Organisers of the Birdsville Big Red Bash have announced the cancellation of the 2026 festival, with record rainfall leaving the site too wet to host the event in July.
Greg Donovan, Outback Music Festival Group Managing Director and event founder, said the decision was made in the best interest of patrons after extensive consultation, including a survey that achieved a 95 per cent response rate.
“Mother Nature is the highest authority. This year she has spoken and we have heard the message,” Mr Donovan said. “We can’t express our gratitude enough to everyone who put their faith in us and purchased tickets to this year’s Bash.”
Greg Donovan and his son Stephen Donovan. Image courtesy of Big Red Bash.
The 2026 line-up had been set to feature Missy Higgins, The Teskey Brothers, Hoodoo Gurus, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, Troy Cassar-Daley and many more, with tickets more than 90 per cent sold at the time of cancellation.
Ticket holders have until June 19 to choose from three options: a full refund, a transfer to the 2027 Big Red Bash (July 6 to 8), or a transfer to the 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (August 20 to 22). Tickets will automatically transfer to the 2027 event if no action is taken.
The majority of the 2026 artist line-up has committed to returning for the 2027 event.
Despite the cancellation, Mr Donovan encouraged travellers not to abandon plans to visit Outback Queensland, noting the recent rains would leave the region looking spectacular.
“After the recent rains, the greenery and wildflowers will be stunning. It will be a fantastic year to get out there,” he said.
