Portarlington Mussel Festival

About

We’ve got some exciting news to announce… The Portarlington Mussel festival will be back on the 8th January 2022! The committee will work on a COVID safe plan for the event, by working through the government restrictions and processes

Mussel Industry

Since 1982, Portarlington has been producing some of Australia’s tastiest mussels. These tasty blue mussels are sweet in flavour, high in protein and low in fat.

Stallholders

Over 200 stalls for you to browse though, including wonderful homemade crafts, food trucks, beer tastings and of course so many mussels! Can you try them all!?

Volunteer

The entire festival is run by a team of over 100 volunteers. Join us, have fun and give back to your local community. Volunteer applications are now open.

The Portarlington Mussel Festival returns in 2022!

We’ve got some exciting news to announce... The Portarlington Mussel festival will be back on the 8th January 2022! The committee has already...

News

2021 Festival: Important update from the Portarlington Mussel Festival Committee

It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we have made the exceedingly difficult decision to cancel the January 2021...

News

Wrapping up a successful 2020 festival

We'd like to thank everyone who was involved in making our most recent festival such a success. Great weather, amazing tunes...

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is entry?

It costs just $5 cash per adult, and free for kids, to enter the Portarlington Mussel Festival with all surpluses redistributed to local charities and community organisations for the benefit of the community.

Can I bring my dog?

We ask that you don’t bring dogs to the festival, as it can be very crowded – Service dogs exempt.

When is the festival?

The Portarlington Mussel Festival is held from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM on the second Saturday in January every year in the picturesque village of Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria. The next festival is Saturday 9th January, 2021.

Does the festival run all weekend?

No, this is just a one day festival on Saturday. We hope to see you there.

Can I volunteer?

YES! The event is run solely by volunteers, including the organizing committee, so we are always on the look out for volunteers, for the set up, on festival day, and pack down of the festival. Please register your interest on the Volunteer page.

Can I have a market stall?

Stallholder applications can be found on the Stallholders page. Applications close on 8th November. Each year we host over 200 stall sites and a wide variety of food, drink and market style stalls to cater for everyone.

Can I enter the art show?

For those Bellarine artists wishing to exhibit this January, please the entry form on the Art & Photo Exhibition page.

Can I BYO alcohol?

No, strictly no alcohol can be brought in to the festival. There will a range or stalls selling local beer and wine.

Is there an ATM onsite?

There will be an ATM near the entrance but it is always very busy, so PLEASE bring small cash denominations with you, and most stallholders do not have EFTPOS facilities. The closest ATM outside the festival is at Bendigo Bank, on the corner of Harding St and Newcombe St.

Is the festival eco-friendly?

Each year we strive to become more eco-friendly, and since 2019 we have removed plastic straws and encouraged the use of reusable bags. We also have a water fountain on site where you can fill up your drink bottles, and we have recycling bins throughout the festival site.

Get in Touch

Feel free to get in touch with us with any questions you have.

About

Mussel Industry

Stallholders

Volunteer

Sponsors

Soul Sister Swing

Blue Wax Trio

Trojan

All Shook Up

Treble Chefs

10 Fly High

The Lea Jets

Vardos

Jimi Hocking

Tim Hulsman duo

SASSY

Entertainment gallery

Volunteer gallery

Mussel gallery

Kids entertainment gallery