The Milton Folk Jazz and Blues Festival returns for its second year, running Friday 1 to Sunday 3 May across Milton’s cafes, pubs, restaurants and streets — and this time it’s even bigger!
This volunteer-run, not-for-profit festival brings 72 artists across 22 venues, spanning folk, blues, jazz, soul, and beyond. Best of all? Almost everything is free!
Festival Director and local musician Jacob Woods says: “For three days in May, Milton is going to be the folk, jazz and blues capital of the South Coast! From Memphis blues to Hungarian Táncház, spiritual jazz to neo-folk—it’s all happening.”
Leading the charge is soul powerhouse Mahalia Barnes & The Soul Mates, and Melbourne artist Bumpy, whose debut album made Rolling Stone’s best of 2025.
ARIA-nominated jazz legends The Evans Robson Quartet bring four decades of mastery, while Melbourne neo-folk trio Apolline weave Celtic and Scandinavian traditions on cello, fiddle and double bass. 2023 Memphis International Blues Challenge winner Frank Sultana delivers raw Delta blues, while festival favourites Hussy Hicks bring their infectious energy and tight harmonies.
First Nations voices shine throughout: Uncle Frank Yamma brings songs in Pitjantjatjara and English, while the Yuin intergenerational choir Djinama Yilaga sing in Dhurga language. There’s a brand new street stage—The Jazz Lab—featuring Brazilian jazz master Joabe Reis, and don’t miss gypsy jazz legend George Washingmachine at Milkhaus or the explosive young players in Future of the Blues.
Blue-collar songwriter JB Paterson + The High Street Drifters round out the Milton Theatre’s ticketed shows—and they’re selling fast.
Want to be part of this incredible community event? Keep an eye on the website and socials for the call for volunteers — it’s a fantastic way to get involved and help bring world-class music to the South Coast!
www.miltonfolkjazzbluesfestival.com