The council has confirmed that next year’s St Kilda Festival will be held over the weekend of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February.
In keeping with the 2025 Festival, Saturday will be a low-key ‘First Nations First’ event, followed by a higher-profile, larger-scale ‘Big Festival Sunday.’
Earlier this year, councillors voted to cut $450K from the Festival budget (about a 20% decrease) to divert the funds to other arts projects.
TWiSK asked the council to describe how the savings would be made and what would be different in 2026. Mayor Crawford confirmed there will be changes, but they are yet to be worked out. “What won’t change is the 2026 St Kilda Festival continuing as a great event, showcasing exciting Australian live music and all that St Kilda offers,” she said.
In September, expressions of interest will open for local traders, including food and market stalls and food trucks, and for community groups keen to showcase their talents to the crowds attracted to the Festival.
New Music Competition also returns
Emerging artists will also get a gig at the Festival via the New Music Competition. The competition sees contestants playing on the New Music Stage before a popular vote selects the winner. The prize is some cash and a spot on the main stage the following year. Applications will open on 13 August.
