Festival Guide: Blues to the Bellarine, stars and bars collide, and the community of Creswick come together in the name of music

There's also electronic acts taking over Flemington and St Kilda for some of the biggest festivals this year

Who said festival season is a summer affair? These festivals are proving that April is an appealing time to gather people in the name of music. You have blues legends bonding on the Bellarine, community coming together in Creswick, eDM stars flocking to Flemington and St Kilda foreshore, Stars & Bars bringing together locales with live music, and Tallarook is taken over by three days of immersive arts and music experiences.

Let’s head to the fields of the best music festivals happening this month in Victoria.

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bellarine Estate (@bellarineestate)

100 Acre Festival

The Bellarine Peninsula comes alive this April with the inaugural 100 Acres Festival at Bellarine Estate. Headlined by three-time Grammy® nominee Eric Bibb, the full-day celebration of blues and soul also features Australian stars Lloyd Spiegel, Phil Para, Kathleen Halloran, and Melbourne’s The Meltdown. With coastal hospitality, local wines, family-friendly vibes, and 3RRR’s Max Crawdaddy spinning classics between sets, this festival promises music, community, and unforgettable moments.

When SAT 18 APRIL

Where BELLARINE ESTATE WINERY, BELLARINE

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CresFest Creswick’s Folk & Roots Music Festival (@cresfestaus)

CRESFEST

This April, Creswick transforms into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and community for CresFest 2026. Across three days, world-class artists—including Natalie and Brittany Haas, Tony McManus, Makepisi, Riccardo Tesi & Giua, and Uncle Frank Yamma—fill heritage halls, pubs, and streets with blues, folk, Celtic, and roots music. Workshops, parades, and participatory events invite audiences into the celebration, making CresFest a uniquely immersive, community-driven festival experience in regional Victoria.

When 10 -12 APR

Where VARIOUS VENUES, CRESWICK

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ultra Australia (@ultraaustralia)

ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL

The ultimate EDM and house party hits Flemington Racecourse with a global lineup of beat veterans, tastemakers, and the best new talent behind the decks. The 2026 lineup boasts The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake, Darren Styles, Marlo, Miss Monique, Nico Mareno, Oliver Heldens, ZEDD, Kaaze, and Fatima Hajji, Rivo, Dimatik, HI-LO, and so many more. It’s a stacked selection playing across three stages – Ultra Main Stage, RESISTANCE, and UMF Radio. 

When SAT 11 APR

Where Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Electric Island (@electricislandau)

Electric Island

Electric Island returns to St Kilda’s Riviera Beach Club this April for a boutique beachside electronic festival. On Saturday 18 April, dance to Armand Van Helden, Flight Facilities (DJ Set), Eats Everything, Tyson O’Brien, and Mike Steva. Sunday 19 April features Above & Beyond, Cristoph b2b Jeremy Olander, Eli & Fur, Dromarin, and Amity. Sun, sand, and world-class beats promise an unforgettable coastal weekend.

When 18 & 19 APR

Where Riviera Beach Club, Melbourne

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Stars & Bars Festival (@starsandbarsfestival)

STARS & BARS

Stars & Bars Festival returns to Heathcote in 2026 for a two-day, trail-blazing celebration of country, roots, and cosmic-infused music. Across iconic local venues, including The Redesdale Hotel, Sanguine Estate, Munari Wines, Palling Bros Brewery, and The Watering Hole, festival-goers will enjoy performances from O.R.B, Immigrant Union, Bud Rokesky, The High Street Drifters, Acid Arrow, and more. Blending live music with exceptional wines, craft beers, local produce, and legendary Heathcote hospitality, it’s a sonic and sensory journey not to be missed.

When 17 – 19 APR

Where VARIOUS LOCALES,

HEATHCOTE

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sonder Music & Arts Festival (@sonderfestival)

SONDER MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Sonder Music & Arts Festival returns to Eagle Ridge Events Park, Tallarook, this April for its third edition. Across three days of camping, the independent festival showcases local and international talent spanning house, bass, electronic, jazz-rap, and percussive music. Highlights include Tornado Wallace, Cromby, Miss Kaninna, Avantdale Bowling Club, and UK grime heavyweights Bakey and Capo Lee. With food trucks, a licensed bar, and immersive performances, Sonder delivers an unforgettable long-weekend escape to Taungurung country.

When 3 – 6 APR

Where Eagle Ridge Events Park, Tallarook