The Government has signed a new five-year agreement with Spilt Milk, securing the Canberra-born festival in the capital until 2030.
The agreement follows increased investment in the Major Event Fund in the 2026–27 ACT Budget, supporting events that attract visitors, create jobs and generate business for Canberra's hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Since launching in Canberra in 2016, Spilt Milk has generated approximately $127 million in economic impact.
Its return in 2025 generated an estimated $30.2 million and attracted more than 45,000 people. Hotel occupancy reached 95 per cent on festival night, which recorded the highest single-night hotel revenue of the year.
Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Events Andrew Barr said the long-term agreement recognised the festival's value to Canberra.
"Spilt Milk started in Canberra and has become an important part of our events calendar. It brings tens of thousands of people to Canberra and provides a significant boost for our hotels, restaurants and other local businesses. The long-term agreement gives Spilt Milk certainty through to 2030 and keeps a successful Canberra event in Canberra. I'm pleased we've been able to reach this agreement with Kicks Entertainment and look forward to the festival returning in December."
This year's Spilt Milk festival will be held on Saturday 12 December 2026 at Exhibition Park in Canberra, featuring Lewis Capaldi, RAYE, Baby Keem, KETTAMA, Maisie Peters, Remi Wolf, DMA'S and more. Event information, tickets and the full line-up are available from Spilt Milk.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Night-Time Economy, Michael Pettersson:
"Locking in Spilt Milk in Canberra until 2030 just makes sense. This is great for Canberrans who love a good festival. This is great for local artists. This is great for local business. It ticks all the boxes."
Quotes attributable to Director and Co-founder of Kicks Entertainment, Ryan Sabet:
"Canberra is where Spilt Milk started, so keeping the festival at home means everything to us. What makes us proudest isn't just the global headliners - it's that ACT artists share our stage with some of the biggest names in the world.
"Last year, 14 local acts played Spilt Milk in front of crowds they'd normally have to leave Canberra to find. This renewed support protects a nationally significant festival with the local community built into its DNA.
"We want to thank the Chief Minister and the ACT Government for backing the city that shaped us - we can't wait to show Canberra what's next."
Quotes attributable to Australian Hotels Association (ACT) General Manager, Chris Gatfield:
"Events like Spilt Milk are a huge boost for Canberra's hospitality industry. Pubs and bars are full, hotel rooms are booked out, and the vibe of the city is fantastic.
"Locking in four more years of fun after 2026 is a great move. Congratulations to Kicks and the ACT Government - see you on the dancefloor."
