Sofar Sounds Relaunches Melbourne Shows After Two-Year Hiatus with New Curator

Global live music platform Sofar Sounds is set to return to Melbourne after a two-year hiatus, with a relaunch event scheduled for Sunday, March 22nd at a secret location.

The organisation has also announced the appointment of Olwen Bell as its new Melbourne curator.

Known for staging intimate performances in unconventional spaces, Sofar Sounds events transform everyday venues into listening-focused concert environments. The Melbourne relaunch marks the start of a new chapter for the platform in Australia’s cultural capital.

The first Melbourne event of 2026 will feature four emerging artists performing two sets each in Sofar’s signature format. As with all Sofar shows, the venue will remain secret until 36 hours before the event, and the lineup will remain under wraps until the night.

The event will emphasise a respectful audience environment and an acoustic-themed lineup designed to highlight discovery across multiple genres. Tickets for the show are currently available through the Sofar Sounds platform.

Bell steps into the curator role with more than a decade of experience producing live events, including Fringe productions, local pop-ups and major festivals across Australia, Canada and the United States.

“Melbourne has been missing Sofar’s magic, and I’m thrilled to bring it back,” says Bell. “There’s nothing quite like the shared moment of discovering artists in unexpected spaces - it reconnects people with the joy of live music in a really human way.”

What can audiences expect from the relaunch? "A return of the core Sofar experience!" says Bell. "Crafted lineups, genuine discovery, and that electric ‘no one knows what’s coming next’ energy.”

Bell says the relaunch will also open the door for broader programming in the months ahead.

“I also have the creative license to expand the offering in the coming months – so keep your finger on the pulse of Sofar as we build momentum and explore different art forms, including spoken word and dance, for a strong year of shows that celebrate Melbourne’s love of live entertainment.”

Founded in 2009, Sofar Sounds hosts surprise concerts in non-traditional venues such as living rooms, warehouses, rooftops and retail spaces. The platform now operates in more than 400 cities worldwide and focuses on creating intimate audience experiences while supporting emerging artists.