This weekend, the legendary St Kilda Festival returns for its 43rd year, to the foreshore and surrounds with a packed line-up of over 60 acts across two days.
Presented by City of Port Phillip, the free Festival showcases some of the country’s best home-grown talent, including headliners Bag Raiders, Mo’Ju and Mallrat.
On Saturday 17 February, St Kilda Festival will present a day of spectacular First Nations talent through the First Peoples First program on the Main Stage and the O’Donnell Gardens Stage, including Mo’Ju, Birren, Charlie Needs Braces, Pirritu, The Merindas, Ziggy Ramo and many more.
On Sunday 18 February, crowds will flock to St Kilda for the traditional Big Festival Sunday. Overlooking the iconic St Kilda foreshore, the Main Stage will feature electronic DJ duo Bag Raiders, rising star Budjerah, Mallrat, Thandi Phoenix, and Australian music royalty Mark Seymour, performing alongside his band the Undertow.
The Cointreau Summer Stage (18+) at Catani Gardens will feature performances from Northeast Party House, Gut Health, J-MILLA, Forest Claudette and more.
The Locals Stage will feature the best and brightest talent from the St Kilda region, with performances from JHM, Bailey Judd, Tanya George, The Miffs and many more.
Sunday’s offerings continue beyond the music. Festivalgoers can explore market stalls, dance performances, workshops, sports and community activities. There’s also dedicated children’s entertainment, with face painting, a silent disco and ukulele lessons on offer.
The O’Donnell Gardens Stage will become a hub of family fun from 10.00am – 2.00pm, with performances by Whistle & Trick, Woody’s World and more gracing the stage.
Sunday also marks the return of the New Music Stage, with the ten finalists all competing for the coveted spot of opening the Main Stage at the 2025 Festival. Both Saturday and Sunday will once again host Singing Our Futures, presented by the Archie Roach Foundation.
St Kilda Festival’s diverse program features live Australian music, dance performances, workshops, sports demonstrations, community group activities, food and market stalls, extended business trading, roving entertainment and a dedicated family-entertainment zone.
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 more than 40 years ago, regularly attracting more than 400,000 visitors to the foreshore.
The 2024 St Kilda Festival takes place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 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