Roan (the biggest rumour, and it makes perfect sense, love to see it)
Tame Impala (new album, currently rehearsing again, Kevin please)
Fred again.. (new ep with skepta, we all need this, again and again)
That combination alone would sell tickets instantly.
Laneway Festival thrives on surprises, but it also has a clear formula: balance international heavyweights with buzzy newcomers, and mix in some of Australia’s strongest talent. Chappell Roan, Fred again.., and Tame Impala feel like the safest bets, but don’t be shocked if a wild card sneaks in and steals the spotlight.
The official Laneway Festival 2026 line-up is expected to drop later this year — until then, the predictions game is half the fun.