King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard are set to embark on a significant Australian tour in October 2026, highlighted by a meticulously curated two-day block party in Melbourne and a special late-night rave set in Sydney, solidifying their reputation as one of contemporary music’s most adventurous and prolific acts. The tour announcement arrives as the Melbourne-based seven-piece prepares for the release of their 28th studio album, "Alien Metal," further demonstrating their relentless creative output.
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard Unleash Ambitious 2026 Australian Tour
The highly anticipated tour kicks off on October 13 at Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul, with support from the eclectic artist Xiao Xiao. The following night, October 14, King Gizzard will headline Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, again joined by Xiao Xiao. In a unique move for the Sydney leg, the band will also present a distinct late-night "rave set" on the same evening at Liberty Hall, promising a different sonic experience for their fans.
This series of performances builds momentum towards the centerpiece of the tour: the second edition of The Croxton Block Party in Melbourne. Scheduled for October 17 and 18, this band-curated festival will transform the area around The Croxton into a vibrant event space. King Gizzard is slated to deliver an extensive three-hour set each night, showcasing their expansive musical repertoire.
A Curated Festival Experience: The Croxton Block Party
King Gizzard has personally selected an eclectic lineup for The Croxton Block Party, focusing on a blend of Australian underground talent and select international acts. The October 17 lineup features the legendary Japanese pop-punk band Shonen Knife, the surf-infused psych-rock outfit Babe Rainbow from Byron Bay, and Heavy Moss, the project fronted by King Gizzard’s own bassist, Lucas Harwood. The day’s bill will also include performances from B3LLY, Moktar, Techno666, and a solo modular-synth set by frontman Stu Mackenzie.
The following day, October 18, will see Sydney’s robust rock band C.O.F.F.I.N take the stage, alongside Glyconic, Gut Health, the psychedelic explorers ORB, Public Figures, and a return appearance by Moktar. This carefully chosen roster reflects King Gizzard’s deep connections within the Australian music scene and their commitment to spotlighting diverse artistic voices.
The Croxton Block Party, which first debuted in 2025, has quickly become a hallmark event for the band. The venue, The Croxton, holds significant historical importance for King Gizzard, dating back to their first performance there in December 2015. Their association with the venue includes a notable residency in 2016 and a benefit concert for bushfire relief in 2020, underscoring a long-standing relationship built on shared artistic vision and community engagement.
Environmental Stewardship at the Forefront
Beyond the musical offerings, The Croxton Block Party is committed to environmental responsibility. Through a partnership with climate agency FEAT, a portion of each ticket sale will directly contribute to habitat restoration efforts on Tasmania’s Lungtalanana Island. This initiative, spearheaded by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, aims to reintroduce endangered species such as the Bass Strait wombat and the long-nosed potoroo, aligning the band’s tour with a significant conservation project.
The Relentless Drive of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
This Australian tour arrives during an exceptionally productive period for King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, a band renowned for its prolific output and genre-defying explorations. The recent announcement of their 28th studio album, "Alien Metal," scheduled for release later this year on their own p(doom) Records, has generated considerable excitement. The album’s lead single, "Level 5," offers a glimpse into its hard-electronic soundscapes.
Since their formation in Melbourne in 2010, the seven-piece collective has cultivated a remarkably distinctive discography. Their career trajectory is marked by an audacious willingness to traverse diverse musical territories. From the microtonal intricacies of "Flying Microtonal Banana" to the aggressive thrash metal of "Infest the Rats’ Nest," and the ambient and acid house experiments on 2023’s "The Silver Cord," King Gizzard has consistently pushed creative boundaries. This genre fluidity, coupled with an astonishing release schedule that included five albums in 2017 alone, has cemented their status as musical chameleons.
Chart Success and Global Recognition
King Gizzard’s unyielding productivity has not gone unnoticed by the music industry, translating into a consistent presence on U.S. charts. The band has achieved multiple placements on the Billboard 200, topped Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, and secured top 10 positions on both the Top Rock Albums and Alternative Albums charts. This sustained success in major international markets highlights their broad appeal and the enduring impact of their experimental approach.
The band’s commitment to pushing artistic limits, coupled with their engaging live performances and dedicated fanbase, positions this upcoming Australian tour as a significant cultural event. The curated block party and the experimental rave set demonstrate King Gizzard’s ongoing desire to innovate and connect with their audience on multiple levels, further solidifying their legacy as one of the most compelling acts in modern music.
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Australia 2026 Tour Dates:
- October 13: Thirroul – Anita’s Theatre (with Xiao Xiao)
- October 14: Sydney – Hordern Pavilion (with Xiao Xiao)
- October 14: Sydney – Liberty Hall (Late Show – Rave Set)
- October 17: Melbourne – The Croxton Block Party
- October 18: Melbourne – The Croxton Block Party
