This weekend the mountains will be alive to the sound of music with the 31st Thredbo Blues Festival kicking off Friday. Photo: Thredbo Blues Festival/Facebook.
The summer heat in the Snowy Mountains isn’t just about alpine sunshine and chairlift rides this weekend – it’s about the blues.
From today (Friday 16 January) to Sunday 18 January, the village of Thredbo will once again transform into a three-day celebration of roots, rhythm and raw musical expression as it hosts the 31st Thredbo Blues Festival.
One of Australia’s longest-running music festivals, the Thredbo Blues Festival has built a loyal following since its beginnings in 1993 as the Thredbo Blues and Country Music Festival.
Organised by volunteers from the Thredbo business community, the objective of the event was to bring a party to Thredbo in the summer season in the hopes of attracting new visitors to the resort.
What started as a small gathering of musicians and mountain locals has grown into a nationally recognised event, drawing blues fans from across the country to experience live music in an alpine setting that feels a world away from the usual festival circuit.
Part of the festival’s enduring appeal lies in its format.
Rather than a single main stage, performances are spread across more than a dozen venues throughout the village – from bars and outdoor decks to restaurants and mountaintop spaces.
Over the course of the weekend, audiences drift between gigs, catching afternoon sets in the sun before settling in for late-night performances that stretch well into the evening.
The 2026 program features more than 60 performances from more than 20 acts, showcasing a broad cross-section of Australian blues, roots and soul.
Leading this year’s line-up is Women in Blues, a powerful collaboration between four acclaimed artists – Andres Marr, Liza Ohlback, Sally King and Alison Penney – whose combined careers span chart success, major awards and Hall of Fame recognition.
Their performances promise a dynamic mix of soul, gospel-inflected blues and gritty rock.
They are joined by the Ray Beadle Swing Quintet, bringing sharp musicianship and infectious groove, and The Two Tones, whose blend of blues and swing has made them festival favourites.
Rising star Roshani adds a contemporary edge to the program, her voice and songwriting drawing strong connections with live audiences.
Veteran slide guitarist Dave Hole returns with his unmistakable sound, while Mal Eastick & The Tone Masters deliver seasoned blues steeped in experience and musical depth.
The line-up also includes the Martin Harley Duo, whose blend of blues, folk and roots has earned international acclaim, alongside Australian stalwarts Owen Campbell and the Mason Rack Band, known for high-energy performances and raw storytelling.
Rounding out the program are a host of artists who reflect the depth of the Australian blues scene, including GD & The King Bros with special guest Jill ‘Buttercup’ Tweedie, Sweet Felicia & The Honeytones, CJ Raggatt Duo, Jack Biilmann, Zevon Lee, Bek Jensen and more.
Together, they create a weekend that moves comfortably between intimate acoustic sets and full-band performances that fill the village with sound.
Beyond the music, the festival is closely tied to Thredbo’s food and hospitality scene.
Signature events include the Blues Lunch at Australia’s highest restaurant, Eagles Nest, which is accessible by chairlift, offering live music alongside alpine views.
There’s also the Cascades Blues Dinner, a three-course evening experience paired with performances overlooking the Thredbo Valley.
These events have become highlights of the weekend, often selling out well in advance.
For many attendees, the festival is as much about atmosphere as it is about the line-up which – thanks to scenic lift rides – takes visitors beyond the village into the surrounding national park be it on foot or mountain bike.
By night, the focus shifts to packed venues where intimate performances and jam sessions see artists and audiences often crossing paths.
People wishing to attend are urged to book restaurants and accommodation in advance – and Thredbo Blues has provided a website with all the handy contacts plus festival tickets.
For those who want to wing it, the Thredbo Blues Festival ticket office is located in the Kosci Room Foyer at Thredbo Alpine Hotel.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
