Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jack Johnson is set to return to the South Pacific this November, bringing a unique blend of surf culture and acoustic mastery to fans across Australia and New Zealand. The announcement of the Jack Johnson 2026 Australia New Zealand Tour marks the artist’s first visit to the region since 2022, promising a series of intimate yet expansive performances in some of the region’s most iconic outdoor and arena settings.
What distinguishes this upcoming run of shows is a historic collaboration. For the first time, Johnson will be joined by special guests Ben Harper and John Butler. Both artists, renowned for their own contributions to the acoustic and roots music scenes, will perform solo and acoustic sets, creating a rare three-act lineup that celebrates a shared musical ethos of simplicity and storytelling.
The tour serves as a celebration of Johnson’s multifaceted career, coinciding with the release of the SURFILMUSIC documentary soundtrack. Scored by Johnson and Hermanos Gutiérrez, the soundtrack is scheduled for release on May 15, 2026, according to Billboard. The accompanying documentary, which premiered at SXSW in March, explores Johnson’s evolution from a North Shore Hawaii youth and surfer to a filmmaker and globally recognized musician.
Tour Dates and Venue Schedule
The SURFILMUSIC 2026 tour will span six dates across two countries, utilizing a mix of botanical gardens, riverside stages, and premier arenas. According to official tour details reported by Billboard, the schedule is as follows:
- November 7: Brisbane, Australia — Riverstage
- November 10: Perth, Australia — Kings Park & Botanic Gardens
- November 14: Sydney, Australia — The Domain
- November 17: Melbourne, Australia — Sidney Myer Music Bowl
- November 20: Auckland, New Zealand — Spark Arena
- November 22: North Canterbury, New Zealand — Waipara Winehouse
Ticketing and Presale Information
Given the high demand for this specific lineup, a tiered ticketing system has been established to manage access. The artist presale is scheduled to run from May 7 through May 8, followed by a Mastercard presale from May 8 to May 12. General ticket sales will officially open on Tuesday, May 12, at 2 p.m. Local time, as verified by Billboard.
The SURFILMUSIC Project: From Surf Films to Soundtrack
The thematic core of this tour is the SURFILMUSIC documentary. The film provides a retrospective look at Johnson’s creative journey, tracing his path through the lens of his early filmmaking. This includes the production of his influential surf films, Thicker Than Water (1999) and The September Sessions (2000), which helped define the aesthetic and sound associated with modern surf culture, per Billboard.
The new soundtrack, a collaboration with Hermanos Gutiérrez, is expected to bring a fresh sonic layer to the tour. Fans can expect a blend of these new compositions alongside the timeless hits that have defined Johnson’s career over the last two decades.
What to Expect from the Live Performance
While Ben Harper and John Butler will provide solo acoustic support, Jack Johnson will be backed by his long-time bandmates: Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski, and Zach Gill. This ensemble is known for the tight, rhythmic cohesion that complements Johnson’s laid-back delivery.
The anticipated setlist is expected to bridge the gap between the new SURFILMUSIC material and the “classics” that have made Johnson a staple of the global acoustic scene. According to Billboard, fans can look forward to hearing tracks such as:
- “Better Together”
- “Flake”
- “Inaudible Melodies”
- “Taylor”
- “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing”
The inclusion of Harper and Butler creates a “loaded bill” for roots music enthusiasts, as all three artists share a commitment to organic instrumentation and environmentally conscious themes, making this one of the most significant acoustic tours to hit the region in recent years.
Key Tour Takeaways
- Historic Lineup: First time Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and John Butler have toured together in this capacity.
- Project Focus: The tour celebrates the SURFILMUSIC documentary and its soundtrack (releasing May 15).
- Regional Reach: Six dates across major cities in Australia and New Zealand.
- Ticket Window: General on-sale begins May 12 at 2 p.m. Local time.
The next major milestone for fans is the official release of the SURFILMUSIC soundtrack on May 15, which will provide a preview of the musical direction for the November performances.
Are you planning to attend one of the SURFILMUSIC tour dates? Share your thoughts on this historic lineup in the comments below or share this update with fellow music lovers.