About the Bruthen Blues & Arts Festival

For one weekend, every February, the sleepy town of Bruthen wakes to the sound of jumping, shaking & dancing to rhythm and blues at the Bruthen Blues & Arts Festival

The Bruthen Blues & Arts Festival is a volunteer-run, family-friendly event which reflects the inclusive spirit of Bruthen and East Gippsland.  Held on the third weekend of February each year, it is a perfect time to head east!

The festival was established in 1995 by a group of friends with a unified love of blues music and went on to capture the hearts of those that love the sound of ‘The Blues’.  The festival grew steadily over the years, attracting big names such Jeff Achison, Chris Wilson, Ash Grunwald, Fiona Boyes and Charlie A’Court.  The festival is now held in several venues over 3 days, with an all-day music stage on the main street of Bruthen both Saturday and Sunday.

Bruthen is a small country town overlooking the Tambo River. Situated 300kms east of Melbourne on the Great Alpine Road.  Bruthen boasts natural attractions such as clean, fresh waterholes and wonderful forest on the outskirts of town.  Bruthen is central to many sports and recreational activities which include fishing, snow and water-skiing, surfing, boating, mountain bike riding, bush walking and four-wheel driving.

With a population of around 815, the town offers good old-fashioned style hospitality.  We have slow food and fast food with pub-style accommodation, a caravan park and several B&Bs to experience the tranquility of country living.

With the 25th festival coming up in 2022 it is still going strong. The town puts on a showcase of stalls, music in the street, workshops, garage sales and of course music at the Bruthen Inn Hotel that is the best in its class.