Realm Riparia Announces Its Biannual Lineup

Realm Riparia, the community-run riverside doof from Gadigal Land and Naarm-based crew SHED: returns with the lineup for the third edition of its biannual jaunt, shaping up to be its biggest yet.

Returning to a new location, based riverside in Yuin Country on the South Coast of NSW, Realm Riparia has built a reputation over its first two editions as an encapsulation of the fun-loving spirit and care that runs deep in Australia’s DIY circles.

The intimate, three-day gathering leans as much into that spirit and connection with First Nations culture as it does its lineup and production. In doing so, Realm has established itself as an event with a goal far larger than some weekend-long curatorial showcase.

In that mentality, the festival regularly focuses on the locals who make up the scenes within which SHED: grows, with global names serving as a meaningful addition rather than a ‘need’ to sell tickets.

UK selector SMIFF joins Japan’s Takaaki Itoh and Malaysia’s Traction Control as the only global names on a bill otherwise stacked with homegrown talent. That includes the live hybrid collaboration of Administrator and DJ Glug, Kate Miller, Mabel, Pugilist, Rok Riley, Simrana, Willis Anne, n-trip and Ritmu performing live, Bayan and many more, including the Naarm-based Yabai HiFi soundsystem.

This year’s Realm sees that delicate balance spread across three stages: a daytime riverside stage, Realm Riparia’s main stage, and a dedicated jam space for more after-hours-appropriate moments.

The festival’s gallery space returns in 2026, with workshops set to be added to the programme for the first time and an upgrade to facilities across the festival, no doubt linked to the change in location.

Realm Riparia 2026 runs Friday, December 11 to Sunday, December 13. Early bird and first release tickets have both sold out, with the second release now on sale via Realm Riparia’s socials.