Image Credit: Lucinda Goodwin

Queenscliff Music Festival 2026 Artist Applications have now opened

Following an epic 2025, the festival is already looking ahead to their 2026 programming.

The Bellarine’s most beloved multi-day music festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, has opened artist application for its 2026 festival. Their EOI process welcomes emerging original artists to put their hat forward to play on the their tunes to a lively crowd at the years event on 27-29 November 2026, along with roving performers to activate the ground.

Queenscliff Music Festival Artist Applications

Application Opening Date: Now Open

Application Closing Date: Strictly Thursday 30 April 2026

Where to Apply: Head here

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

 

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The 2026 Artist Application EOI is suitable for original acts only, welcoming most genres of music. Metal and EDM are generally not suitable, however quirky and out of the box acts are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have an online presence with streamable audio to accompany their application. This way the assessors can gage suitability to the community-based all-ages, and family friendly crowds that attend the festivities each year. The online requirement includes a website, social media, streaming audio and YouTube. Live performance videos are highly recommended to show of your stage presence and give the assessors a taste of your acts capabilities on the QMF stage. The festival does not accept CD’s or physical mail. With more applicants than spots, every year, QMF consider applicants based on their fit for the festival so if you think your sound works with QMF vibe, put your foot forward.

Successful music applicants will receive a 45 – 60 minute set on the stage during the QMF weekend, with most applicated-based artists performing 2 to 3 shows across the weekend, whilst main stage acts only usually perform once. For comedy performers, the typical set is 15 – 30 minutes and open to both established and emerging acts. There is also a Kids and Family Entertainment application opening to perform in the Kids Quarter. This all-ages programming is open to music, workshops, circus, storytelling, and roving acts.

Applications are completed via an online form, and close Thursday 30 April.

Following a successful 2025, which saw the likes of Thelma Plum, King Stingray, The Cat Empire, The Waifs, Cosmic Psychos, and more deliver out-of-body live sets, 2026 is already looking to be a big one for the award-winning mainstay festival. What an incredible opportunity for budding artists to be part of a significant festival.

In other Queenscliff Music Festival news, the programming team will also deliver incredible concerts throughout the year in the lead up to the November festival weekend. Ross Wilson & the Peaceniks will be playing at Queenscliff Town Hall on Sunday 29 March, Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham will hit up the stage on Friday 10 April, Shane Howard, Sara Storer and Shane Nicholson team up for a special Saturday 16 May showcase, and Vika and Linda have just been announced for 6 September, bringing their Where Do You Come From? Tour to the region. It’s all happening in the Borough!

For further information on Queenscliff Music Festival and their 2026 programming head here. 

Head here to read the Artist Application guidelines, and here to apply to play Queenscliff Music Festival in 2026.