The 2026 Australian Open is set to serve up more than just world-class tennis — it’s bringing an unforgettable night of music and sport to Melbourne. Organisers have confirmed that legendary rock group Crowded House will lead the Opening Ceremony at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Known for their timeless hits and magnetic live performances, Crowded House will take centre stage to officially launch the tournament, blending music and sport in a way that has become a hallmark of the Australian Open experience. Frontman Neil Finn expressed the band’s excitement, noting it was a true privilege to share the occasion with some of the sport’s most celebrated names.
And when Finn says “tennis royalty,” he means it. The Opening Ceremony will also feature appearances from Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. These icons will participate in a special exhibition match titled Battle of the World No.1s, offering fans a rare opportunity to see multiple generations of champions on the same court.
The event is part of the broader AO Live program, which merges major sporting moments with high-profile music performances. Leading into the tournament, AO Live Opening Week will showcase acts such as Hot Chip, Elderbrook, Cassian, and The Presets, alongside a host of supporting artists and DJs.
As the tournament progresses, the entertainment will continue to heat up. The final stages of the Australian Open 2026 will feature live sets from The Kid LAROI, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas, Sofi Tukker, Reneé Rapp, and Peggy Gou, ensuring music fans have as much to look forward to as tennis enthusiasts.
AO Live Opening Week Schedule:
- Tuesday, January 13: Hot Chip (Live) with Milo Eastwood & O Honey
- Wednesday, January 14: Elderbrook with Juno Mamba, Samantha Loveridge & Jordz
- Thursday, January 15: Cassian with Willo, OLIIV & bellxsxs
- Friday, January 16: The Presets (Live) with RONA., Harvey Sutherland (DJ set) & Post Percy
AO Live 2026 Highlights:
- Wednesday, January 28: The Kid LAROI + special guests
- Thursday, January 29: Spacey Jane + special guests
- Friday, January 30: The Veronicas & Sofi Tukker + special guests
- Saturday, January 31: Reneé Rapp before the AO Women’s Final
- Sunday, February 1: Peggy Gou + special guests
Tickets for all Australian Open 2026 events, including the live music program, are on sale now. Whether you’re there to witness tennis history, enjoy world-class concerts, or soak up Melbourne’s summer atmosphere, this year’s Australian Open promises to be an unmissable celebration.
