MELBOURNE — Australia’s K-pop enthusiasts are in for a treat as a dedicated day-long music festival is set to debut next year. The inaugural edition of 안녕, MELBOURNE (“Hello Melbourne”) will take place on March 14, 2026, at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse. This new event will join the ranks of the country’s diverse music festivals, ranging from rock and indie to dance and country.
Announced on Wednesday, December 10, the festival is the result of a partnership between APPLEWOOD, a prominent player in K-pop and Asian entertainment, and Untitled Group, an Australian independent concerts and festivals specialist. Details of the lineup are expected to be revealed this Friday.
APPLEWOOD and Untitled Group: A Dynamic Collaboration
Established in 2013, APPLEWOOD has a track record of producing major tours for K-pop giants such as SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, BAEKHYUN, LE SSERAFIM, GFRIEND, and G-DRAGON. The company also orchestrated BLACKPINK’s 2019 world tour, which set new records with six sold-out arena shows in Bangkok, Thailand.
Since its inception, APPLEWOOD has produced over 120 shows, drawing more than 750,000 attendees across 20-plus cities in 18 markets, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Now, Australia is set to join this list.
Meanwhile, Untitled Group is celebrating a decade of success, having produced a variety of popular festivals such as Beyond The Valley and Wildlands. In 2024, the group sold over 630,000 tickets for its events and tours, including Dom Dolla’s Australian tour, which broke records for a homegrown DJ with 170,000 tickets sold. Untitled’s festival portfolio also includes Pitch Music & Arts and Ability Fest, and the team was behind the domestic leg of RÜFÜS DU SOL’s recent world tour.
The K-Pop Phenomenon in Australia
Australia has developed a strong connection with some of the biggest names in K-pop. Notable artists such as Danielle and Hanni from NewJeans, Rose from BLACKPINK, and Stray Kids members BangChan and Felix have roots in the country.
K-pop’s influence is growing rapidly in Australia, both on the national charts and live stages. TWICE’s recent This Is For tour sold over 50,000 tickets across Sydney and Melbourne, according to Live Nation, which produced the tour. Additionally, the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack has topped both the ARIA Singles and Albums Charts at various points this year.
Data from Live Nation last year highlighted a 600% increase in Asia Pop live shows in Australasia since 2015, alongside a 275% rise in the number of touring artists.
Implications and Future Prospects
The introduction of a dedicated K-pop festival in Australia underscores the genre’s expanding footprint in the region. This development not only reflects the growing appetite for K-pop but also signals the potential for more such events in the future. As APPLEWOOD and Untitled Group join forces, the festival is poised to become a landmark event, attracting fans from across the globe.
Looking ahead, the success of 안녕, MELBOURNE could pave the way for similar festivals in other Australian cities, further solidifying the country’s status as a key player in the global K-pop scene. With the genre’s popularity showing no signs of waning, the festival could become an annual highlight for fans and artists alike.
As the countdown to March 2026 begins, anticipation is building among K-pop fans eager to experience the vibrant culture and electrifying performances that have captivated audiences worldwide. The festival promises not only to celebrate the music but also to strengthen cultural ties between Australia and the wider Asian entertainment industry.
