CresFest is about the joy of live music – playing it, hearing it, watching it, dancing to it, learning it and being inspired by it – it all happens in a lovely heritage town in central Victorian , harnessing the special warmth of our community of Creswick, just 15 minutes from Ballarat.
With our fourth CresFest in April 2025, audiences will enjoy three days of dance and music from a huge and diverse range of performers, from international stars to local newcomers will entertain you over the weekend of Friday 4 April – Sunday 6 April. With up to 18 small venues running at once, you’re guaranteed to get up close and personal with some amazing acts.
And more than concerts, you’ll have the chance to participate in a densely packed program of workshops including singing, dancing and playing. Learn new skills and take part in the majestic Rhythms of Africa Extravaganza (our fourth event of the sort, following on from Bollywood, Salsa and Klezmer in the streets!) On Saturday April 5 we will take over the centre of town with Kofi Kunkpe’s Ghanaian drumming ensemble and a host of Creswick School children supported by members of the Creswick Chorus and Drum Circle.
Budding performers can enter our IGA Busking Competition for great prizes or sign up for open mic spots. Each year local players are invited to learn from and perform with our visiting professionals, in a true two way collaboration that brings new skills and renewed enthusiasm to our musicians.
It all happens in the glorious old buildings and on the streets of Creswick, the first weekend of the school holidays in 2025. Growing from a project of the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre in 2022 to a fully fledged Not For Profit in 2025, CresFest is proudly supported by most of our 3000 strong community, one way or another.