Welcome to the Winter Blues Festival

What began in 1999 as a small community event has grown into something truly remarkable.

In a challenging festival landscape, Winter Blues has remained strong for 26 festivals thanks to our community, volunteers and loyal blues fans.

The closing of Byron Bay's iconic Bluesfest is a reminder of how special that achievement is, and we're proud that Winter Blues now stands as Australia's longest-running blues festival and one of the largest.

The magic of Winter Blues has never been just about the music.

It's about discovering your new favourite artist, catching up with old friends, making new ones, supporting local businesses, sharing great food, and enjoying the unique atmosphere that brings our twin towns to life each winter.

There's plenty to discover across the festival, including some favourite annual traditions.

Be sure to visit the all-inclusive, family-friendly Sherridon Homes Family Space, where you can enjoy live music, face painting, arts and crafts, a jumping castle, and beanbag seating thanks to Pop & Pour.

Stop by the Winter Blues merchandise van outside Port Ice Creamery for your 2026 merchandise, this year's collectible drum-kit pin, and a raffle ticket to win one of two handcrafted cigar guitars.

Download the Winter Blues App for schedules, artists and venue information.

Printed program grids are also available from the merchandise van.

As you explore, don't miss the famous Guitar Treasure Hunt, featuring decorated guitars displayed in the windows of our supporter businesses.

Look for the Proud Supporter posters, or visit winterblues.com.au to view all of our supporters, and wherever possible, support the businesses that help make Winter Blues possible.

Our sincere thanks go to our supporters, venues, artists, emergency services, community partners and volunteers, whose generosity and commitment make this festival possible.

Before you head home, please complete our festival survey.

Your insights help us continue to evolve in ways that are meaningful to our patrons, artists and community.

If you or your business would like to support the future of Winter Blues through sponsorship, donations or partnerships, we'd love to hear from you at partnerships@winterblues.com.au

As I reflect on my fourth festival as chair, I'm incredibly grateful for the people who make Winter Blues possible.

At the conclusion of this year's festival, I will proudly hand the baton to Laura Graham, knowing the festival's future is in very capable hands.

Until then, I ask you to look after one another.

Be kind, respectful and safe, and enjoy this remarkable festival.

Tell your friends, bring them back next year, and thank you for loving Winter Blues as much as we do.

While we're gathering across this beautiful Yorta Yorta Country to share music, stories and connection, we acknowledge that these traditions have been woven into this landscape for thousands of generations.

We honour the First Custodians of this land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Enjoy the music, discover something new, have fun, and let's come together to beat the winter blues.

Warm regards,

Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival chairperson Laurelin Berick

This event is supported by the Victorian Government through the Regional Events Fund. We thank all our sponsors and supporters, with special recognition of the long-standing commitment of Moama Bowling Club, Campaspe Shire Council, Murray River Council, Echuca Moama Accommodation Association, Sherridon Homes and Rich River Golf Club.