Frequently asked questions
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How do I buy tickets? How much does it cost?
The Winter Blues Festival is free to attend, except for our famous Wrap Party on Sunday evening, and cruises on the paddle steamer, PS Pevensey. There are limited free tickets for the Racing Club on Friday afternoon, and pre-booking for this event is advised. Watch out for Wrap Party ticket announcements in late May/early June, or check our ticket page.
Who is playing, where and when?
The full program of all the weekend’s acts will be available in our free Winter Blues Festival app in June, available for Apple and Android. A printed schedule will also be available in the Riverine Herald in the week before the festival. A digital copy of the schedule will also be available to download.
- I need accommodation, do you know what is available?
Accommodation in town sells out fast every year. Your best option is to visit the Echuca Moama Tourism website to see what is available.
Can I bring the kids?
Absolutely! The Winter Blues Festival is an all-inclusive, all-access, bring-the-whole-family event.
All venues are family-friendly, with our pubs becoming 18+ after dinner.
On Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 3pm, Hopwood Gardens will come alive at our Family Space, with amazing music, in a family-friendly setting. Bring the whole family and enjoy top quality blues music, while enjoying art and craft activities, jumping castle, face painting, and more. Our first aid tent will be located in Hopwood Gardens. And EMFM will be broadcasting live from the gardens on Saturday and Sunday.
The Winter Blues Committee also hosts the RivaFab WBF stage at 1 Little Hopwood Street, where you can listen to a wonderful line up of home grown, emerging and established artists, while relaxing in the stunning garden setting.
Winter on the river is stunning, and we experience many sunny winter days, so pack a chair or picnic rug and come down and relax with the family.
How do I get there?
Getting to Echuca by car is easy thanks to a great network of clearly signed and well-maintained highways, and is only a 3-hour drive from Melbourne. V Line operates buses and trains from all over Victoria to Echuca, head to the V Line website for up-to-date timetables and fare info: V-line Website
How do I get around town?
Most festival venues are within walking distance of each other.High Street Echuca will be a buzz all weekend. To avoid the traffic and remove the pain of finding a car park, a shuttle bus will operate on Saturday from many Echuca and Moama accommodation sites to the festival (and back).
You could opt to ride a bike and store it at the many bike racks at Hopwood Gardens, or enjoy the winter sunshine and stroll into town on foot. Taxis will also be available.
If you choose to drive, please be sure to have a designated driver and remember that extra parking is available at Aquatic Reserve, Heygarth Street. Be sure to sign up for your United Fuel Discount too, to receive 2c off per litre – redeemable anywhere around Australia at participating United Petrol Stations: Learn More Here
What facilities are available?
The Winter Blues Festival takes place in venues within the town itself. Echuca is a major regional centre and provides everything you’d expect as far as food options, medical services, accommodation etc.
Public toilets are available around town, and portable toilets will be located behind the Foundry Art Space in Murray Esplanade and the public space between Nirebo and the Old Town Hall on High Street.
Will there be a Welcome to Country?
The Winter Blues Festival is held on the traditional lands of the Wolithiga, Taungurung and Yorta Yorta peoples. Join us in Hopwood Gardens on Saturday morning for Welcome to Country (time TBC), as we acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their Elders past, present and emerging.
Can I buy merchandise?
Whether you’re after a festival tee, beanie, stubby holder, or the very popular Winter Blues Festival Hoodies, you’ll find it all at our Merchandise Hub, located on High Street on Friday afternoon, and Saturday and Sunday during the day. Card transactions will be preferred.
Can I donate to the event?
Want to show your support for your favourite community-focused, family-friendly, volunteer-run & organised Blues Festival?
You can donate as a Friend of the Festival via the link in the menu or using the link here: DONATE NOW
Is there busking this year?
There’s something for everyone at the 2025 Winter Blues Festival, and this year we’re making outstanding live music come to you through our talented team of Buskers who will be located along High Street. Please come down to enjoy their tunes and support these amazing entertainers.
Where do we go for first aid?
Our First Aid Tent will be on site at Hopwood Gardens during the day on Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am – 3pm.
Emergency Services will also have a roaming presence throughout the festival.
Will the roads be closed?
- High Street (from roundabout to roundabout) will become 40kph.
- Murray Esplanade will be permanently closed to the public.
- Radcliffe Street Car Park (Beechworth Bakery) will be closed.
- Little Hopwood Street will be closed.
- If you’re driving, please consider parking at Aquatic Reserve.
- Bike racks will be available at Hopwood Gardens.
- Our bus shuttle will operate between High Street and our accommodation partners on Saturday.