Rolling Loud Australia Officially Cancelled—One Week Out

Photo Credit: Rolling Loud

Only a week before Rolling Loud was set to return to Australia, organizers have announced that Rolling Loud Australia 2026 has been cancelled.

Rolling Loud Australia was due to make a glorious return on March 7 at Centennial Park in Sydney and March 8 at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne—but organizers have announced the festival won’t be taking place in 2026. The sudden cancellation, coming only a week before the festival was set to kick off, is just the latest in a series of blows to Australia’s local music scene.

The 2026 edition was going to feature an impressive roster of hip-hop talent led by headliners Gunna, Ken Carson, and Sexyy Red. Scheduled performers included Tyga, Swae Lee, Lil Tjay, NLE Choppa, and Quavo. The lineup included international acts like OsamaSon, Ian, Rich Amiri, BunnaB, Fimiguerrero, and F1lthy, as well as local talent such as Hooligan Hefs, Youngn Lipz, Dayl, Amarni, Lil Golo, Shoota, 4ourttune, and Jonny Chopps.

“Our local partner, Primuse Entertainment, failed to meet critical payment deadlines and related obligations,” wrote Rolling Loud Australia organizers. “These ongoing delays left us without the necessary guarantees so close to the event; we will not compromise the safety or experience of our fans, artists, and vendors.”

“All ticket purchasers will be entitled to a refund. Further details will be provided by the event organizer and/or official ticketing partners,” they added.

Rolling Loud hasn’t made an appearance in Australia since 2019; their plans for a 2022 comeback also ended up cancelled. But Rolling Loud isn’t the only live music event to have run into logistical issues in recent years, leading to cancellations.

Festivals cancelled in Australia in the last couple of years have included Parkway Drive’s Park Waves, Groovin the Moo, Falls Festival, Splendour in the Grass, and Changing Tides. These have predominantly been the victims of high operating costs—including security, insurance, and overall logistics—coupled with lower ticket sales amid global economic concerns.