Media release: Bellarine Estate announces inaugural 100 Acres Festival featuring Eric Bibb as headliner
Announcement posted by Jameson & Co 10 Oct 2025
ERIC BIBB TO HEADLINE THE INAUGURAL 100 ACRES FESTIVAL AT BELLARINE ESTATE
Saturday, April 18, 2026
12pm-6pm
The Bellarine Peninsula will come alive with the sound of the blues on April 18, 2026 as Bellarine Estate launches its brand-new music festival, 100 Acres Festival - a full day of world-class music, local wine, and coastal hospitality, headlined by three-time Grammy® Award nominee, Eric Bibb.
Set amongst the rolling hills and vines of the family-run Bellarine Estate, 100 Acres Festival promises to be a highlight on the Australian music calendar, bringing together the finest in local and international music talent for against a beautiful autumnal backdrop.
Inaugural 100 Acres headliner, blues legend from the USA, Eric Bibb, will perform with his full band as part of his world tour. Bibb's upcoming album One Mississippi (out January 2026) continues his extraordinary run as one of the most vital and uplifting voices in contemporary blues - weaving stories of peace, justice, and unity through songs both timeless and urgent. His return to Australia marks his first full-band tour since early 2023, and audiences can expect a truly special performance from one of the world's most respected troubadours.
Festival-goers will also be treated to performances from some of Australia's best blues artists: Lloyd Spiegel, the 14-time Australian Blues Award winner known for his guitar wizardry and storytelling prowess; Phil Para, the genre-defying guitar showman whose Hendrix-inspired performances have earned him cult status. Performing in duo mode with his son Denzil Para, the pair will bring their set of originals to the 100 Acres stage; and Kathleen Halloran, a dazzling new voice in Australian music, known for her blistering guitar work with unflinchingly honest songwriting. Between sets, Max Crawdaddy - host of 3RRR's long-running Son of Crawdaddy - will keep the blues flowing from the decks.
Gates open at midday, with music continuing until 6pm. Families are welcome, and the festival will feature an array of food trucks and wines from Bellarine Estate's award-winning cellar, including their signature Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Rosé.
Nestled between the Drysdale and Portarlington coastline, Bellarine Estate spans over 100 acres of vineyards and pastures, perfectly positioned to capture the maritime climate that defines its cool-climate wines. Established in 1996 by Peter and Lizette Kenny, the estate remains proudly family-run, now led by second-generation brothers James and Julian Kenny, who continue to grow the property's legacy through new ventures including Thirty Acres Distillery, Texas BBQ @ Bellarine Estate, and Coastal Glamping.
"To have an artist of Eric Bibb's calibre launch the very first 100 Acres Festival is an incredible honour," says James Kenny, General Manager of Bellarine Estate. "Our vision is to create an annual event that celebrates the artistry, community and spirit of the music of all genres - all while showcasing the beauty and hospitality of the Bellarine."
With its world-class line-up, breathtaking coastal setting and renowned local wines, 100 Acres Festival is set to make an unforgettable debut.
EVENT DETAILS:
What: 100 Acres Festival by Bellarine Estate
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Gates open 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Bellarine Estate, 2270 Portarlington Road, Bellarine VIC
Tickets: Early bird pre-sale $90 (October 9-16); 2nd release: $105 (from October 17 until sold out); final release: $115 (subject to availability).
Bookings via Eventbrite
Artists: Eric Bibb (USA), Lloyd Spiegel, Phil Para, Kathleen Halloran, with DJ Max Crawdaddy (3RRR)
Food & Drink: Food trucks and Bellarine Estate wines available onsite
Family Friendly Event
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Jameson | erin(at)jamesonandco(dot)com | +61 419 323 663
