Day one - Saturday 9 May 2026
Venue Hop
Kick off Day One of your festival weekend in style with our Saturday Venue Hop! Dive into an electrifying mix of blues, funk, and rock across multiple venues—most gigs are free, so you can roam, discover, and soak it all in.
Healesville’s main street will be buzzing with pop-up street activation gigs, keeping the vibes high as you hop from venue to venue.
Don’t miss our Street Activation Artists:
Naarm-based indie-folk favourite Angus Legg outside Peachy Healesville at 12:30PM
Roots rocker Joshua Batten bringing the heat outside Cavanagh’s Whiskey & Alehouse at 4:30PM.
And don’t miss our dual headliner concert with Rufous Whistler and Tessa Devine @ The Memo - tickets are limited, so grab yours here!
Venue Hop - Hop on / Hop off Bus
So many venues! Just one day! Need help getting around? McKenzie’s Transport and Healesville Festival have you covered! You can hop on and hop off to get to your chosen venues.
Check out the Venue Hop Timetable HERE
The Smith & Western Jury @ My Little Kitchen
My Little Kitchen (MLK) in Healesville is your go-to for brunch and lunch—but on May 9, it elevates the experience with a standout live music lineup.
Get ready—The Smith & Western Jury are rolling in from Naarm/Melbourne with an alt-country sound that hits like a freight train. Blending sweet, infectious melodies with driving, hard-hitting rhythms, this is a live show that grabs you and doesn’t let go.
Their debut album Hotel Texas (June 2024) has made serious waves, earning Feature Album of the Week honours and strong support from ABC Country and Double J, with tracks landing on shows like Saturday Night Country with Beccy Cole and Tower of Song with Henry Wagons. Music videos for “Button That Collar” and “Hotel Texas” have also been featured on CMT Australia—cementing their place as one of the most exciting new acts in the scene.
With standout appearances at Out On The Weekend, Tamworth Country Music Festival and Meatstock, plus supports for Aussie heavyweights like Ella Hooper and Henry Wagons, The Smith & Western Jury have built a reputation for high-energy, unforgettable performances.
Fresh off a trip to Canada recording their second full-length album, they’re back and ready to tear it up—don’t miss it.
FREE ENTRY - Bookings recommended - if you’d like to book a table, click the link below.
Tuck Shop Ladies @ Watts River Brewing
Spend your afternoon in fine form at Watts River Brewing as The Tuck Shop Ladies bring their irresistible charm to the Healesville Festival Venue Hop 2026.
Armed with a pair of ukuleles and razor-sharp wit, Sam Lohs and Rosie Burgess transform life’s everyday absurdities into hilarious, harmony-soaked songs. With multiple sold-out seasons at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and two People’s Choice Award nominations at the Australian Folk Music Awards, The Tuck Shop Ladies have firmly cemented their place as crowd favourites.
Their live show is an uplifting ride through spontaneity and connection — part concert, part confessional, and entirely joyful. With heart and hilarity, they remind us that life really does sound better in harmony.
Born from their shared roots in the Australian folk scene (Fruit, The Rosie Burgess Trio), The Tuck Shop Ladies have carved out a niche all their own — blending finely crafted songs, exceptional harmonies and a comedic chemistry that’s impossible to fake.
Settle in with a craft brew, soak up the afternoon vibes, and make this joyful, laughter-filled performance your must-see Venue Hop stop.
FREE ENTRY - Bookings not required
Gretta Ziller @ Barrique Wine Store
Step into an intimate, genre-blurring set from Gretta Ziller at Barrique Wine Store as part of the Healesville Festival Venue Hop 2026.
An Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Gretta Ziller weaves together Americana, alt-country, folk and roots with a voice that’s both commanding and deeply personal. Raised in Victoria’s Upper Murray and classically trained in voice at the University of Melbourne, her musical journey spans from opera stages to raw, heartfelt contemporary songwriting. A master of multiple instruments—including guitar, piano, banjo, violin and even bagpipes—Gretta brings a rich, textured sound that sets her apart.
