St Kilda Festival 2026: Australia’s Biggest Free Music Festival

The St Kilda Festival 2026 returns to Melbourne’s iconic foreshore on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026, bringing two full days of free live music, youth-friendly entertainment and community celebrations by the beach. Now in its 45th year, this much-loved Melbourne music festival continues to be one of Australia’s largest and longest-running free cultural events, showcasing Australian artists, emerging talent and vibrant performances across multiple stages.

Presented by the City of Port Phillip, the festival takes over St Kilda Foreshore and surrounding precincts, transforming the area into a lively hub of live music, dance, street performances, food stalls and creative activities. With free entry and a diverse lineup, St Kilda Festival is a popular summer event for young people looking to experience live Australian music in a relaxed outdoor setting.

FIRST PEOPLES FIRST

Saturday kicks off with First Peoples First, a full-day celebration of First Nations music and culture running from midday until 9 pm at the Main Stage and Optus Stage at O’Donnell Gardens.

This special program marks 20 years of First Peoples First at the festival and features an impressive lineup of First Nations artists. ARIA Award winner Barkaa will headline alongside rock outfit Selve, Noongar electropop artist Boox Kid, Wiradjuri musician Ruby Mae and alternative rock band The Terrifying Lows. The Optus Stage will showcase Drifting Clouds, James Range Band, Charlie Needs Braces and Ngiyampaa folk artist Pirritu. The day will conclude with a sunset ceremony titled Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah (Together we rise up with knowledge), creating a meaningful and powerful close to the program.

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BIG FESTIVAL SUNDAY

On Big Festival Sunday, the entire St Kilda precinct comes alive with multiple stages, performances and activities from midday until 9 pm. The Main Stage overlooking the foreshore will be headlined by Jessica Mauboy, Mental As Anything and Sneaky Sound System, alongside performances from Sub-Tribe, The Grogans and RnB singer DEVAURA. Over at the Catani Gardens Stage, festivalgoers can enjoy performances by Grace Cummings, Babe Rainbow, Close Counters, Afro disco duo Wrong Way Up and raw punk siblings FRENZEE.

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NEW MUSIC COMPETITION

St Kilda Festival is also well known for spotlighting emerging Australian artists through its New Music Competition. Past performers have gone on to national success, including Baker Boy, Missy Higgins and Client Liaison. The 2025 winners, Velvet Bloom, will return in 2026 to open the Main Stage on Big Festival Sunday, following their fusion of soul, pop, jazz and indie-rock that impressed judges.

The New Music Stage will feature fresh talent such as Kyle Glover with Earthlike, Wild Gloriosa, indie-pop artist and disability advocate MAGNETS, effie isobel, Sunsick Daisy, OSITA, The Carp Factory, Ivoris, electronic duo Bcharre and jazz-inspired Kitsch Kitchen. These artists will compete for a $5,000 prize and a future festival performance.

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St Kilda Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026, from midday until 9 pm, at St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds. Entry is free for all visitors.

ST KILDA FESTIVAL 2026 – FAQs

•When is St Kilda Festival 2026?
The festival takes place on Saturday 14 February and Sunday 15 February 2026, with events running from 12 pm to 9 pm each day.

Is St Kilda Festival free to attend?
Yes, St Kilda Festival is a completely free event. No tickets are required for any of the stages or performances.

Is the festival suitable for young people?
Yes, the festival is an all-ages event with youth-friendly programming.

•Where is St Kilda Festival held?
The festival takes place across St Kilda Foreshore and surrounding areas, including Catani Gardens, O’Donnell Gardens and Acland Street.

•Are there food and drink options available?
Yes, there are plenty of food stalls, drink vendors and nearby cafes and restaurants along Fitzroy Street and Acland Street.

Are there water refill stations?
Yes, free water stations are available across the festival site. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles.

Is public transport recommended?
Yes, public transport is the easiest way to reach St Kilda during the festival, as crowds and road closures can make driving difficult.

MORE INFORMATION

St Kilda Festival 2026: Australia’s Biggest Free Music Festival

FIRST PEOPLES FIRST

BIG FESTIVAL SUNDAY

NEW MUSIC COMPETITION

ST KILDA FESTIVAL 2026 – FAQs

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