Winter Blues Festival returns to Echuca in 2026 for four days of world-class blues and roots in the Murray Region. Winter Blues has long felt like a homecoming: a grassroots, all-in experience that turns Echuca–Moama into a live music hub each winter, filling venues, streets, and the riverfront with unforgettable performances.
Winter Blues celebrates blues and roots music from across Australia, offering a weekend where music lovers reconnect, new friendships form, and live music takes centre stage across the region.
Following another outstanding year of music, community connection and tourism impact, organisers are proud to reveal the first artist announcement for the 2026 festival.
2026 First Artist Announcement
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
Winter Blues Festival Music Programmer Jon Howell says of the announce: “I’m very excited to be programming my 5th Winter Blues Festival this year. 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.”
A Festival That Benefits the Entire Community
Winter Blues Festival continues to champion live music in its purest form — connecting artists, venues, audiences and local businesses in a way few events can replicate.
Each year, the festival delivers meaningful economic and social benefits across the entire region, including:
• 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
• Performance opportunities for Australian artists and emerging talent
• Increased national visibility for Echuca-Moama as a live music and cultural destination
Winter Blues is not just a music event — it is a driver of regional pride, cultural identity and economic activity that supports businesses, workers and families across the community.
Save the Date
Winter Blues Festival 2026
Echuca-Moama
23-26 July, 2026
#winterbluesfestival #WBF26 #liveatwinterbluesfestival
For more information as it’s announced, visit the Winter Blues Festival website. winterblues.com.au