St Kilda Festival (SKF) returns on 14 – 15 February 2026 for its annual two-day celebration of Australian music, presenting over 100 acts across multiple stages and expecting to attract more than 350,000 festivalgoers to the iconic foreshore.
Ahead of the full program announcement on 14 January, the Festival is thrilled to announce Saturday’s First Peoples First headline acts, BARKAA and Selve, along with Sunday headliners Jessica Mauboy, Mental As Anything, and Sneaky Sound System.
In its 20th edition, First Peoples First will again kick off SKF on 14 February. This vibrant celebration of First Peoples music and culture spans two stages at South Beach Reserve and O’Donnell Gardens. This year’s headliners include 2025 ARIA Award winner BARKAA, and powerhouse rock outfit, Selve.
Highlights include culturally focused music, workshops, markets, and the Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah Sunset Ceremony, overseen by N’Arweet Carolyn Briggs of the Boonwurrung Land & Sea Council. Indigenous Outreach Projects will also take over the Palais Forecourt with a full day of dance and cultural activities.
On Big Festival Sunday, Jessica Mauboy will take the main stage. One of Australia’s most celebrated R&B/pop artists, songwriters, and actresses, with a career spanning nearly two decades. A multiple ARIA Award-winner, she made history as the first Indigenous Australian solo artist to debut at No. 1 on the ARIA Album Chart. She has toured with Beyoncé and represented Australia at Eurovision 2014.
Legendary Aussie band Mental As Anything are set to make a historic comeback in the 25th anniversary of their last SKF show, as original founding members Peter O’Doherty and Reg Mombassa reunite. The ARIA Hall of Fame inductees have carved out an enduring place in Australia’s cultural and musical history. With 25 Top 40 hits in Australia, Mental As Anything’s catalogue includes beloved classics and the international smash Live It Up, a song that continues to receive regular airplay across the UK and Europe.
Since 2014, Sneaky Sound System have been dancefloor staples and remain as in-demand as ever, playing sold-out headline shows and festivals around the country, New Zealand and across Asia. The ARIA award winning duo’s more recent tracks are as beloved by audiences as their older successes, testament to their enduring popularity and ability to create tunes that start the party… and keep it going.
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. This year’s New Music Stage lineup features MAGNETS, OSITA, Wild Gloriosa, The Carp Factory and Sunsick Daisy, among others.
“St Kilda Festival always puts on a fantastic show – 2026 continues this tradition. We’re excited to welcome Mental as Anything back after 25 years in the Big Festival Sunday line-up along with other amazing acts including Jessica Mauboy and Sneaky Sound System,” said Port Phillip Council Mayor, Alex Makin.
“Talented artists BARKAA and Selve will set the pace at First Peoples First on the Saturday. Come along for the music, food, activities, culture and rides at this joyful two-day celebration of the live music that our City is known and loved for.”
St Kilda Festival’s diverse program features live Australian music, dance performances, workshops, community group activities, food and market stalls, carnival rides and fun games, extended business trading, roving entertainment and a dedicated family-friendly stage.
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 Festival has seen many formats since its inception 45 years ago and currently runs across two-days comprised of First Peoples First, a celebration of First Peoples music, culture and community on Saturday, followed by Big Festival Sunday, the traditional St Kilda Festival day that brings the whole suburb to life. The event regularly attracts more than 350,000 visitors to the foreshore each year.
The 2026 St Kilda Festival runs Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February. Full program announced on 14 January 2026. For more information, visit: www.stkildafestival.com.au for details.
Image: Jessica Mauboy – photo by Jason Henley