Fed Square is cranking up the amps again for Garage Band 2026, showcasing the state's freshest musical talent across multiple stages.
The free outdoor event returns for its fourth year on 7 February, bringing together a curated lineup of Victoria’s most promising up-and-coming artists for an afternoon of live performances at the Main Square.
Garage Band has partnered with internationally acclaimed artist JOF to present this year’s program, which emerges from an extensive process of workshops and mentorship designed to spotlight the next wave of Victorian musicians.
Garage Band 2026
- 7 February
- 5pm – 7:30pm
- Main Square, Fed Square
- Free
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Garage Band’s stellar pedigree
Previous editions have featured acts including Blondehouse, RIBJAW, Software Update and The Crystal Ship in 2024, while 2023 saw performances from COOLDAD, They Might Be Dead Frogs, Vending Machine Repairmen and Terra Rouge (who returned for a second year in 2024). Alumni from the 2022 intake have since gone on to perform alongside the likes of Mia Wray and Tex Perkins, release their own music and attract media attention from across the country.
The initiative goes beyond a standard gig, functioning as a launchpad for emerging artists who’ve been developing their craft through the program’s support structure. Each act performing at Garage Band 2026 has been selected through a rigorous application process, with the event serving as the culmination of their mentorship journey.
Running as part of the broader Open Air at the Square series, Garage Band transforms Fed Square into a celebration of grassroots music and community spirit. The multi-stage format means punters can wander between performances, catching a diverse spread of sounds from artists on the cusp of bigger things.
With applications now closed, the lineup is locked in and ready to deliver what’s shaping up to be another solid showcase of homegrown talent. Whether you’re after rock, electronic, hip hop or something else entirely, the fourth edition of Garage Band promises a cross-section of what Victoria’s music scene has brewing beneath the surface…
For more information, head here.
