The Winter Blues Festival, one of Australia’s longest-running, and most loved music events, will return to Echuca–Moama in 2026, bringing four huge days of blues and roots to the banks of the Murray River.
If you are looking for the perfect cure for the winter blues — and maybe the cost-of-living blues as well — The Winter Blues Festival has you covered. Each year, the festival transforms Echuca–Moama into a music-filled winter escape, with venues heaving, streets buzzing and live music spilling across the riverfront from morning until late. And because the festival is free to attend, audiences can discover incredible artists from around the country without the barrier of a ticket price.
More than just a winter getaway, Winter Blues is a town-wide celebration built on great music, community spirit and that unmistakable feeling that something special is happening everywhere you turn. It is warm, vibrant and a little bit magical — even in the depths of winter.
Organisers are excited to share the second artist announcement for the 2026 festival. The latest round of artists is stacked with legends and newcomers from all over Australia, with highlights including Victorian roots icon Jeff Lang teaming up with Backsliders’ Dom Turner on a new trio project, new discoveries like 14-year-old guitar prodigy LilG, and long-time Echuca favourites including The McNaMarr Project, Phil Para, Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine, and many more!
Second Artist Announcement
The latest artists confirmed for Winter Blues Festival 2026 are (in alphabetical order):
Amin & Lachlan Duo
Anna Scionti
Bek Jensen
Brett Wood
Charlie Bedford
Corey Legge & The Legacy
Greg Nunan & The General Jacksons
Jeff Lang & Dom Turner
Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine
LilG
Michael Vdelli and the Art of Dysfunction
Nick Charles
Pete Campbell & The Lazy Dog
Phil Coyne and The Wayward Aces
Phil Para
Rory Phillips
Salt & Steel
The McNaMarr Project
White Lightning
Yarn & The Boogieman
These artists join an already massive first announcement, building further momentum for what promises to be one of the biggest and most dynamic Winter Blues Festivals to date.
Winter Blues at The Ballroom – Launch Show and Fundraiser
And for those who can’t wait until July, the Winter Blues Festival will be presenting a special launch show at Melbourne’s Brunswick Ballroom on May 15 featuring Jeff Lang & Danny McKenna, Sammy Owen Blues Band, Anna Scionti and Otis Namrell Band.
The show will raise money to support the hard work of the volunteer committee who deliver the festival each year.
A Festival Model That Benefits the Whole Town
Built on a genuinely unique, venue-based model and led by a passionate community committee, Winter Blues is woven through Echuca–Moama’s cherished pubs, clubs, cafés, wharves and public spaces, ensuring the whole town shares in the energy of the weekend.
The festival continues to drive strong winter visitation, support local accommodation providers, hospitality venues and retailers, and create paid opportunities for Australian artists, crew and event workers. In doing so, it reinforces the region’s reputation as a vibrant live music destination and a place where culture and community thrive together.
Alongside Riverboats Festival, Winter Blues is helping cement Echuca as one of Australia’s truly great festival towns. In recognition of its impact, the event was recently awarded Murray River Council’s 2025 Community Event of the Year, acknowledging its role in transforming a quiet winter weekend into a major regional celebration that attracts thousands, supports local businesses and delivers significant cultural and economic benefit to the region.
More to Come
More artists, venue details, and program announcements for Winter Blues Festival 2026 will be released soon.
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
Save the Date
Winter Blues Festival 2026
Echuca-Moama
23-26 July, 2026
AND
WINTER BLUES AT THE BALLROOM – Launch Show and Fundraiser
Featuring Jeff Lang & Danny McKenna, Sammy Owen Blues Band, Anna Scionti, and Otis Namrell Band
The Brunswick Ballroom, Brunswick, VIC
Friday 15th May 2026
Tickets: https://bit.ly/WBF26-ballroom
#winterbluesfestival #WBF26 #liveatwinterbluesfestival
For more information as it’s announced, visit the Winter Blues Festival website. winterblues.com.au