Melbourne Guitar Show Set to Return in 2027 After Decade-Long Legacy

After a triumphant 2025 edition that marked a new era at Melbourne Showgrounds, Australia’s premier guitar event is set to return in 2027. The Guitar Show production team is gearing up for another great weekend at the Melbourne Showgrounds, with planning underway to return on March 13-14, 2027.
Checkout the official website at https://guitarshow.au/

A New Chapter: Alternating Cities

The 2027 return represents a strategic shift in the show’s evolution. The Melbourne event will be held every second year, allowing the production team and exhibitors the opportunity to bring the same style of show to Sydney in alternating years. This biennial rotation means Sydney will host the Guitar Show in 2026, with Melbourne reclaiming its place the following year.

The decision follows extensive consultation with the guitar community. Rather than diluting the experience, organizers have crafted a clever alternating schedule to ensure guitar fans across both cities can attend the Guitar Show without compromise.

From Caulfield to the Showgrounds: A Decade of Growth

Since its inception in 2015, initiated by the Australian Music Association’s Executive Officer at the time Rob Walker, the Melbourne Guitar Show has always been popular with guitar lovers. What began as a community gathering at Caulfield Racecourse has evolved into something far more significant.

Since its launch in 2015 at Caulfield Racecourse, the Melbourne Guitar Show has grown into a flagship event for the local music industry and the wider guitar community, becoming more than just an exhibition but a celebration of Australian guitar culture.

The 2025 edition marked a watershed moment. Current AMA CEO Alex Masso brought the show to a new venue which, combined with a new format, produced the most successful show to date, enjoyed by patrons, performing artists and exhibitors alike.

A Legendary Lineup Through the Years

The show’s history reads like a who’s who of guitar excellence. Across its history, the show has featured unforgettable performances and masterclasses from guitar icons such as Tommy Emmanuel, Albert Lee, Eric Bibb, Steve Hackett, Diesel, Sarah McLeod, Lloyd Spiegel, Phil Manning, and Brett Garsed, alongside hundreds of exhibitors displaying the latest in guitars, amps, pedals, and music technology.

The 2025 program set a new benchmark for diversity and quality. Featured performers included powerhouse Dallas Frasca, whose roots-rock energy brought audiences to their feet, and a special interview with Paul Dempsey of Something For Kate fame, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Australian Musician magazine. The lineup also showcased flamenco virtuoso Richard Tedesco, guitar prodigy Minnie Marks, and the supergroup Triple Fret featuring Kathleen Halloran, Jimi Hocking, and Geoff Achison.

Paul Mason’s tribute concert “In Honour of Jeff Beck” stood as a highlight, with the Battlesnake founder joined by the iconic Brett Garsed for a performance that demonstrated why Melbourne has become synonymous with world-class guitar events.

What Made 2025 Special

The move to Melbourne Showgrounds’ Victoria Pavilion transformed the event’s accessibility and flow. With the new venue operating entirely on one level, moving around the event became a breeze, a significant improvement that attendees appreciated.

Perhaps the most innovative addition was the introduction of quiet mornings. For the first time ever, the Melbourne Guitar Show hosted quiet mornings where amplifiers weren’t used by exhibitors, bringing down the volume for a more intimate and sensory-friendly setting. This allowed families, those with sensory sensitivities, and players who simply wanted to focus on the feel and acoustic properties of instruments to experience the show in a new way.

The 2025 event also launched the Make Music program, supported by the NAMM Foundation. This initiative brought workshops and showcases from organizations like Rock Academy and I Heart Songwriting Club, expanding the show’s educational component beyond gear demonstrations to encompass actual music-making techniques and songwriting craft.

The Heart of the Show: Community and Connection

For many, the Melbourne Guitar Show is not just a weekend marketplace but a meeting point for Australia’s guitar community—a place where aspiring players rub shoulders with their heroes, and where brands and artists forge lasting connections.

More than sixty exhibitors present hundreds of products and services, with a blend of international and Australian instruments and guitar technology, while live performances from some of Australia’s best guitarists, as well as workshops on a range of topics, ensure each show has something for every guitar player or enthusiast.

The show’s unique character comes from this mix of commerce and culture. It’s not uncommon to find legendary Australian guitarists walking the floor alongside weekend warriors and beginners, all united by their passion for the instrument. The end-of-show jams have become the stuff of legend, with spontaneous collaborations between icons and unknowns creating unforgettable moments.

Australian Craftsmanship on Display

One of the show’s most compelling aspects has been its championing of Australian luthiers and manufacturers. Melbourne-based Maton Guitars, which celebrated its 75th anniversary recently, has been a consistent presence alongside boutique builders like Cole Clark, Charles Cilia, Grubisa, Lauda, Fenech Guitars, Toscano Guitars, and many others.

These Australian makers represent the cutting edge of guitar innovation, from Cole Clark’s true hybrid acoustics to experimental builders pushing the boundaries of materials and design. The show provides these craftspeople with direct access to players and collectors, fostering relationships that keep Australian guitar building vibrant and relevant.

Looking Ahead to 2027

While specific details about the 2027 program remain under wraps, the foundation has been firmly established. Ticket sales and program announcements are expected in November 2026, following the pattern set for the Sydney 2026 show.

The success of the 2025 edition—with its new venue, reimagined program, and innovative features like quiet mornings and the Make Music program—provides a blueprint for future events. The alternating city schedule ensures the production team can focus their resources on creating the best possible experience every two years rather than stretching themselves thin with annual events.

Partners and Supporters

The show would not happen without the guitar lovers of Melbourne and beyond, and the Australian guitar industry with its wide range of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, repairers, and luthiers. Key partners include principal sponsor Marsh Entertainment, which provides insurance packages for musicians and their gear, along with media partners Australian Musician magazine, Triple M, PBS FM, and Beat/Mixdown.

Yamaha Music provides professional backline and audio services, while Pressroom Partners handles printing and promotional materials. These partnerships reflect the show’s deep integration into Australia’s music industry ecosystem.

A Guitar Community’s Annual Pilgrimage

For many in Australia’s guitar community, the Melbourne Guitar Show has become an unmissable date on the calendar. It’s where industry professionals debut new products, where collectors find rare instruments, where beginners get inspired, and where the entire spectrum of guitar culture comes together under one roof.

The 2027 edition will mark the show’s return to Melbourne after a year in Sydney, bringing with it all the accumulated experience and innovations developed over more than a decade of serving Australia’s guitar community.

To stay updated on announcements about the 2027 Melbourne Guitar Show, including performer lineups, exhibitor lists, and ticket information, guitar enthusiasts can follow the official Facebook page and Instagram account @melbourneguitarshow, or visit the official website at www.melbourneguitarshow.com.au.

As Australia’s leading guitar event prepares for its next chapter, one thing remains certain: the Melbourne Guitar Show continues to be more than just a trade fair—it’s a celebration of the instrument that has shaped popular music for generations, and the passionate community that keeps that tradition alive.

Stay tuned for more info.