With accolades including TSA APRA New Songwriter of the Year and multiple national finalist placements, Gretta’s performances are as compelling as her story—equal parts grit, grace, and originality.
Set against the contemporary charm of Barrique Wine Store, with its expertly curated wine selection and warm, inviting atmosphere, this is the perfect setting to experience Gretta’s captivating live show—up close and unforgettable.
FREE ENTRY - Bookings not required
Coconut Shy @ Four Pillars Gin Distillery
Set against the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, the Four Pillars Gin Distillery in Healesville offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for live music. This world-renowned, carbon-neutral craft distillery—established in 2013—pairs award-winning gin with an unforgettable visitor experience. From its striking copper-veiled architecture to its lush gin garden and bespoke bar, the venue invites you to sip, explore, and settle in.
Soundtracking the afternoon is Coconut Shy, an indie/folk alternative-rock outfit formed in Naarm/Melbourne in 2025. What began as singer-songwriter Joseph Mackey’s solo project has grown into a dynamic four-piece, bringing bedroom-crafted songs to life on stage. Blending delicate acoustic fingerpicking with soaring choruses and rich full-band energy, Coconut Shy’s sound evokes campfire singalongs, long drives, and quiet, rain-soaked moments of reflection.
Come for the gin, stay for the music, and settle into a night where craft and creativity meet.
FREE ENTRY - Bookings not required - But if you’d like to book a table click the link below.
Convenience Store @ Payten & Jones Wine
Convenience Store bring their fog-drenched, heart-on-sleeve indie rock to Payten & Jones Wine for the 2026 Healesville Festival Venue Hop — a meeting of raw sound and raw flavour.
Led by Nick Baker’s unflinching, literary songwriting, the band’s music wrestles with the messy stories we tell ourselves, threading piercing sincerity through melodic guitars and flickers of electronic texture. Fresh off the release of their debut album, 'Tabis‘, they lean fully into their anthemic instincts — expansive, inventive, and quietly transcendent.
It’s a natural fit for Payten & Jones Wine, where nothing is overly polished and personality always wins out. Their wines — unfiltered, a little wild, alive with character — mirror the energy of a live band: unpredictable, soulful, and best experienced in the moment. No perfection, no pretence — just atmosphere, texture, and connection.
Expect an afternoon that feels a little hazy, a little electric: music that lingers, wine that breathes, and a room that hums with it all.
Payten & Jones will have a pizza food truck running from midday to 7 PM, with Sebastian serving up old-fashioned Italian pizzas using his Nonna’s ancient dough technique.
Just a heads-up: this is a stand-up gig with limited seating, so while there’ll be a few spots to perch, it’s mostly a space to move, groove, and enjoy the tunes with a drink in hand. We kindly ask anyone with a booking to arrive by 4:00 PM to lock in their spot.
FREE ENTRY - Bookings required, click the link below.
Ras Jahknow @ Healesville Hotel
Iconic Melbourne reggae ensemble Ras Jahknow Bandbring their dynamic, high-energy sound to the people with a stage show guaranteed to uplift and inspire. Blazing new soul into culturally rich, roots reggae, Ras Jahknow weaves passionate vocals in English and Creole through rhythms influenced by Cape Verde, Brazil, Tanzania, Malaysia, Mauritius and Australia—creating a truly global sonic experience grounded in unity, respect and peace.
With a string of accolades and international performances under their belt—including showcases at the Antenna Awards, appearances on ABC TV’s Spicks and Specks, and festival stages across Australia and abroad—the band continues to build a powerful reputation. From touring Indonesia and performing at the Bali Reggae Star Festival to representing Cape Verde at the Langkawi Island International Music Festival, Ras Jahknow’s reach is unmistakably global. Their debut album Jah Sta Li earned critical acclaim and award nominations, while multiple wins and commendations—including at the Australia Reggae Radio Music Awards and Afroshine Australia Awards—highlight their impact both musically and within the community.
