SOAK returns to Newcastle Ocean Baths for New Annual 2026, transforming one of the city’s most iconic coastal landmarks into a free open-air music experience. Arrive early, bring a picnic and enjoy the community atmosphere as the sun goes down.

SAT 26 SEPT – HERMITUDE & CLAIRE O'BRIEN
Night 1 unfolds into an unforgettable audio sensory experience at the water's edge: Hermitude — ARIA Award-winning duo Gusto and Dubs, known for genre-blurring electronic and hip-hop soundscapes — join forces with Claire O'Brien, the Newcastle-based DJ and Ode Label founder whose sets have taken her from Dark Mofo to the Warehouse Project. A pairing that's never happened before and may not happen again.

SUN 27 SEP – THE TIDE THAT BROUGHT YOU IN
Every wave that reaches the baths has come a long way to get here. So have you. SOAK presents an evening of music built around gratitude — for the people, places and ancestors that carried us here. Celebrating Newcastle's thriving jazz culture, the show will feature a virtuoso players including Steph Russell, Grace Aberhart, Sophie Hawthorne and Freyja Garbett and guests pulled from R&B, blues, industrial rock and soul including The Illume Girls, Jayden Kitchener-Waters, Vienna LaPalma McVernon (Ponzi Scheme), Saylor (Saylor and the Flavor) and Pa777ience.

FRI 2 OCT – KOBIE DEE & 92WRLD
Gomeroi artist Kobie Dee brings the storytelling and connection that's made him one of Australian hip hop's most exciting voices to SOAK. Alongside him are, 92WRLD, an independent collective known for rich harmonies and soulful Pasifika sounds. Expect a night built on community and connection — two acts, one shared spirit.

SAT OCT 3 – KAREN LEE ANDREWS
With a career spanning more than two decades, Karen Lee Andrews blends soul, blues, gospel and rock with her Polynesian heritage. Her raw, husky vocals carry stories of identity, resilience and connection, backed by a band that knows exactly when to hold back and when to let go.

Trust us, these are sunsets you won’t forget.

Swimmers in the ocean baths watching a band play at SOAK while a crowd watches on land
DURATION
60mins

ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair accessible amenities.

ARTISTS & COLLABORATORS
Curated by Tim Levinson (Urthboy) with assistance from Matt Field and Katerina Skoumbas.

25 SEP - 4 OCT

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