Australia's biggest free music festival St Kilda Festival announces dates for 2026 return.
St Kilda Festival returns to Melbourne’s iconic foreshore on 14-15 February 2026.
Australia’s biggest free music festival brings two days of live music, family activities and community celebrations back to St Kilda’s beachfront venues. St Kilda Festival kicks off with First Peoples First on 14 February, featuring First Nations artists across two stages, before continuing with Big Festival Sunday showcasing Australia’s best live music performers.
The 2026 edition of St Kilda Festival promises to deliver the same vibrant mix of music, food, markets and entertainment that has made the event a summer highlight for music lovers across Melbourne. First Peoples First returns as the opening celebration, spanning South Beach Reserve and O’Donnell Gardens with an all First Nations musical lineup alongside family activities, market stalls and community events.
St Kilda Festival
- Where: St Kilda foreshore, South Beach Reserve, O’Donnell Gardens
- When: Friday 14 February – Saturday 15 February 2026
- Cost: Free admission
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
View this post on Instagram
This year’s First Peoples First featured country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley performing with his award-winning daughter Jem Cassar-Daley, alongside Western GuGu Yalanji and Birrigubba songwriter and storyteller Jungaji delivering his unique soul and fusion sound. The celebration highlights the rich diversity of contemporary First Nations music while providing a platform for emerging and established artists.
Big Festival Sunday on 15 February transforms the foreshore into a showcase for Australia’s live music talent. This year’s Main Stage attracted crowds eager to see renowned artist and activist Peter Garrett with his band The Alter Egos, plus Cub Sport, one of Australia’s most successful independent bands. The diverse programming ensures music lovers can discover new favourites alongside established acts.
Celebrations extend across St Kilda with events and activities, food and market stalls, carnival rides and family entertainment creating a festival atmosphere throughout the seaside suburb. The event provides opportunities for festival-goers to explore nearby venues, enjoying food and drinks while maintaining the festive atmosphere beyond the main stages.
St Kilda Festival’s popular New Music Competition returns in 2026, with entries opening in mid-August. This coveted opportunity allows emerging bands and artists to compete for the chance to perform on the New Music Stage, with the audience’s favourite act determined by public vote receiving a cash prize and a prized slot at St Kilda Festival 2027.
Local traders can participate through expressions of interest opening in September, including opportunities for food and market stalls, food trucks and community groups. This community involvement ensures St Kilda Festival maintains its grassroots character while supporting local businesses and organisations.
The full 2026 programme will be announced in January, with updates available through the St Kilda Festival website.
For more information, head here
