Americana On The Bellarine Returns for a Night of Soulful Sounds Under the Twilight Sky

As the sun dips below the horizon and the Bellarine Peninsula is painted in soft hues of twilight, the Ocean Grove Hotel becomes a stage for one of the region’s most enchanting live music experiences.

Americana On The Bellarine, returning for its fourth year on Saturday, 21 February 2026, promises an unforgettable evening of roots-based music performed under the stars — this time with an all-female line-up of extraordinary talent.

Americana On The Bellarine

When: Saturday 21 February

Where: Ocean Grove Hotel, Ocean Grove

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For the uninitiated, Americana music, often referred to as alt-country, is a genre that effortlessly blends blues, roots, country, folk, rock, rockabilly, gospel, and soul. It is at once familiar and eclectic, a musical journey that carries emotion and narrative in equal measure. Each note, lyric, and chord progression tells a story, creating a live experience that feels intimate, heartfelt, and wholly alive. On this night, the Ocean Grove Hotel beer garden transforms into a haven for music lovers seeking just that.

The 2026 event features two of the Bellarine’s finest songwriters, Sarah Carroll and Andrea Robertson, alongside one of Australia’s most beloved artists, Ella Hooper. Carroll, a mainstay of the regional music scene, has built a reputation for blending blues and roots with storytelling that resonates deeply with her audience. Dubbed “The Ukulele Queen of the Bellarine”, Carroll dropped autobiographical record NQR&B in 2024, with songs honouring her late husband Chris Wilson who left behind a major music legacy. 

 

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Robertson, the visionary behind Americana On The Bellarine, is herself a celebrated singer-songwriter, whose live performances have been praised for their sincerity and emotional power. Her debut album, It’s About Time, hit ten years in 2024, marking a significant milestone in her solo career. The album was responsible for honing her signature angel-laced sound which sprouted into her next three albums, including the volume collection, Seasons, released the same year as her decade celebration. Together, they bring local gravitas to the evening, anchoring it in the vibrant musical culture of the Bellarine.

 

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But it’s Ella Hooper who is the headline act and undeniable drawcard. From her rise to fame with the iconic band Killing Heidi at a spritely 14 years old to her evolution as a solo artist, Hooper has continually reinvented herself. The move to solo territory came following a conversation with Stevie Nicks, and it’s a lane that she has continued to occupy since 2012. It was her 2023 album, Small Town Temple, which saw her explore country and roots influences, that helped cement her reputation as a chameleon of Australian music. With her unmistakable voice and emotive storytelling, Hooper embodies the essence of Americana — a bridge between the deeply personal and universally relatable.

 

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Americana On The Bellarine was first conceived by Robertson over four years ago with plans for a live event in 2020. Like many events, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted those plans, leading her to pivot to a livestream format in July of that year. Last year’s event featured Robertson herself alongside The Mojo Corner, Matt Joe Gow & The Dead Leaves, and Jasmin Adria, establishing a foundation for what would become a regional highlight in live music calendars.

This year, the combination of Carroll, Robertson, and Hooper – the powerful female trio of stirring songwriters with big vocal delivery – signals a significant step forward for the festival. Attracting a name beyond the Bellarine pool, sees the festival reach out its arms into new and exciting territory. 

Attendees can expect a soul-stirring mix of blues, roots, country, folk, rock, and even a touch of rockabilly and gospel all delivered with heart, authenticity, and undeniable talent. The beer garden setting encourages a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. Grab a drink, settle in with friends, and let the music wash over you as the stars emerge above the Bellarine Peninsula.

The Ocean Grove Hotel is also offering pre-show dining, so guests can enjoy a meal before the music begins. With tables filling fast, early booking is encouraged to secure a spot in this magical setting. The event is as much about the communal experience as it is the music — a chance to celebrate artistry, local talent, and the shared joy of live performance.

Americana On The Bellarine 2026 is more than a concert; it is a celebration of roots-based music, a showcase of female artistry, and a night designed to linger in memory long after the final note has faded. For fans of live music and anyone seeking a soulful evening under the twilight sky, this is one date to mark firmly in the diary.

Tickets to Americana on the Bellarine can be purchase here.