Disney+ Expands Global Live Music Push With Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Streams
Disney+ and Hulu are set to livestream three of the world’s biggest music festivals globally, with the expansion of the streaming partnership with Live Nation marking the first time audiences outside the United States will gain live access through Disney+.
The move will see Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Music Festival stream live across both platforms, broadening what had previously been a largely US-focused offering on Hulu.
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The partnership expansion also reflects a wider push by The Walt Disney Company to position Disney+ as a destination for live programming alongside its established entertainment catalogue.
According to the company, the festivals will stream simultaneously across continents, giving global audiences real-time access to performances, artist interviews and behind-the-scenes festival content.
Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning & Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company, said the partnership was designed to bring major live cultural events directly to subscribers worldwide.
“Music festivals are among the most electric, can’t-miss moments in culture, and now Disney+ and Hulu subscribers around the world can experience the excitement.
“As we continue to extend our live offerings, we remain committed to bringing fans the biggest, most iconic moments right as they happen, and are thrilled to bring that vision to life with Live Nation.”
The announcement follows findings from the 2025 Live Nation Living for Live Global Study, which surveyed 40,000 fans across 15 countries and highlighted growing demand for international music access.
The study found 73 per cent of respondents said they were listening to more international artists than they were three years ago, while 85 per cent agreed live music now transcends borders and languages.
In Australia, the research suggested live events continue to grow in importance, with 42 per cent of respondents reportedly prioritising live music over films, television and sport.
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The expanded livestream strategy will also spotlight Australian and New Zealand artists appearing across the 2026 festival season.
Acts confirmed for the festival line-ups include Australian electronic trio RÜFÜS DU SOL, who are scheduled to headline both Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits, alongside New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, who is set to appear at Lollapalooza.
Other Australian acts listed across the festival bills include Empire of the Sun, 5 Seconds of Summer, Alison Wonderland, Spacey Jane and Ninajirachi.
Kevin Chernett, EVP, Head of Global Media Partnerships at Live Nation, said livestreaming was changing how audiences experience large-scale music events.
“Music festivals used to be experiences reserved for the people who could physically be there.
“Now they’re becoming global live moments that fans want to experience together in real time, no matter where they are in the world. Expanding this partnership with Disney+ and Hulu allows these festivals to reach music fans at an entirely different scale.”
Alongside the live performances, Disney+ and Hulu will also revive the Live Set, an on-site content studio operating during each festival weekend.
The studio will feature artist interviews, backstage access and festival culture content designed specifically for the livestream audience. According to the companies, the 2026 version of the studio will also deliver tailored highlights for viewers in different time zones.
Industry analysts have viewed the expansion as part of a broader effort by Disney to strengthen its live programming slate amid increased competition from streaming rivals including Netflix and Amazon.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival streams live on Disney+ and Hulu from June 12–15, 2026, followed by Lollapalooza from July 31–August 3, 2026, and Austin City Limits Music Festival from October 3–5, 2026 (all dates AEST).
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