A staple of Australia's blues-roots scene for 25 years, the Winter Blues Festival is back in 2025.
Staged across multiple venues in the tourist towns of Echuca-Moama on the mighty Murray River, across four days (24-27 July) more than 20,000 music fans descend on the area. With free entry to participating venues and a broad range of accommodation and dining options, Winter Blues Festival is recognised as one of the most affordable festival weekends in Australia. The event also boosts the local community, especially hotels and cafes, on what was once its quietest weekend of the year for the historical port town.
"Support this fantastic event by coming to town, enjoying the music, grabbing a bite to eat, and soaking up the vibe. It's all about the blues and the community," says Laurelin Berrick, the festival's committee chair.
The first artist drop of the 2025 line-up has been revealed with a number of artists returning from last year's event including 19-Twenty (who are set to play Bluesfest this weekend), 8 Ball Aitken, Bill Barber & The Holding Cell, Sweet Felicia & The Honeytones and The Mojo Corner.
Other notable artists-bands added to the 2025 event include Cass Eager, Collard Greens and Gravy, Jimi Hocking's Blues Machine, Karl S. Williams & Sally Wiggins, and Kathleen Halloran.
"We're thrilled to reveal the first round of artists for the Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival 2025 – and it's already shaping up to be something special," shares touring, booking, festival and artist services label Rhythm Section.
"This year's event is proudly supported by the Revive Live initiative through the Australian Government, recognising the power of live music to bring communities together, energise local economies, and keep Australia's rich music culture thriving.
"From Australian blues legends to emerging voices, this year's festival will once again transform Echuca's historic streets and venues into a buzzing, soul-drenched celebration of contemporary roots music.
"We're stoked to be playing a part in this as Rhythm Section, supporting programming, partnerships, and promotion for one of the country's most beloved regional festivals."
As a not-for-profit event run by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Winter Blues Festival was created by the community for the community. It thrives with the support of local businesses and grants, and recently won the Community Impact Award at The Campaspe Murray Business Awards. Additionally, the festival has been awarded the Revive Live grant, which helps sustain events across Australia.
2025 Winter Blues Festival takes place at various venues throughout Echuca-Moama 24-27 July. All venues are free entry.
Winter Blues Festival 2025 Line-up
8 Ball Aitken19-Twenty
Bill Barber & The Holding Cell
Cass Eager
Checkerboard Lounge
Collard Greens and Gravy
Doc Halibut
Ingrid & The Ministers
Jimi Hocking's Blues Machine
Karl S. Williams & Sally Wiggins
Kathleen Halloran
Liza Ohlback & The Mercy Train
Madi Colville Walker
Marshall & The Fro
Nick Charles
Phil Coyne and The Wayward Aces
Rambal
Rod Paine and the Fulltime Lovers
Sweet Felicia & The Honeytones
Taya Chani
The Mojo Corner
plus more to be announced
