Nightjar closes out summer run at Torquay Common

THE Nightjar Festival closed out its 2026 program at the Torquay Common on Friday night, with the festival’s second and final music event delivering a confident finish under the Big Top.

The event was given approval to go ahead despite a total fire ban being in place across the state and the extreme heat did little to dampen the energy and atmosphere.

The final night unfolded from late afternoon with a music lineup spanning soul, funk and dance.

 

 

 

 

Local neo-soul artist Wild Gloriosa opened the evening, while sets from Melbourne singer-songwriter Jess Ribeiro and funk outfit Suneden rounding out the early program.

ARIA-nominated folktronica artist Gordi took top billing on the final night, with DJ Sunshine closing out the festival.

Away from the stage, the Torquay Common was alive with roaming performers, children’s entertainment, market stalls and bars, allowing patrons to move easily between performance and shaded spaces.

 

 

 

 

Now in its 16th year, Nightjar remains a beloved fixed on the Surf Coast summer calendar.

This year’s festival series saw the return of the Big Thrift Market and the introduction of Slow Lane, a new event focused on housing, sustainability and community design.