Featuring a huge list of the hottest local music talent.
The three-day Aireys Open Mic Music Festival spectacular has unveiled its star-studded, strong local lineup. Returning for its 14th year, the 2021 slate comes complete with artists spanning a range of genres, from punk, psychedelic and indie rock, to Americana, folk, soul, pop and ska, delivering something for absolutely everyone.
The key takeaways
- Aireys Open Mic Music Festival is set to take over this coastal town from Friday 12 – Sunday 14 March
- The festival has just dropped its massive lineup, featuring a slew of quality Victorian talent
- Organisers encourage punters to pay what they think their experience was worth
Keep up with the latest festival news via our website.
We couldn’t possibly list them all, but at a glance, you can expect to see the likes of Jothi, Momoko Rose, Cry Baby, Benjamin Trillado, Seph Cove, Acoustic Foxx, St Augustine, Lucy Lorenne, Cosmic Rain, Dirty Dance Machine, Rifle Birds, Seb Szabo, Tapes, Riordan, Butterfunked, Wildflower, The Mojo Corner, Daniel Aaron, Intrepid Soul, and Sam Buckley, among many others take over this coastal town from Friday 12 – Sunday 14 March.
Some are names you’ll recognise from the local touring circuit, while others are emerging musicians ready to share their talent and love of music to an adoring crowd across nine different stages.
At its heart, the festival is all about giving artists a chance to perform in front of an appreciative audience and to encourage a love of music – evident from the diverse collection of solo musicians, duos and bands slated for this year’s festival.
Providing a fantastic opportunity for musicians and with annual attendance at over 5000 across the three days – you know this year’s festival is going to be the best one yet… especially in a time where the industry and all its workers have endured the most difficult year of their lives.
Since the festival first began some 14 years ago, it has seen an explosion in the number of local bands popping up; especially amongst the younger generation who have grown up with this chance to see great music in their own backyard each year. A huge range of musical tastes are catered for – and if you’re not into one act, you can move to a different stage or wait around for the next one. You’re sure to find a new favourite act to follow!
The best part is the homegrown festival adopts the ‘donate what you feel it’s worth’ approach, meaning that there is no need to pre-purchase tickets – just head on down and enjoy what local music has to offer! While everyone loves a free outing, for the 14th event we’re encouraging you to support the artists (who all play for free) by snapping up some merch in the merchandise tent that sets up at Aireys Pub.
A huge highlight of the Festival each year is the coveted closing act slot reserved for a Special Mystery Guest – a much-loved annual tradition. The identity of the guest is always a closely guarded secret but with the likes of Colin Hay, Tim Rogers, Dan Sultan and Tash Sultana having dropped in for a set in past years, you can bet it’s going to be someone great.
We can’t wait to see you again, Aireys.
You can peep the full lineup here.
