Mornington is set to host one of the biggest outdoor music events of the summer, with the Red Hot Summer Tour adding a new Mornington date to its 2026 run. The much-loved touring festival will roll into Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, bringing a heavyweight all-Australian line-up led by Paul Kelly.
The Mornington show marks a major addition to this year’s tour, giving locals and visitors a chance to catch one of the country’s most enduring singer songwriters in a relaxed outdoor setting. Victorian dates on the tour have previously been announced for Warrnambool, Wodonga, Werribee and Bendigo.
Fresh from a sold-out arena run, Kelly headlines the day with a catalogue that has soundtracked Australian life for decades. “The band and I have many great memories from our last Red Hot Summer tour. We’re looking forward to making some new ones!” he said.
Joining Kelly on the Mornington bill is a stacked support line-up featuring Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers and Jess Hitchcock. Together, the artists represent generations of Australian songwriting, from classic rock and roots to indie pop, soul and country.
Missy Higgins arrives off the back of a huge couple of years, including a chart-topping album and a Hall of Fame induction, while The Cruel Sea continue their long-awaited return with new music and recent arena shows.
The Cat Empire bring their high-energy live show following the release of Bird in Paradise, while Kasey Chambers adds her unmistakable voice and festival-honed stage presence. Jess Hitchcock opens proceedings, appearing both with her own band and alongside Kelly later in the day.
Red Hot Summer has built a reputation for pairing iconic artists with laid-back summer locations, and Mornington fits the brief perfectly. With wineries, beaches and coastal views nearby, the new date shapes as an ideal soundtrack to a Peninsula summer.
Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.com.au
