Kendrick Lamar adds Australian dates to Grand National Tour
Kendrick Lamar reveals Australian Grand National Tour dates
Kendrick Lamar is officially returning to Australia. For the first time since The Big Steppers Tour in 2022, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper will take the stage Down Under as part of his monumental Grand National Tour. The announcement brings joy to fans across the country, with dates locked in for Melbourne’s AAMI Park on December 3 and Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on December 10.
But that’s not all. Lamar is also headlining the Spilt Milk Festival, one of Australia’s most beloved music festivals, which will travel through Ballarat, Perth, Canberra, and the Gold Coast from December 6 to 14. His addition to the lineup cements 2025 as a landmark year for live hip-hop in Australia.
A Deep Dive Into the Grand National Tour
The Grand National Tour is Lamar’s most ambitious tour to date. Kicking off in North America in early 2025, it spans over 40 cities, including major stops in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the UK, and now Australia. The tour supports his critically acclaimed album GNX, which has been praised for its lyrical depth, political commentary, and genre-defying sound.
Unlike past tours, the Grand National is stadium-only, marking a shift in scale and ambition. It’s co-headlined by SZA, whose SOS Deluxe: Lana is also part of the tour’s showcase. Together, they’ve drawn massive crowds, selling out back-to-back shows in cities like New York, Atlanta, and Chicago.
Although SZA won’t be part of the Australian leg, Kendrick’s solo presence ensures the shows will be anything but ordinary.
Why This Tour Matters
What makes the Grand National Tour so impactful isn’t just the production value or setlist — it’s what the tour represents. The title “Grand National” references themes of identity, generational trauma, and cultural pride. Kendrick has always used his platform to provoke thought and elevate discourse, and this tour is no exception.
Fans and critics alike have pointed to the show’s visual storytelling, which incorporates film-like interludes, choreography, and powerful use of stage lighting. It’s more than a concert — it’s a multimedia experience.
In that sense, Kendrick Lamar isn’t just performing — he’s curating a cultural conversation.
Kendrick Lamar’s Return to Australia
It’s been three years since Lamar performed in Australia. His 2022 Big Steppers Tour was met with sold-out crowds and critical acclaim, with stops in major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. That tour followed the release of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, an album that explored mental health, masculinity, and fatherhood.
Fans have been waiting patiently for his return, and with stadium-sized venues this time around, it’s clear Kendrick is ready to reach even bigger audiences.
Spilt Milk Festival: More Than Just a Side Act
The announcement that Kendrick would headline the 2025 Spilt Milk Festival sparked a frenzy online. Launched in 2016, Spilt Milk has grown into one of Australia’s most anticipated music events. What started as a single-day festival in Canberra has expanded to a multi-city celebration of music, art, and culture.
This year’s lineup is stacked, featuring an eclectic mix of genres and artists, including:
- Doechii
- ScHoolboy Q
- Dominic Fike
- Rebecca Black
- Nessa Barrett
- d4vd
- Mia Wray
- Skin On Skin
- The Dreggs, and many more.
The inclusion of both mainstream names and emerging acts gives the festival a unique blend of energy and discovery. It’s a perfect fit for Kendrick, who himself has often spotlighted up-and-coming talent in his label, pgLang.
BET Awards Sweep Adds Momentum
Kendrick’s Australian tour announcement comes on the heels of a major night at the BET Awards. Held in Los Angeles, the 2025 show saw Lamar take home:
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- Album of the Year (GNX)
- Best Collaboration (“Luther” featuring SZA)
- Video of the Year (“Not Like Us”)
- Video Director of the Year (shared with Dave Free)
These awards reinforce Lamar’s continued dominance in the music world and validate the high demand for his live performances.
The Setlist: What Fans Can Expect
While Lamar has kept setlists varied throughout the tour, fans in Australia can likely expect a mix of GNX tracks and classics. Songs like “Not Like Us,” “Luther,” and “6:16 in LA” have become crowd favorites, alongside legacy hits like “HUMBLE.,” “Alright,” and “DNA.”
Each performance is supported by a full live band, dancers, and an elaborate light show. This isn’t a simple rap show — it’s a carefully choreographed event that appeals to both casual fans and diehards.
Fan Anticipation and Community Buzz
Social media platforms have lit up with Australian fans celebrating the news. On Twitter (now X), fans shared everything from ticket-buying strategies to their favorite Kendrick verses. On Reddit and Instagram, festivalgoers are already planning outfits and travel schedules.
The fact that Kendrick is performing both solo stadium shows and a festival circuit is seen as a win for fans who might not normally get to see artists of his caliber outside major cities.
A Boon for the Australian Music Scene
Lamar’s return is also a major boost for Australia’s live music economy. After years of uncertainty during the pandemic, the industry has been slowly recovering. The announcement of large-scale international acts helps bring back confidence — and more importantly, audiences.
Events like Spilt Milk not only provide exposure for international artists but also give local acts a platform to shine. Supporting performers such as Mia Wray and Ninajirachi will get to share stages with global icons, further enriching Australia’s vibrant music landscape.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for both the Grand National Tour’s Australian stadium shows and the Spilt Milk Festival are available online.
- For Kendrick Lamar’s solo shows in Melbourne and Sydney, visit kendricklamar.com or Ticketek.
- For Spilt Milk Festival, head to moshtix.com.au and register for early access.
These events are expected to sell out within minutes, so set those alarms.
Looking Ahead: Kendrick’s Legacy in Motion
From good kid, m.A.A.d city to GNX, Kendrick Lamar’s career has been a masterclass in storytelling, lyricism, and growth. His ability to remain culturally relevant — while pushing artistic boundaries — is rare in any genre.
As he brings the Grand National Tour to Australia, it marks not just a performance milestone but also a legacy-building moment. For fans new and old, this tour offers a chance to witness one of hip-hop’s greatest living artists at the peak of his power.