Bellarine Estate to launch 100 Acres blues festival

BELLARINE Estate will launch a new music festival devoted to the sounds of the blues next year.

100 Acres Festival is being touted as “a full day of world-class music, local wine, and coastal hospitality”, and will be headlined by three-time Grammy Award nominee Eric Bibb.

The US musician will perform with his full band as part of his world tour at the six-hour festival in April 2026.

Bibb’s coming album One Mississippi (out January 2026) continues his extraordinary run as one of the most vital and uplifting voices in contemporary blues – weaving stories of peace, justice, and unity through songs both timeless and urgent.

His return to Australia marks his first full-band tour since early 2023.

Festivalgoers will also be treated to performances from some of Australia’s best blues artists:

• Lloyd Spiegel, the 14-time Australian Blues Award winner known for his guitar wizardry and storytelling prowess
• Phil Para, the genre-defying guitar showman whose Jimi Hendrix-inspired performances have earned him cult status. Performing in duo mode with his son Denzil Para, the pair will bring their set of originals to the 100 Acres stage, and
• Kathleen Halloran, a dazzling new voice in Australian music, known for her blistering guitar work with unflinchingly honest songwriting.

Between sets, Max Crawdaddy – host of 3RRR’s long-running Son of Crawdaddy – will keep the blues flowing from the decks.

Families are welcome at 100 Acres, and the festival will feature an array of food trucks and wines from Bellarine Estate’s award-winning cellar, including their signature Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Rosé.

Located between the Drysdale and Portarlington coastline, Bellarine Estate spans more than 100 acres of vineyards and pastures.

Established in 1996 by Peter and Lizette Kenny, the estate remains family-run, now led by second-generation brothers James and Julian Kenny, who continue to grow the property’s legacy through new ventures including Thirty Acres Distillery, Texas BBQ @ Bellarine Estate, and Coastal Glamping.

“To have an artist of Eric Bibb’s calibre launch the very first 100 Acres Festival is an incredible honour,” Bellarine Estate general manager James Kenny said.

“Our vision is to create an annual event that celebrates the artistry, community and spirit of the music of all genres – all while showcasing the beauty and hospitality of the Bellarine.”

100 Acres Festival will take place at Bellarine Estate, 2270 Portarlington Road, Bellarine on April 18, 2026 from 12 noon to 6pm.

Early bird tickets are now on sale.

For more information, head to bellarineestate.com.au