If you love your live music with a bit of soul, a bit of grit, and a whole lot of “how is one person making that sound?”, you’re going to want this one on the calendar.
The headline act for the 2026 Cullulleraine Music Festival is Canadian blues icon Harry Manx, set to top a big weekend of folk, blues and roots music at Johansen Reserve (Lake Cullulleraine) across Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March, 2026.
So… who is Harry Manx (and why is this a big deal)?
Harry Manx isn’t your standard blues act. He’s known for blending blues and folk with Indian classical influences, and he plays the Mohan veena (a distinctive, 20-string slide-style instrument) alongside guitar, harmonica and more.
In other words: expect music that can go from quiet and haunting to foot-tapping and grin-inducing in the space of a verse. He’s also racked up some serious recognition over the years (awards, nominations, the lot), which tells you this isn’t just a “nice get” for a regional festival — it’s a genuine coup.
The setting is half the magic
If you’ve never done the Cullulleraine festival before, here’s the vibe: music, community, and that beautiful lakefront country air that makes everything feel a bit more relaxed (and somehow the music hits a bit deeper). The festival site describes it as a celebration of music and community “nestled on the serene shores of Lake Cullulleraine” , and honestly, that’s spot on.
It’s also an easy run from Mildura, around 56km / 35 minutes. So you can make it a full weekend mission or a day-trip-style adventure if you’re local.
Dates, location, tickets (the practical bit)
- When: 20th–22nd March 2026
- Where: Lake Cullulleraine / Johansen Reserve
- Address listed: 5302 Sturt Hwy, Cullulleraine VIC 3496
- Tickets: https://cullullerainemusicfestival.com.au/tickets/
If you’re making a weekend of it: camping + stay options
A big part of the Cullulleraine experience is staying close and soaking it all up. The festival site lists local camping options, including:
- Tranquil Waters Cullulleraine (0488 571 675)
- Bushman’s Rest Caravan Park ((03) 5028 2252)
- Werrimull Hotel for nearby no-frills free camping enquiries ((03) 5028 1200)
My take
Getting Harry Manx as the headline act is the kind of booking that lifts an entire weekend — the sort of artist you tell people about afterwards with that “you should’ve been there” look on your face.
If you’ve been meaning to do a festival that’s got proper musicianship, a friendly local feel, and a brilliant setting, this is your nudge. Keep an eye on the festival’s official channels for lineup drops and updates, and if you’re keen on going, don’t leave tickets to the last minute.
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