The ARIA Awards are set to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a return to a standalone Hall of Fame event this June, honoring six Australian music legends. The announcement signals a shift in format for the prestigious awards, which will also return to Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on , in partnership with Spotify.
The special Hall of Fame event, taking place on at Sydney’s Carriageworks, aims to recognize the significant contributions of Australian artists over the past four decades. Presented in partnership with Sound NSW, the event marks a revival of the standalone Hall of Fame ceremony, a format previously utilized until 2010 when artists like John Williamson, Models, Johnny Young, The Loved Ones, and The Church were inducted.
For over a decade, the ARIA Hall of Fame inductions were integrated into the annual ARIA Awards ceremony. While still honoring influential figures, the process was scaled back to recognizing only one inductee per year, including Missy Higgins (2024), Jet (2023), the late Archie Roach (2020), Tina Arena (2015), Crowded House (2016), and You Am I (2023). The return to a dedicated event underscores a renewed emphasis on celebrating the legacy of Australian music.
“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,” ARIA stated.
The 2026 ARIA Awards themselves will once again be broadcast on Channel 10 and streamed live on Paramount+, continuing its tradition of showcasing Australian talent on a global stage. The event’s return to the Hordern Pavilion signifies a commitment to celebrating music within a vibrant live setting.
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd emphasized the significance of the 40th anniversary, stating, “Reaching 40 years of the ARIA Awards is a powerful moment to reflect on just how deeply Australian music is woven into our story.” She added, “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, while the 2026 ARIA Awards will continue that story by championing the next wave of Australian talent on an increasingly global stage. This milestone is about legacy but it’s also about backing where Australian music is going next. We can’t wait for what 2026 will bring.”
The ARIA Awards were established in 1987 as a platform to celebrate Australian music and its impact both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame followed in 1988, initially recognizing pioneers like Dame Joan Sutherland, Johnny O’Keefe, Slim Dusty, Col Joye, Vanda & Young, and AC/DC.
The announcement comes on the heels of a successful 2025 ARIA Awards, which saw record audience engagement with nearly 700,000 fan votes cast through the ARIA website and Spotify. This momentum suggests a strong appetite for celebrating Australian music and its continued evolution.
Information and ticketing details for the ARIA Hall of Fame event are available here.
