The Gum Ball Music & Arts Festival 2026 Returns for 21st Birthday Bash
- intouch Magazine
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
The Gum Ball Music & Arts Festival is back to celebrate its 21st birthday! Returning to Dashville over the long weekend, Friday 24 – Sunday 26 April 2026, following last year's 20th anniversary which made history as the biggest festival ever held at Dashville as a bumper crowd of music lovers descended on the Lower Belford site, proving that The Gum Ball has well and truly become a cultural institution for regional NSW.
There are many amazing local and up and coming talents making their way to the majestic bushland of Wonnarua Country, to join in on what will no doubt be a party like no other! Headlining the weekend are King Stingray, Don Walker, Meg Washington, Kingswood, These New South Whales, William Crighton, The Vasco Era and Jazz Party.
Australian icon Christine Anu is bringing the big sing-alongs to the dance floor on Friday night, as well as Pinky Beecroft (Machine Gun Fellatio) and Sydney folk-jazz multi-instrumentalist Little Green, both set to present new albums, while the global psychedelic zamrock sounds of Immy Owusu are not to be missed.
Newcastle country folk legends Bob Corbett & The Roo Grass Band make their long-awaited debut, alongside Central Coast troubadour Joel Leggett and Sydney's new disco rock lords Jay Squire & The Loveliners.
Burger Joint, Marvell and Holiday Mystics return where they belong, joined by Gleny Rae & The Country Ace Soul Band inbound from Alice Springs, Col Ray Price's new project The Nundle Five, psych rockers Apocalypse Joe & The Coyote, and Victoria's irrepressible party band Ungus Ungus Ungus, along with local acts Kev Sev and Izzy Maeve & The Wizards round out a cracking bill.
On ANZAC morning, the Dashville team have cooked up a 'Tribute to the Diggers' led by authentic Australian balladeer William Alexander, a moving and memorable way to mark the occasion. And rounding out your Sunday evening, the one and only Dashville Progress Society returns with a very special show.
A full program of activities, presentations and workshops for the young and young at heart will be announced soon.
As the music industry becomes increasingly overcome by big business and artificial intelligence, community festivals like The Gum Ball matter more than ever. Think of it as your beloved backyard garden; a place to grow something real, something wholesome, something rooted in community. After twenty-one years, Dashville continues to replenish the soil, nurturing original music and genuine human connection in a stunning natural bushland setting that feels like home.
Welcoming, inclusive and utterly relaxed, The Gum Ball brings together music lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Don't miss an incredible weekend of live music, art, comedy, pro skateboarding, Silent Disco, markets, workshops, camping and more.
To purchase tickets and more information, visit www.dashville.com.au.
