There is just one week to go until Newstead Live Music Festival 2026 on January 23-26!
The 2026 festival will see more than 40 plus artists and bands feature at 11 venues across the township.
There will be a mix of folk, roots and acoustic music, but also spoken word, workshops, sessions and open–mic events, with artists usually performing multiple sets across the long weekend.
A highlight once again is the Live’n’Local street–stage program.
Locals Gus Riley and Darcie Brown are excited to be managing the Live ‘n’ Local stage for the first time.
The young couple is looking forward to bringing a diverse array of talented local acts to the free open air stage that will be located in the heart of Newstead in Panmure Street (near Newstead Pool).
“It’s a great opportunity to put my skills in sound engineering and stage management into practice and assist to make this fantastic community event a success,” Gus said.
“We have some pretty cool acts joining us, all of which have some connection to the region. It will be a really diverse lineup, not strictly folk but a broad cross-section of music,” Darcie said.
Fellow local and muso Jen O’Donnell will lend her skills as MC at various venues throughout the weekend and says there is always a fantastic community atmosphere.
Longtime festival director Kelly Skinner said the festival is a wonderful community event and a weekend pass offers incredible value.
“A weekend pass online is $175 – that’s less than $4.50 per act!” Kelly said.
“We are still looking for volunteers, including venue managers, MCs, door wardens, and maintenance, set up and pack down crews. People can earn themselves a free ticket! To register as a volunteer visit our website,” she said.
“The town centre will be thriving and across the river the Arts Hub stage will feature 30 minute concert spots followed by a 20 minute ‘Made & Played’ in which the musicians showcase the instruments of one of the makers.
“This year as part of our popular Kids Program at Newstead Park on the Saturday in addition to the music program we will also be introducing an Activity Zone with puppet and mask making and other activities thanks to the support of Rotary Castlemaine,” she said.
To find out more about the festival and get your ticket visit newsteadlive.com