Burrinja FEST 2026

music | art | food | family fun

A vibrant, family-friendly festival of music, creativity, movement, flavour and fun. 

Welcome to Burrinja FEST — a one-day festival showcasing everything Burrinja offers year-round, brought together in one lively, colourful celebration. Across our theatre, studios, galleries and gardens, you’ll find incredible live music, art and dance workshops, local drink tastings, kids activities, great food, and a buzzing creative atmosphere that’s perfect for families, friends and lovers of the arts. 

Whether you’re here to dance, create, taste, learn or simply soak in the energy of the day, Burrinja FEST has something for everyone. 

“We’re so excited to launch this festival and watch it become a go-to annual event for our community and everyone who visits.”

Ben Langdon - Music Producer, Burrinja

Event Highlights

Live Music All Day

Headphones Jones 4pm - 5pm
Pack your bags for adventure! Funk explorers Headphones Jones deliver high-energy grooves drawn from Funk, Nigerian Afrobeat and Afro-Latin rhythms. With big horns, tight percussion and colourful stage antics, this nine-piece dance band invites you to dress loud, dance hard, and move your heart as much as your feet.

Tim Scanlan & Mana Okubo 3pm - 3.45pm
This unique duo blends ancient fiddle tunes and droning acoustics with modern stomp beats and harmonica-driven melodies. Equally at home on festival mainstages and intimate late-night sets, their sound ranges from chant-like singalongs to wild, psychedelic ceilidh-style dance sessions. A globe-travelling musical adventure not to be missed.

Rebellious Bird 1.15pm - 2pm
Soul, jazz and funk with purpose. Rebellious Bird fuse captivating grooves with powerful social activism, singing for justice, truth and community. Lead vocalist Erin delivers a fierce and heartfelt performance backed by lush, emotive tones and deep rhythmic energy — music to move both your body and your conscience.

Hannah Schmidli 12.15pm - 1pm
A rising local artist with a luminous voice and striking songwriting depth. Hannah Schmidli weaves acoustic folk, indie and jazz influences into performances that are intimate, emotional and profoundly engaging. A young songwriter with wisdom beyond her years.

Workshops, Dance & Creative Activities

Rain White - Funky Fun Still Life Collage 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Join experienced Artist and Art Educator Rain White as she guides you through a playful and energetic Art workshop exploring still-life collage. Suitable for all ability levels and great if you’re stuck in an artistic rut!

This hour-long workshop will focus on shape, pattern and colour. Learn to create a layered composition and take your still life masterpiece home.

All materials provided. Bring a sense of play and be willing to be experiment and have fun!

Gabby Willmott – Zen Drawing 2pm - 3pm
Learn to use line drawing to meditate and create.

Use this relaxing, immersive, drawing technique to loosen up, unwind and get into the zone, connecting with nature. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you can see, and the effects of this simple technique.

Dance Performance & Workshop

Celtic Links - Irish Dance Workshop with VIDA 2pm - 3pm
Experience the thrill of traditional Irish dance with a dynamic performance and participatory workshop led by Victorian Irish Dance Academy, accompanied by live music from Wood Duck. Watch the dancers, then jump in and learn the steps yourself — fun for all ages.

Food and Drink

Killik Rum Tastings 12pm - 5pm
Enjoy handcrafted flavours from Killik Rum, one of the region’s most exciting producers.

Satiate Café
Fuel your day with delicious meals, snacks, coffee and sweet treats from Burrinja’s beloved on-site café.

Burrinja Bar
Grab a drink and wander the festivities.

Extra Festival Features

3MDR 97.1FM on site with live cross 12pm - 5pm
Drop by the 3MDR booth to meet the team, talk radio and grab some merch — plus live crosses throughout the day bringing the sounds and stories of the event to air.

Fairy Poppy Face Painting 1pm - 4pm – a playful treat the little ones will love.

Revisions Exhibition Entry Included
Your Burrinja FEST ticket includes free entry to the groundbreaking Revisions exhibition — valued at $15.