Join us in Sydney this June as the ARIA Awards celebrates 40 years by honoring six legendary Australian artists at the Hall of Fame event.
- February 11, 2026
AceShowbiz - To mark its 40th anniversary, the ARIA Awards will host a special standalone event in Sydney, where six legendary figures from the Australian music industry will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this coming June.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, at Carriageworks in Sydney, located on Gadigal land. This initiative aims to honor “some of Australia’s most beloved and influential artists of the past 40 years,” according to a statement from the organization.
This upcoming celebration will restore the traditional format of the ARIA Hall of Fame, which has been a cherished event in the music industry calendar. The last standalone Hall of Fame event took place in 2010, where notable acts like John Williamson, Models, Johnny Young, The Loved Ones, and The Church were honored.
From 2011 onward, the Hall of Fame was integrated into the annual ARIA Awards, with The Wiggles and Kylie Minogue being among the first to receive this honor during the revamped format. Notably, the then Prime Minister Julia Gillard was present to induct the iconic pop star.
In recent years, the ARIA board has chosen one artist annually for recognition. Previous inductees include Missy Higgins (2024), Jet (2023), the late Archie Roach (2020), Tina Arena (2015), and Crowded House (2016), along with last year’s honorees, You Am I.
“This landmark event will shine a spotlight on artist excellence, legacy, and cultural impact, bringing together icons, peers, and fans to celebrate the best of Aussie music,” the statement adds.
In addition to the Hall of Fame event, the 40th annual ARIA Awards will return to Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday, November 18. For the second consecutive year, Spotify will serve as the headline sponsor, with the ceremony being broadcast on the free-to-air 10 network and streamed live on Paramount+.
The inaugural ARIA ceremony took place in 1987, celebrating local talent and their global achievements. The Hall of Fame was established the following year, featuring a distinguished first class that included Dame Joan Sutherland, Johnny O’Keefe, Slim Dusty, Col Joye, Vanda & Young, and AC/DC.
“Reaching 40 years of the ARIA Awards is a powerful moment to reflect on just how deeply Australian music is woven into our story,” remarks ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd.
“The 2026 ARIA Hall of Fame anniversary event gives us the chance to properly honor the artists and industry figures whose work has shaped generations.”
