Mount Gambier secures 2026 Music Summit

MusicSA and the City of Mount Gambier have announced the 2026 Regional and Remote Music Summit will be held in Mount Gambier, bringing the third national gathering of regional and remote music voices to the Limestone Coast.

The Summit follows the trailblazing inaugural event in Darwin in 2024 led by MusicNT, and the highly praised 2025 edition in Byron Bay, hosted by MusicNSW. The Mount Gambier event will continue the Summit’s mission to champion regional music creativity, connection and collaboration.

MusicSA Chief Executive Christine Schloithe enthused “we’re incredibly excited to bring the 2026 Summit to Mount Gambier.

“Over the past several years, MusicSA has invested in building Mount Gambier as a regional touring hub - supporting local talent, connecting artists with venues, and building sustainable live music infrastructure. Hosting the Summit here is a natural next step and we can’t wait to share the region’s creative and music spirit with the rest of the country.”

The 2026 Summit is supported by the Government of South Australia through the Music Development Office, and the Australian Government through Music Australia. It will bring together artists, industry professionals, policymakers, and community leaders for a dynamic program of panel discussions, workshops, keynotes, and live music events, all designed to amplify regional music voices within Australia’s national music industry.

South Australian Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels made the announcement late last week advising “we want South Australia to be home to a thriving music culture including in our regions and Mount Gambier is the perfect place to host the Regional and Remote Music Conference.

“This event will help build upon the previous support and investment we have made to support local artists on the Limestone Coast and bring together musicians and industry professionals for important conversations about how we can best champion regional music right across the country.”

The event will be managed and delivered by MusicSA, South Australia’s peak body for contemporary music, in collaboration with national partners and local stakeholders.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the city is honoured to host the Summit and added “Mount Gambier is delighted to be named as the host of the 2026 Regional and Remote Music Summit, an event that plays an important role in elevating the voices, and showcasing the talent and capacity of regional Australia as a significant contributor to our national music sector.

“Council continues to strategically prioritise initiatives aimed at bolstering creative opportunities within our city, acknowledging this as a cornerstone to city vibrancy, an active CBD and an ever-growing nighttime economy.

“We’re home to some fantastic venues, established and emerging talent and a community of passionate and committed music professionals that support the ongoing growth of performance in this region and we’re incredibly excited to share our story. We look forward to working alongside MusicSA to showcase South Australia and continue the important national discussions occurring through the summit.”

Program details, featured speakers, and artist showcases will be announced in 2026. 

Image. The Regional and Remote Music Summit held in Byron Bay last week. Image courtesy City of Mount Gambier. Credit: Emily Read.