Regional event Winter Blues Festival returns to Echuca-Moama this winter for four days of world-class blues and roots in the Murray Region.
Now entering its 26th instalment, Winter Blues Festival (23-26 July) will host some of Australia's finest blues musicians-bands as well as emerging and grassroots acts, with multiple venues involved alongside dedicated festival areas within the township.
High Street will also come alive to the sounds of a slew of buskers plying their trade, adding to the vibrant nature of the event that promotes community connection while also delivering meaningful economic and social benefits to the entire region.
The first artist drop features a host of Winter Blues alumni including 19-Twenty, Cass Eager, Geoff Achison, Kathleen Halloran, Nathan Cavaleri and Sweet Felicia and The Honeytones who each played the 2025 event.
Aussie blues royalty also returns with both Frank Sultana Blues Band and Ray Beadle joining the action.
"This post makes us SO happy," beams 19-Twenty. "The festival where it all really started to kick off for us. . . 11 years and counting. . . Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival you are super special and we can't wait to get back on your stages!"
Adds Frank Sultana: "This is going to be a blast! So many great acts on the first announcement Echuca Winter Blues Festival 2026. Guaranteed to freeze your kahunas, but you'll have a damn fine time anyway. . . Rug up baby let's get our blues on 🥶😎🎶💙."
While live music takes centre stage, Winter Blues Festival is where new friendships form and music lovers reconnect. "I'm very excited to be programming my fifth Winter Blues Festival this year," Music Programmer Jon Howell says.
"In that time the event has grown to be the best place to catch great blues and roots artists from all over Australia. We're delighted to welcome 19-Twenty back for their 11th appearance, and to present blues 'hall of fame' artists like Sweet Felicia, Geoff Achison, Ray Beadle, Liza Ohlback and Frank Sultana – alongside some truly inspirational up-and-comers the likes of Jack and The Axes, Elly Poletti, Kathleen Halloran and Otis Namrell.
"Australia is producing some of the best rootsy music in the world right now, and we want to be the event that best represents everything the scene has to offer.
"This first artist announcement is just a taste of what's to come, and we're planning some big surprises for our second announcement. I reckon we're headed for our best line-up ever, and we hope to see everyone there this year."
Now deep into its third decade of existence, Winter Blues Festival is a driver of regional pride, cultural identity and economic activity, with increased visitation during the winter tourism season, strong trade for local accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants and retailers, employment opportunities for hospitality, production and event staff and performance opportunities for Australian artists and emerging talent.
Family friendly and free, Winter Blues Festival takes place in Echuca-Moama 23-26 July, 2026.
Winter Blues Festival 2026 Line-up
19-Twenty
Cam Walter Blues
Cass Eager
Eddy and the Exciters
Elly Poletti
Frank Sultana Blues Band
Geoff Achison and The Souldiggers
The Honey Badgers
Jack and The Axes
Jesse Redwing
Jesse Valach & The Testaments
Kathleen Halloran
Liza Ohlback & The Mercy Train
Nathan Cavaleri
Oscar LaDell
Otis Namrell Band
Ray Beadle
Sam Buckley Band
Sammy Owen Blues Band
Sweet Felicia and The Honeytones
