The 2024 St Kilda Festival returns to the St Kilda Foreshore and surrounding areas for two action-packed days on 17 and 18 February. From live music to dance performances, workshops, community activities, food and market stalls, and family-friendly entertainment, there's something for everyone. Here's how to make the most at this years' event. 

Main stage at sunset

Watching Festival headliners on the Main Stage as the sun sets over Port Phillip Bay is a festival tradition – and the ultimate Instagram moment. Get in early to stake out a spot on the lawn at that magical time between golden hour and dusk. On Saturday, catch Mo’Ju and experience the sunset ceremony, Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah. Then, on Sunday, don't miss the live performances by Budjerah, Mallrat, and Bag Raiders. 

All the music, all over St Kilda

The Main stage is just one of many outdoor stages popping up across St Kilda on Festival weekend. With over 60 artists performing across a massive two days, there's a huge program of home-grown talent to explore, from fresh newcomers to Australia's biggest names. 

First People's First on Saturday will again showcase First Peoples talent. Get ready for a jam-packed day and night of music on stages in O'Donnell Gardens and St Kilda Foreshore, including appearances from The Merindas, Wildfire and Manwurrk. 

On Big Festival Sunday, artists such as Telenova, RVG, Mark Seymour and the Undertow, and Forest Claudette hit stages across multiple locations including O’Donnell Gardens, Catani Gardens, Fitzroy Street and the St Kilda Foreshore. Acland Plaza, at the end of Acland Street, will showcase local St Kilda talent, while there’s dedicated family-friendly programming at the O’Donnell Gardens stage until 3pm. Explore the 2024 St Kilda Festival program.

Margaritas at Cointreau Summer Stage Bar

Head to the Cointreau Summer Stage Bar (18+) a palm-fringed oasis in Catani Gardens, for bespoke cocktails and a great vantage point of the Cointreau Summer Stage (18+). Stay for live music amongst leafy surrounds including Northeast Party House, Gut Health, J-MILLA and more. Prefer your margs with a beach view? There's a second Cointreau pop-up located by the Main Stage. 

Sweet treats and live beats on Acland Street

With live music stages anchoring both ends and a delectable array of cakes and ice cream inbetween, Acland Street beckons with its European charm. Stop for coffee and chocolate kugelhopf at Monarch cakes, or browse the windows at Acland, Le Bon and Europa Cake Shops for an impressive selection of mile-high vanilla slices, cakes, pastries and macarons. Indulge in the artisan gelato at 7apples or Piccolina or try the Tipsy Tiramisu at C9 Chocolate and Gelateria.  Newly opened Loudmouth Bar is a great place to stop for a drink, with outdoor tables and prime view of the Locals Stage, or grab a seat at The Vineyard to soak up the sun and atmosphere at O'Donnell Gardens. Explore Acland Street dining, shopping and more.

Latin Street Carnaval with Agobloco

Experience the electrifying energy of Brazil's famous carnival marches with the local ensemble Agobloco. With contagious rhythms, bright horns, drum rolls and humorous lyrics,  you'll be dancing in the streets! Catch them on Festival Sunday at 6 pm, at the Dance Zone. Explore the Dance Zone program. 

Beach time 

It's not St Kilda Festival without a little beach time. Take a stroll along St Kilda beach or unwind at Beachcombers Beach bar, on the sand outside St Kilda Seabaths. Relax on the outdoor deck at West Beach Bathers Pavilion, or snag a coveted spot overlooking the ocean at Stokehouse, Republica or the Captain Baxter rooftop. Explore St Kilda's beachside bars and restaurants. 

Drinks and people watching on Fitzroy Street

There’s a heap of places on Fitzroy Street to eat drink, amidst the festival frenzy. Indulge in premium coffee and seasonal fare at Fitzrovia, or brunch at nearby spots Space Cafe, St Kilda Grocery Bar, and Al Naturale. For all-day dining and prime people-watching views, head to The Prince's front bar. Feast on Italian-inspired dishes and upmarket pub fare at Karen Martini’s newly opened venue, Saint George, or savor classic pizzas at Topolino's. For drinks with a view, Ellora offers sweeping vistas of the St Kilda Foreshore. For a more intimate experience, explore low-key neighborhood bar Chronicles or 1920s-style speakeasy, Lady Peacock, hidden behind an unmarked door. Explore Fitzroy Street restaurants and bars.

Espy laneway party

St Kilda's beloved summer street party returns on Festival Sunday with an impressive program. The laneway next to the venue will host the Espy Live Stage featuring top-notch artists, including a headline performance by superb psych rockers, The Murlocs! Stick around for deep house rhythms with Tseba in the Gershwin Room—all free of charge. 

Shop at the festival artists markets

Vibrant festival markets on both days will showcase the work of local makers and artists. On Saturday, visit O’Donnell Gardens to browse stalls by First Nations Creatives, including bold jewelry from Haus of Dizzy and handmade artworks from Gagaru Creations and Mick Gibbs. On Sunday, don't miss special Festival editions of the Bourne Local artists market at Catani Gardens and the Esplanade Sunday Market on the Upper Esplanade, offering handmade jewellery, skincare products, sustainable home and kitchenware, pet-friendly accessories and more. 

Historical Medieval battle

Cult festival favourite Team Kraken invites you to witness historical medieval combat! Participants are decked out in historically accurate medieval armour, fighting with historically accurate weapons, with nothing held back. Last person standing is the name of the game in this brutal combat sport. Catch them on Big Festival Sunday, at 11 am. 

Soar above St Kilda on the KIIS Eye

Take in breath-taking views of the St Kilda Foreshore from above on the KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel, and get a prime seat to all the festival action along with unobstructed views of the city skyline. Arrive early to catch the stunning sunset, a popular attraction that always draws a crowd.  A 30% discount applies for City of Port Phillip residents, upon presentation of photo ID.

Get started early: Live music precinct Friday

Start the celebrations early at St Kilda Live Music Precinct Friday, a curtain raiser to Australia’s biggest free music festival. Catch local talent performing at live music venues across St Kilda including The Espy, Memo Music Hall, 29th Apartment, Freddie Wimpoles and more. Highlights include the surf guitar sounds of The Vibrajets at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda's take on Nashville country with Keep the Circle Unbroken at the National Theatre, and the high-energy pirate punk of Burn in Hell at the St Kilda Sports Club. Music walking tours of St Kilda are also happening on the day.