St Kilda Festival 2026
This beloved summer staple is back, serving up another edition loaded with exceptional local music talent and feel-good community vibes.
Overview
Now entering its 45th year, St Kilda Festival is more than just a great chance to see the best homegrown music talent. It's a veritable local tradition that keeps hundreds of thousands of people coming back year after year. Returning once more to the St Kilda foreshore from Saturday, February 14–Sunday, February 15, the 2026 edition is as stacked as you'd expect.
Bringing together a host of major acts and emerging names, this year's festival is celebrating a significant milestone — the 20th instalment of First Peoples' First. Held over two stages, this jam-packed event features an exceptional lineup of First Nations artists throughout Saturday, with the likes of ARIA Awards winner Barkaa, Noongar electropop artist Boox Kid and Bunhungura indie band Drifting Clouds getting the huge crowd moving.
The following day, it's time for Big Festival Sunday. Expect another massive crowd to descend on the foreshore, immersing themselves in live music, dance performances, workshops, carnival rides and more. On the main stage, headliners include multi-ARIA Award winner Jessica Mauboy, legendary pub rockers Mental As Anything and dancefloor favourites, Sneaky Sound System, with loads more up-and-coming singer-songwriters and bands to discover.
Besides the big-name acts, have a boogie over at the New Music Competition. With the event's alumni including Baker Boy, Missy Higgins and Client Liaison, the breakout artists taking to the stage compete for a $5,000 cash prize and a coveted spot on the 2027 St Kilda Festival lineup. Plus, the JBL Be Heard Busking Series will feature 18 hand-picked musicians who'll give it their all at three busking stations. If you're keen to get involved, limited slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Information
- The 25 Best Chinese Restaurants in Melbourne for 2025
- The 16 Best Swimming Holes Near Melbourne
- CP Picks: Aussie Summer Essentials — The Things We're Packing, Wearing and Using All Season Long
- CP Picks: The Editor's Gift Guide —What the CP Team Is Giving (and Hoping to Receive)
- Ten Road Trip-Worthy Restaurants You Should Visit in Victoria
- The 25 Best Restaurants in Melbourne for 2025