The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues will return over the Melbourne Cup long weekend with a packed program of jazz, blues, soul and global music, bringing acclaimed Australian artists to Victoria’s High Country from 31 October to 1 November.
Now in its 36th year, the festival will once again transform Wangaratta into a hub for live music, with performances taking place across the Cathedral Grounds Main Stage, the Tiny Jazz Series at the Old Baptist Church, St Pat’s Hall and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Leading this year’s lineup are headline performances from The Bamboos featuring Kylie Auldist and Cookin’ on 3 Burners featuring Stella Angelico. They’ll be joined by Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers, Horns of Leroy featuring THNDO, ISEULA New Orleans Special, Checkerboard Lounge, Frank Sultana Blues Band, Yunior Terry’s Afro-Cuban Roots and dozens more artists across the weekend.
Festival-goers can choose between Weekend Passes and Day Passes, with the Weekend Pass returning in 2026 to provide access to performances across all official festival venues, including the popular Jazz Mass on Sunday.
The program begins on Friday 30 October with The Shuffle Club, an intimate cabaret-style opening night at St Pat’s Hall. Saturday features headline performances from The Bamboos, alongside the Tiny Jazz Series, swing dancing and family-friendly entertainment, while Sunday’s program includes the National Jazz Awards, performances from Cookin’ on 3 Burners, Frank Sultana Blues Band and the much-loved Jazz Mass at Holy Trinity Cathedral.
The celebrations continue on Monday with Milawa Monday, combining live jazz with local food and wine throughout the region.
Following its successful return in 2024, the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues continues to build on its long-standing reputation as one of Australia’s premier regional music festivals, showcasing established performers while supporting the next generation of Australian jazz talent.
For tickets and the full program, visit https://www.wangjazzblues.com.au/
