Melbourne's long-running beachside bash is back with St Kilda Festival spreading across two huge days in February.
St Kilda Festival returns on 14-15 February with a stacked lineup of Australian talent across multiple stages along the iconic foreshore.
The free, all-ages weekend kicks off with First Peoples First on the Saturday — a full day dedicated to First Nations music, art and culture — before Big Festival Sunday takes over with a multi-stage extravaganza featuring some of the country’s biggest names.
St Kilda Festival 2026
- What: Free two-day music festival
- Where: St Kilda Foreshore
- When: 14-15 February
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
First Peoples First
Saturday’s program puts First Nations artists front and centre across two stages, plus a sunset ceremony over St Kilda Beach to close out the day.
Gamilaroi rapper BARKAA tops the Main Stage bill — the Western Sydney artist has become one of Australian hip hop’s most vital voices since her 2020 debut, earning ARIA nominations and widespread acclaim for her unflinching storytelling. She’s joined by Selve, Boox Kid, Ruby Mae and The Terrifying Lows.
Over at the Optus Stage, catch Ricky Neil Jnr, the Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung singer-songwriter whose soulful acoustic sound has been turning heads on the festival circuit. Charlie Needs Braces bring their infectious indie-rock energy, while Drifting Clouds deliver dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes. James Range Band, Liv & The Dream and Pirritu round out the bill.
The day wraps with a sunset ceremony led by Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah, marking the transition from day to night on the beach. Family-friendly activities run throughout the day at O’Donnell Gardens.
Big Festival Sunday
Sunday’s Main Stage is led by Jessica Mauboy, the multi-platinum Kungarakan and Tiwi Islands artist who’s been a fixture of Australian pop for nearly two decades. She’s joined by 80s legends Mental As Anything, whose hits like Live It Up and Too Many Times remain singalong staples. Electronic outfit Sneaky Sound System bring their dancefloor-ready bangers, while Melbourne garage rockers The Grogans add some gritty local flavour. Devaura, Sub-Tribe and Velvet Bloom complete the Main Stage lineup.
The Catani Gardens Stage delivers some serious depth with Byron Bay psych-rock outfit Babe Rainbow, ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter Grace Cummings and Melbourne soul-jazz group Close Counters. Drifting Clouds pull double duty across the weekend, joined by Frenzee, Wrong Way Up and Lucky.
Across the Espy Stage, New Music Stage, Acland Plaza and Belford Street Stage, the festival showcases dozens more local acts including Ella Ion, Playlunch, Sunsick Daisy, The Carp Factory, Magnets, Nii Odai and Wild Gloriosa. Family entertainment includes performances from The Mik Maks and Salmonhead.
The festival also features community activities, carnival rides, food and market stalls spread across the foreshore precinct.
For more information, head here.
