What’s on around the region

BYRON

The Grogans

1 May, 7pm

Melbourne trio The Grogans bring their biggest East Coast headline show to date to Byron Bay’s Beach Hotel this May. Known for their unmistakable blend of laid-back surf rock, gritty garage energy and hook-heavy indie anthems, the band’s relentless touring around the globe and electric live shows have cemented their reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting live acts. Expect driving rhythms as The Grogans tear through fan favourites and fresh material in a high-energy show. Presented by Great Southern Nights, Lonely Lands Agency and UNIFIED Music group. Book tickets at Moshtix.

Great Southern Nights presents: Wanderers

1 May, 7pm

Soul-pop outfit Wanderers bring their harmony-rich, 70s-inspired sound to The Brunswick Picture House, blending pop, funk and rock with lush arrangements led by Adelaide songwriter Dustyn Lee Stephensen. Drawing comparisons to Billy Joel, Hall & Oates and ELO, the band are known for captivating live shows and international festival appearances including SXSW, WOMADelaide and Woodford Folk Festival. With new releases underway and a growing global following, Wanderers continue to cement themselves as one of Australia’s most dynamic modern soul-pop acts. Book tickets at Eventfinda.

L.A.B

2 May, 6pm

Aotearoa soul-reggae outfit L.A.B. bring their acclaimed live show to Hotel Brunswick for a special one-off, intimate performance presented by Great Southern Nights alongside Loop and Select Music. Following a huge summer of touring, this rare small-venue set offers fans a chance to see one of New Zealand’s biggest bands up close. Known for their powerful, groove-heavy live energy, L.A.B’s Brunswick Heads show is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased at Moshtix.

 

Tweed

 

Great Southern Nights presents: Versace Boys

2 May, 6pm-10pm

Flamboyant Byron Bay duo Versace Boys bring their satirical pop-hop chaos to M-Arts Precinct, blending sharp musicianship, freestyle energy and tongue-in-cheek glamour. Blurring the line between band, tribe and satire, they deliver highly skilled performances that lampoon influencer culture and curated identities. In a time of polished personas, their show offers a playful antidote through music, movement and improvisation, promising a high-energy, dance-driven night at Murwillumbah’s creative arts hub. Book tickets at Humanitix.

Richie Weed & His Band of Strays presented by Great Southern Nights

2 May, 7pm-10pm

On tour now, Richie Weed & His Band of Strays brings his songs, stories, and spirit to The Citadel – an intimate and electrifying journey from one of Australia’s most enduring and inventive voices. Richie Weed, the unmistakable voice of Tumbleweed, steps into bold new territory with his debut solo album Strays (2024). Recorded live-to-tape, the album captures raw honesty and spirit. The show will be supported by Evil Dick Industries & Mudslide AL. Book tickets at Humanitix.

Ball Park Music

1 May, 5pm

Brisbane indie band Ball Park Music hit Kingscliff Beach Hotel with The Rock ‘n’ Roll Adventure Continues, a career-spanning tour celebrating eight studio albums and their evolution as one of Australia’s most beloved live acts. Expect an ever-changing setlist shaped by years on the road, capturing the energy, humour and singalong spirit that has defined their rise from intimate venues to major stages across Australia and beyond. This show is presented by Great Southern Nights, Six Boroughs, One Louder and Select Music. Get tickets at Oztix.

 

Ballina

Aled Jones

1 May, 7:30pm

An intimate evening of music, memories and untold stories, My Story, My Songs sees Aled Jones celebrate 40 years in music and broadcasting at Ballina RSL Club. The one-man show blends storytelling with live performance, rare photos and personal footage, as Jones reflects on a remarkable career spanning stage, screen and radio with warmth, humour and sing-alongs. To book tickets visit ballinarsl.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/161721

Portraits, Done Different

Opening Event: 1 May, 5pm-7.30pm

An exhibition of indirect portraiture and self-portraiture opens at Blackfig Gallery from 1 May – 16 May. The show explores portraiture without the direct gaze, presenting figures turned away, reflections in mirrors and objects, still life works as personal portraits, and sculptural forms standing in for the self. It considers identity as something quiet and unperformed, inviting viewers to find connection and familiarity in what is suggested rather than shown, offering open, interpretive portraits of lived human experience. For more information visit blackfiggallery.com.au/pages/whats-on

My mind is an advertisement – Nic Palmer

Launch Event: 30 April, 5.30pm-7.30pm

Multi-disciplinary artist Nic Palmer’s series, which will be on exhibition at Northern Rivers Community Gallery in conjunction with Ignite Studios, presents a perspective on the use of image editing software in the creation of oil paintings. The artist explores how digital advertising, the internet, and gaming, can influence and shape our minds. The exhibition will run from 30 April – 21 June. For more information visit nrcgballina.com.au/v1/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/1002-may2026nicpalmer

 

Lismore

Ross Noble – Cranium of Curiosities

28 April, 8pm

Ross Noble returns with Cranium of Curiosities, a wildly unpredictable night of stand-up where anything can happen. Known for his freewheeling, improvisational style, Noble spins surreal tangents, quickfire riffs and absurd observations into a one-of-a-kind performance. No two shows are ever the same. Step inside his brilliantly chaotic mind and enjoy the ride at Lismore’s Star Court Theatre. Ages are 15 and over. Book tickets via Trybooking.

Kenny Rogers & Friends

1 May, 7pm-10pm

Get ready for an unforgettable night at the Lismore Workers Club! Experience the legendary Kenny Rogers and friends through renowned tribute artist Graham G Toole as he brings all the classic hits to life. It’s an in-person event filled with good vibes, great music, and awesome company. Gather your crew and come down for a laid-back evening of country charm and timeless tunes. Book tickets at Eventbrite.

Jamie Hay, Paddy McHugh, Emmy Hour & Joseph Allen

3 May, 2pm-6pm

Songwriter Jamie Hay launches his new album Sunset Months at Lismore’s Blah Blah Bar, joined by Paddy McHugh, Emmy Hour and Joseph Allen. Known for his work in Conation and A Death in the Family, Hay returns with his first solo release in over a decade. Sunset Months, created with collaborator Liam White, offers reflective, open-hearted songs grounded in community and resilience. Book tickets at Humanitix.