CresFest is about the joy of live music – playing it, hearing it, watching it, dancing to it, learning it and being inspired by it. In 2026, it happens the middle weekend of the school holidays in April.

It takes over a small Victorian town: Creswick, just 15 minutes from Ballarat and 20 minutes from Daylesford. In its fifth year CresFest will again offer high quality music in intimate heritage venues, with international, national and local artists appearing.

More than concerts, there will be opportunities to participate through a packed program of workshops including singing, dancing and playing, learning new skills and taking part in the majestic New Orleans Second Line, led by up to 100 brass players and 100 school children from the town

At CresFest, there's truly something for everyone: budding performers can enter the IGA Busking Competition and sign up for open mic spots, while local players are invited to learn from and perform with visiting professionals; ticket holders and volunteers can join the Festival Choir. Kids have their very own zone for entertainment and workshops.