Council is seeking small bands of up to four members, duos and individual artists of all music genres and at all levels in their music career to apply to perform as part of Nillumbik Summer Sounds in February 2026.
Nillumbik Summer Sounds is a season of live music held every Friday in February at Edendale Community Environment Farm. The program celebrates live music and the performing arts.
Summer Sounds are family-friendly, all-weather outdoor events with a BYO picnic theme.
Mayor John Dumaresq said that the 2026 Nillumbik Summer Sounds stands as the Shire's flagship music and performing arts event, with the aim to raise the profile and support for the performing arts in Nillumbik.
"Summer Sounds is about delivering high-quality, affordable events for our community while creating meaningful opportunities for local musicians to perform and be paid fairly," Cr Dumaresq said.
Edendale Ward Councillor Kelly Joy said she welcomed the return of the highly popular Summer Sounds program to Eltham.
"It's a celebration of creativity and connection, and we're proud to see it grow as a key feature of Nillumbik's cultural calendar," Cr Joy said.
Summer Sounds has evolved from the Edendale Twilight Picnic Series which was delivered by Edendale for several years.
A live music component was introduced and funded by Nillumbik's Arts & Cultural Development team as a collaborative event in 2022 and 2024. The first Nillumbik Summer Sounds happened in February 2025, where more than 1500 people enjoyed the four relaxed, family-friendly events.
Expressions of Interest are open until 31 July. It is free to apply. All applicants will be notified by the end of August.
