Queenscliff Music Festival ups the ante with comedy, art

THE Queenscliff Music Festival keeps growing bigger and better, adding comedy stars, genre-bending DJs, immersive art installations and family entertainment to an already loaded lineup.

Leading the charge are comedy heavyweights Claire Hooper and Lizzy Hoo, alongside a party-ready DJ roster including Cool Out Sun DJs, Miss Goldie and Fee B Squared, plus arts collectives, animated projections and family favourites joining the previously announced Teeny Tiny Stevies and Peter Coombe.

One of Australia’s most beloved comedians, Hooper has been entertaining audiences for more than 20 years on stage and screen. Fresh from her award−winning 2024 show So Proud and the launch of her new ABC series Claire Hooper’s House of Games, she brings razor-sharp wit, warmth and storytelling flair to Queenscliff.

She will be joined by Hoo, a stand-up sensation whose self-assured, observational comedy has made her a favourite on shows such as Have You Been Paying Attention? and The Weekly.

Further adding to the laughs are the acerbic Nick Schuller, whip-smart Tess Birch, the relatable charm of Ben Searle, and the oddball antics and off-kilter musings of Nick Capper.

The festival will be soundtracked by some of the country’s most dynamic record selectors. Expect the Afro-soul rhythms of Cool Out Sun DJs, PBS Radio’s groove queen Miss Goldie, the genre-defying energy of Mz Rizk and Fee B Squared, high-energy sets from the Surf Coast’s own Dangerboots, and producer Rob Major.

Off the stages, the festival transforms into a playground of sound, light and imagination.

Playable Streets invites festival-goers to tap into their creativity with Musical Plants and the Reflection.

The Slow Art Collective will reshape spaces into immersive worlds of weaving, music-making and community-driven creativity.

As night falls, Cosmic Wilderness lights up the town with animated projections crafted from local flora and fauna.

For those with an adventurous musical spirit, Chorus Club offers a feel-good community singalong where everyone becomes part of the choir, while the Imaginary Millions Jam Session unleashes free-flowing creativity as poetry, music and spontaneity collide for adults, children, and curious passers-by alike.

To calm the senses, there will be Yoga with Live Music, and for those young at heart, Queenscliff’s Kids Program returns bigger than ever, featuring Bebop Circus, the Giant Seagulls, Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco, the Krazy Koala Puppet Show, Marimba Taters, Nicholas Ridiculous’ High Wire, and Woody’s World Ukulele.

“Queenscliff is so much more than just the music, it’s a celebration of community, creativity and connection,” QMF director Claire Stickland said.

“This year’s comedy, arts and family program really brings that spirit to life, giving audiences moments of wonder, laughter and pure joy alongside our world-class music lineup.”

For more information, head to qmf.net.au