Save the date: St Kilda Festival returns in 2025

Those longing for a splash of sunshine can pencil Saturday 15 February and Sunday 16 February, 2025 in their calendar, where the 44th annual St Kilda Festival will take place as a two-day program.

Proudly presented by City of Port Phillip, St Kilda Festival is renowned as Australia’s largest and longest running free music festival, hosting more than 70 bands and artists each year in a celebration of live music and the diverse Port Phillip community.

The Festival brings significant economic benefits to St Kilda and Victoria each year, with this year’s event driving an estimated economic impact of $31.5 million, while attracting an estimated 325,000 attendees to the foreshore.

Day one (Saturday) of St Kilda Festival is First Peoples First, a showcase of established and emerging First Peoples artists and community events across two stages at South Beach Reserve and O’Donnell Gardens.

Day two (Sunday) is Big Festival Sunday, the beloved live music extravaganza and multi-stage event across St Kilda. Highlights include food and market stalls, community activities, carnival rides and much more.

The popular New Music Competition will again feature in 2025, giving emerging bands and artists the opportunity to play a set on the New Music Stage. The winning act, as voted by the Festival audience, will take home a cash prize and a slot on one of our key stages at the 2026 St Kilda Festival. Entries for the New Music Competition will open late-August.

Port Phillip Mayor Heather Cunsolo said there is something for everyone at St Kilda Festival.

“Summer is on the horizon, and we can’t wait for our suburb to play host to a massive weekend of live music and entertainment, where the big crowds can enjoy St Kilda’s best offerings.”

St Kilda Festival aligns with Council’s commitment to champion live music and its declaration of St Kilda as Victoria’s first Live Music Precinct.

Expression of Interest submissions for local traders, including market stalls, food stalls and food trucks will open in September. This includes community groups looking to participate in the 2025 St Kilda Festival programming.

Further details, including the full program, will be announced closer to the Festival.

To stay up to date with the latest news about the Festival, keep an eye on the St Kilda Festival website.