Echuca Moama has just the Ticket for you with a FREE FESTIVAL this Wintery JULY
There is a distinct magic to the Murray River in July. The crisp morning fog rolls low over the water, the historic red gum trees frame a glassy riverbank, and the smell of woodfire hangs thick in the air. But from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 26 July 2026, the quiet winter rhythm of our twin towns transforms completely.
Now entering its 27th year, the award-winning Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival returns to turn up the heat on the cold season.
For four unforgettable days, the streets, historic pubs, and riverfront spaces on Yorta Yorta Country will echo with the driving rhythms and soulful melodies of the country’s best blues and roots talent.
The best part? This massive, family-friendly event is famously free to attend, making it one of the most accessible and celebrated grassroots music festivals in Australia.
A Town-Wide Stage
Unlike massive, muddy paddock festivals where you’re fenced into one area, Winter Blues is woven directly into the fabric of Echuca Moama. Over 20 local venues throw open their doors.
You can grab a local craft beer by the open fire at The American Hotel, pull up a seat under the grand marquee of Dungala , Moama, or catch a gritty, high-energy street performance right on the pavement of High Street.
If you want to experience the music with a true side of regional heritage, head down to the Port of Echuca Wharf. Standing on the historic timber structure with the muddy Murray flowing beneath you while a slide guitar rings out is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The 2026 Lineup Highlights
The first round artist announcement for 2026 has already set expectations sky-high.
The festival is striking a perfect balance between legendary mainstays and explosive young acts. T
- The Crowd Pleasers: 19-Twenty are locked in to bring their signature high-octane, foot-stomping chaos—guaranteed to get everyone moving, no matter how cold the night.
- The Icons: Blues Hall of Famer Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers return to show why they are regional royalty, delivering masterful guitar licks and deeply soulful vocals.
- The Pure Blues: Heavyweights like Frank Sultana, Ray Beadle, and Nathan Cavaleri will be delivering raw, emotional sets across the weekend, alongside the irresistible grooves of Sweet Felicia & The Honeytones.
Don’t Miss These Special Ticketed Events
While the core festival is beautifully free, there are a few iconic, uniquely Murray experiences you absolutely need to lock in ahead of time:
1. Winter Blues at the Races (Friday, 24 July)
Kick off your weekend trackside at the bet365 Echuca Racecourse. It’s a brilliant crossover of thoroughbred racing and live music. Even better, organizers run a free continuous shuttle bus loop from the major hubs in Echuca and Moama starting from 10:45 AM, meaning you can head out and back without a worry.
2. Paddlesteamer Music Cruises
Nothing says Events on the Murray quite like drifting down the river on an authentic wood-fired paddlesteamer. Booking a cruise on the PS Pevensey or MV Mary Ann allows you to watch the bush slide past while an intimate live acoustic set plays right on the deck.
3. The Sunday Night Wrap Party
When the street stages wrap up, the hard-core music lovers head to the official Sunday night wrap party. It’s a legendary, unpredictable jam session where artists from different bands swap instruments, hop on stage together, and send the festival off in style.
A Note on Booking: Because this event brings tens of thousands of music lovers to the region, accommodation in Echuca Moama fills up fast.
If you’re planning to join us, lock in your stay, book your dinner tables at local favorites like Junction Moama, and secure your race or cruise tickets early.
Dust off your thickest coat, grab your friends, and get ready to head north to the river. The perfect antidote to the July chills is waiting for you in Echuca Moama.
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