Having released six standout singles with consistent international airplay, Ras Jahknow continues to evolve their sound while staying rooted in a mission to bridge cultures and bring people together through music.
Make your way to the iconic Healesville Hotel—a beautifully restored 1910 gem in the heart of the Yarra Valley—for the perfect pre-headliner warm-up. With its buzzing courtyard, top-tier gastropub eats, local wines and sprawling beer garden, it’s the ideal place to settle in, grab a parma, and soak up the vibe. Then head over to the Memo Healesville for the main event featuring Tessa Devine and Rufous Whistler. Good food, cold drinks, and a whole lot of rhythm—start your night right.
FREE ENTRY - Bookings not required - But if you’d like to secure a table click the link below.
HEADLINE CONCERT- Tessa Devine & Rufous Whistler @ The Memo Healesville
Settle in for an unforgettable night of live music as two standout acts share the stage at The Memo, Healesville, as part of the 2026 Healesville Festival.
Opening the evening, Rufous Whistler bring their harmony-rich blend of folk and alt-country, delivering songs that hit straight for the gut. Hailing from Wiradjuri Country in Northeast Victoria, the band has been turning heads with sharp songwriting, heartfelt storytelling, and magnetic live performances that can make you laugh and ache in the same breath. Following the success of their debut album National Panic—which soared to #2 on the ARIA Country charts—and a massive tour across Australia and New Zealand, Rufous Whistler are firmly on the rise. Their sound, often compared to Gillian Welch, I’m With Her, and Trampled by Turtles, lingers long after the final note.
Closing the night, Tessa Devine takes the stage with her signature mix of guitar, loop pedal, and powerful vocals. Originally from Dharawal Country and now living on the lands of Gimuy-walubarra yidi people, a true force of nature, Tessa invites audiences into her world with no walls and no pretense—just music that feels deeply real. Whether she’s building immersive layers live or sharing stories full of humour and heartache, her performances are as captivating as they are emotionally raw. Winner of the 2023 Busking World Championship’s People’s Choice Award, Tessa has earned a reputation for forging genuine connections with every audience, from intimate rooms to major festival stages. Having supported the likes of Vika & Linda, Tones and I, and John Butler, she delivers a set that is uplifting, heartfelt, and full of unexpected moments.
Healesville get ready. Two powerful acts. One special night. Tickets are strictly limited. Don’t miss this double headliner event at The Memo.
Y Street - The Official Venue Hop After Party @ Herd Bar
Slip off the main drag and descend into something a little decadent for the official Healesville Festival Venue Hop After Party @ Herd Bar
And for the grand finale? Y STREET.
Hailing from Naarm (Melbourne), Y STREET bring a high-energy, no-holds-barred approach to live music—driven by a shared philosophy of giving everything in the moment and leaving nothing behind. Expect noise, sweat, and a set that hits hard from start to finish.
Tucked beneath one of the town’s most striking buildings—a sculptural stack of warm blond timber slats standing like a bundle of matchsticks—this subterranean bunker hums with late-night promise. Outside, a breezy courtyard gazes across to the bowling green; inside, it’s all moody glamour—bronze, gold and black tones, sultry Gatsby-inspired deco touches, and a series of bold wall works by local artist Paul Sonsie. More is more, and here, it works.
Fuel up earlier in the evening at Herd Bar with their crowd-pleasing menu—generous share plates, perfectly cooked grass-fed eye fillet and porterhouse, and rich Thai-leaning flavours that hit just right after a day of hopping venues. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and effortlessly stylish—the kind of place you wander into and end up staying all night. Dinner Bookings Here
With a late licence and a reputation for unforgettable nights, this is where the Venue Hop goes to let loose.
Come curious. Leave exhilarated.
Venue door charge $10- Book your tickets in advance below.