Returning to the stunning St Kilda foreshore and surrounds, St Kilda Festival, the annual free, two-day celebration of Australian music has announced an amazing line-up of home-grown talent and fun for all ages, for its 44th year.
Presented by City of Port Phillip, Festival Saturday will again showcase a huge line-up of First Peoples’ talent, followed by the traditional Big Festival Sunday.
First Peoples First – Saturday 15 February: 11.00am – 9.00pm
An incredible line-up of First Nations artists will present a jam-packed day and night of music at First Peoples First, presented on the Main Stage and the Optus Stage at O’Donnell Gardens.
A treasure of Australian music, Troy Cassar-Daley, will take to the Main Stage, joined on the lineup by his daughter, the multi-award-winning Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist, Jem Cassar-Daley. Also performing will be Western GuGu Yalanji & Birrigubba songwriter JUNGAJI (pronounced Jun-gah-jee), and GuriNgai artist Charlie Needs Braces.
The Optus Stage will showcase Mutthi Mutthi/Yorta Hip Hop Artist Crooked TP and local songstress Jess Hitchcock. First Peoples First will conclude with a sunset ceremony at the Main Stage, Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah (Together we rise up with knowledge)
Big Festival Sunday – Sunday 16 February: 10.00am – 9:30pm
The beloved Big Festival Sunday will see thousands flock to the foreshore and beyond for the best in live music, market stalls, community groups and more. The Main Stage overlooking the St Kilda Foreshore will feature Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, three-time ARIA Award winner Sarah Blasko, rising electronic music sensation, Young Franco, and ARIA #1 Album award winner, Cub Sport.
The Optus Stage will feature family programming for the first half of the day, with the likes of Whistle & Trick and ‘The Wiggles’ own DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur, then amping up and shifting gears from 3.00pm onwards with moshing and line dancing with The Vovos, and nostalgic ‘Bogan Funk’ with Playlunch.
The Catani Gardens North Stage will be headlined by the acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer Sycco. Also taking the stage will be Julia Jacklin, returning with old friends as Phantastic Ferniture, alongside performances from 3%, MUDRAT, and Tentendo.
The new Catani Gardens South Stage will host Painters and Dockers, Allysha Joy, and Velvet Trip, while the Local Stage at Alfred Square will showcase performances from MOG.Y, local icon Penny Ikinger, Jarabi Band (trio) and more.
“Once again St Kilda Festival returns to the shores of St Kilda for its 44th rotation,” said St Kilda Festival Lead, Sullivan Patten. “We are thrilled to welcome more than 80 talented acts performing across 10 stages, from emerging to established, showcasing captivating, eclectic, and genre-spanning sounds to perform across St Kilda at the 2025 festival.
“We encourage audiences to come down and take the time to explore the various festival precincts; while you may come to see a familiar act, the excitement lies in discovering the fresh talent that the festival offers.”
St Kilda Festival’s New Music Competition will also return, celebrating the next wave of homegrown Aussie talent. The competition has previously launched the careers of Missy Higgins, Baker Boy, and Client Liaison. The 10 finalists of the New Music Competition will each perform a 30-minute set, with the winner walking away with $5000 as well as a coveted invitation to perform with St Kilda Festival in 2026.
Festivalgoers can enjoy the Hare Krishna Vedic Village, the popular Ratha Yatra Chariot Parade, and two stages on Acland Street showcasing Melbourne’s finest street performers. Fitzroy Street will host the New Music Stage, a POOF DOOF activation, and a new stage at the Fitzroy and Acland Street intersection supported by The Prince of Wales.
The Optus Stage at O’Donnell Gardens will include a Youth Safe Space with gaming activations from Hovergarden, as well as family-friendly performances until 3.00pm, followed by a youth takeover with bands selected by Southeast Victoria’s young people.
This year’s programming has been designed to encourage festivalgoers to explore all that St Kilda has to offer. The festival will close slightly earlier than in previous years, with programming ending at 9:30pm to allow plenty of time to enjoy the local hospitality venues.
“On behalf of the City of Port Phillip, I extend a warm welcome to join us at the 44th St Kilda Festival – Australia’s largest free and all ages music festival,” said Mayor of Port Phillip, Cr Louise Crawford.
“We are incredibly proud of this annual two-day event showcasing the best of Australian music and culture. We’ve lined up some incredible performances by First Nations artists on Saturday, followed by a massive line-up of iconic Aussie acts on Sunday.”
“Come and experience the magic of St Kilda by enjoying the music, food, activities and markets which make this a unique must-do summer celebration,” said Cr Crawford.
Renowned as one of Australia’s largest and longest running free music and cultural events, the Festival brings significant economic benefits to St Kilda while celebrating and promoting Australian talent. The event regularly attracts more than 350,000 visitors to the foreshore each year.
The 2025 St Kilda Festival Takes place on Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 February. For more information and full program, visit: www.stkildafestival.com.au for details.
Image: Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – photo by Joshua Braybrook