Seven essential Splendour in the Grass sideshows you can still get tickets for

The sold-out Splendour in the Grass is just weeks away now, once again bringing in a line-up of local and international acts entirely worthy of the festival’s legacy. From headliners James Blake and Chance the Rapper to must see mid-cards like a returning Friendly Fires and UK emcee Little Simz, there’s going to be a whole heap of memorable live performances to keep punters happy for the three (technically four) day event.

But what about those who aren’t heading up to Byron for the annual pilgrimage? They need some love too, and luckily most of Splendour’s big draws are also touring around the country to ensure they make the most of their time down under.

Many of these sideshows have already sold out, but there’s a few essential shows that are still yet to fill up. Consider this a friendly reminder. We’ve rounded up seven of the sideshows we’re most looking forward to, all of which you can still grab tickets for. But hurry, most of the stops end up selling out around this time.

James Blake

James Blake doesn’t tour down here nearly enough, so any chance to see the soulful artist live should be lapped up with as much energy as the infectiously upbeat Assume Form, his most recent album which was released earlier this year. He’ll no doubt be putting a big focus on that new project, and given it’s fervour that should make for one hell of a live show.

You can still get tickets for the Auckland show (July 17th), the Melbourne show (July 20th), and the Sydney show (July 23rd). For more details click HERE.

SZA

Even with only one album under her belt, TDE artist SZA has slingshotted to the top of the music industry, propelled by not only her close association with labelmates Kendrick Lamar and numerous in-demand appearances on tracks by DJ Khaled and Maroon 5, but also her commanding style which slinks between old school R&B and something completely contemporary. As one of the most stunning voices in music today, she’ll surely be putting on a very powerful performance.

You can still get tickets for all four SZA sideshows (Perth July 17th, Sydney July 19th, Melbourne July 23rd, and Auckland July 26th). For more details click HERE.

Childish Gambino

Big-ticket headliner Childish Gambino is going to be a welcome return for the Splendour crowd, and while it hasn’t been too long between visits we’re betting the endlessly creative emcee has some fresh tricks up his sleeve for his fans. From the grumbling bass of political flamethrower “This is America” to the smooth-as-butter “Feels Like Summer””, this is going to reiterate just how unstoppable Donald Glover has become, both in Hollywood and in the music industry.

All three Australian shows still have tickets available: Perth (July 14th), Melbourne (July 17th) and Sydney (July 24th). For more information click HERE.

Friendly Fires

It’s been awhile (six years in Australia) since we’ve heard from Friendly Fires, but the playful electro-pop outfit are back and bringing some brand new material with them. It was sure a surprise to see their name pop-up on the Splendour line-up, and it was a welcome one nonetheless, especially given their previous performances down under which have always been full of vibrancy and Ed Macfarlane’s erratic, entertaining dance moves (alone worth the price of admission).

You can still get tickets for their sideshows, one in Melbourne (July 21st) and one in Sydney (July 22nd). For more details click HERE.

The Streets

Another surprise return is the once-retired The Streets, heralding the triumphant comeback from Mike Skinner who carried six classic studio albums with nothing but wit, bravado and a remarkably unique approach to UK rap that has never been recreated. “Fit But You Know It” will definitely be one of the festival moments at Splendour, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be equally wild as The Streets hit Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

Though the Sydney show is sold-out, you can still get tickets for the ones in Perth (July 16th), Melbourne (July 18th), Auckland (July 22nd), and Wellington (July 23rd). For more details click HERE.

Foals

Remember their seething Splendour performance a few years back? It solidified Foals as one of those bands that will draw festival regulars in no matter how many times they come back. The UK band have worked into the god-tier of best live bands in the world right now, and anyone who has seen them before will attest to how powerful, expressive and even cathartic their shows can get. You really don’t want to miss this one, especially if you’ve never seen them live before.

Both Auckland shows are completely sold out, but you can still get tickets for all three Australian shows: Melbourne (July 15th), Sydney (July 17th), and Perth (July 21st). For more details click HERE.

Little Simz

Let’s not forget the fiery UK emcee that has started to pick up even more steam since releasing the hugely acclaimed Grey Area earlier this year. It only seem that now more people are beginning to see Simz for the wickedly talented, meticulous artist she is. She knows that the world is finally starting to take notice, so surely her show will double as a celebration of success. She’ll be in high spirits coming off a huge Glastonbury slot so this isn’t something you’ll want to skip.

While her show in Melbourne is sold out you still get tickets for the shows in Sydney (July 18th) and Auckland (July 24th). For more details click HERE.

For more information on Splendour in the Grass click HERE.

Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.