Live Site

Presented by Activate Community

Whether you’re here to dance into the night or leave your own mark on the pavement, this is the ultimate location to celebrate street culture. Continue the party at the Farmers Arms, The Shed, or one of Benalla’s other fantastic local pubs.

FRIDAY, 17 APRIL, 3PM - 8PM

Start your Benalla Street Art Festival weekend with an immersive evening of creativity and community. Watch some of the official mural artists in action as they transform the urban landscape; meet Risa — a watercolour and digital artist — from 4pm as she creates hand-painted portraits for you to take home as a unique, heartfelt memory of your evening. Settle in with the deep house sounds of DJ Phat Controller, complemented by the raw talent of our buskers. With local food, wine and beer on offer, it’s the perfect atmosphere to eat, drink, and witness art in the making.

SATURDAY, 18 APRIL, 1PM - 9PM

Prepare for an immersive takeover as the Benalla Street Art Festival reaches its peak. From 1pm, the Live Site transforms into a high-energy sanctuary of sound, colour, and interactive wonder. Featuring a curated lineup of powerhouse acts from Melbourne and Sydney alongside the live painting of murals and hands-on art experiences, Saturday is where the community connects and creativity runs wild. Fuel your Festival spirit with a premium selection of local food and drinks available all day. From artisanal bites to regional wines and brews, there’s plenty to keep you energised as the sun sets and the music kicks in.

MUSIC

1.45pm – 3.45pm
SKNOW (Opening DJ Set) 

Kick off the day with SKNOW, the creative moniker of multi-disciplinary Indigenous artist Sarah CVK. Her fluid musical style weaves electronic and acoustic fibres that echo the rhythms of the natural world. Influenced by organic live jams, SKNOW layers sounds and vocals to create grounded, soothing soundscapes that perfectly set the afternoon mood.

4pm – 4.45pm 
Araminta 

Experience home-produced art through modernised feminine folk and pop. Araminta’s soundscapes are filled with soulful vocals, flamenco rhythms, and witty, playful lyrical flares.

5pm – 5.45pm 
Umbra Moon 

A finalist in the 2026 Bluesfest Busking Competition, Umbra Moon delivers dark, lush, and ambient pop. Expect heavy vocal layering and sonic strings designed to soulfully connect with the crowd.

6pm – 6.45pm 
Squid the Kid 

Winner of the triple j Unearthed x Listen Out Competition, Squid the Kid brings infectious grooves. His blend of hip-hop, R&B, funk, and jazz creates a refreshingly unique energy.

7pm – 7.45pm 
Lotte Gallagher 

The triple j Unearthed High finalist and indie-rock force takes the stage. Fresh from supporting national tours, Lotte brings the punchy energy that saw her conquer the Mushroom 50 Live at Rod Laver Arena.

8pm – 9pm 
Jack Botts 

Close out the night with the laid-back, surf-folk melodies of global sensation Jack Botts. With over 100 million streams, his heartfelt storytelling is the perfect sunset soundtrack.

Experiences + Activities 

Ponyboy Tattoos 

Wear the festival home. This family-run studio from Mansfield specialises in bold, timeless tattooing. They have created exclusive small flash designs based on the murals around town.

Interactive Chalk Art 

Become the artist. From 3pm to 5pm, under professional guidance, all ages are invited to help create a massive, vibrant art piece using spray chalk.

The Poet’s Booth 

Visit Es from Melbourne Poets between 2pm and 6pm for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Provide a prompt and walk away with a custom poem written live just for you.

Buskers 

Keep your eyes and ears open for local talent performing throughout the site, providing the acoustic heartbeat of the festival.

Neon and Magic Show 

At dusk, look out for Rich Royale, bringing a roving LED performance to the site. Expect glow juggling, LED staves, and contact juggling that lights up the evening.

Jewellery

Celebrate your connections with jewellery designed to last. Permanent jewellery is a fun, personal experience you can make entirely your own. Choose from a selection of fine, dainty chains and unique charms for a bracelet, anklet, or necklace, which is then welded on the spot for a seamless, clasp-free finish.

SUNDAY, 19 APRIL, 9AM - 1PM

Wrap up your Festival weekend with a relaxed morning of discovery at our Artisan Market along Mair Street. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a treat for yourself, this curated market celebrates the beauty of the handmade. Enjoy a slow-paced morning filled with creative talents, eclectic sounds, and delicious fare before the Festival draws to a close.

Volunteers: Register your interest