Our entertainment
The stages at A Taste of the Huon comes alive with musicians, performers, and entertainers.
Live music is at the heart of A Taste of the Huon, with two full days of performances across two stages on Sunday 8 and Monday 9 March 2026. Expect a relaxed mix of national favourites, Tasmanian artists, and local performers, all set against the backdrop of the Huon Valley.
On Sunday, the main stage welcomes Andrew Swift, bringing his warm, story-driven country sound to the festival.
Monday closes with an iconic Australian set from Mental As Anything, featuring founding members Reg Mombassa and Peter O’Doherty performing the songs that have soundtracked generations.
A Taste of the Huon Timetable
Sunday
Main Stage
10:00am–10:15am – Welcome to Country
10:15am–10:35am – Taiko Drum
11:15am–12:00pm – Kate Meehan Band
12:30pm–1:15pm – R.A.N Band
1:45pm–2:05pm – Southside Steppers
3:00pm–4:00pm – Andrew Swift
The Garden Stage
10:30am–11:15am – Zinnia Blue
11:45am–12:30pm – Montz Matsumo & Voicestrings
1:00pm–2:00pm – Rebecca + James
Roaming Entertainment
11:30am–11:45am – Taiko Drum
12:30pm–12:45pm – Taiko Drum
2:30pm–3:00pm – Southside Steppers
The Apple Patch (Kids Area)
10:00am–2:00pm – Balloon Lady (Bubble Show)
10:00am–4:00pm – Storytelling sessions every hour (10–20 mins) Presented by Huon Valley Youth Theatre.
Monday
Main Stage
10:00am–10:45am – The Stranded Whalers
11:15am–12:00pm – Wahbash Ave
12:30pm–1:15pm – 120Y’s
1:45pm–2:30pm – The Southern Edge
3:00pm–4:00pm – Mental As Anything
The Garden Stage
11:00am–11:45am – The Dirty Red Bandannas
12:15pm–1:00pm – Lou Bradley
1:30pm–2:15pm – WolfeFolk
The Apple Patch (Kids Area)
10:00am–3:00pm – MAKEBELIEVE Entertainment: Out Bush Adventure Show
10:00am–3:00pm – Storytelling sessions every hour (10–20 mins) Presented by Huon Valley Youth Theatre.
Our Sunday headliner is one of Australia’s premier songsmiths. Multi-award-winning country music artist, Andrew Swift, celebrates the long road, love, and family on his fourth album, ‘Lucky Stars’.
Catch Mental As Anything live at A Taste of the Huon, celebrating 50 years of iconic Australian music. With original members Reg Mombassa and Peter O’Doherty reunited, expect a hit-packed set featuring Live It Up, If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too? and more.
The Royal Australian Navy Band Tasmania is a Reserve Band made up of part-time musicians with diverse civilian careers. Their Rock Band is a high-energy ensemble specialising in current Top 40s rock and pop music and classic hits, delivering truly professional performances.
Taiko Drum performs the art of Japanese drumming, a powerful and dynamic style of percussion involving the whole body in the musical performance. The Hobart-based taiko group (Taiko Drum Tas Inc.) has been performing for over 20 years at a wide range of festivals, community and private events.
The Southside Steppers are Tasmania's premier street band bringing high-energy performances and awesome vibes wherever they go. They create a funky New Orleans street party atmosphere with roving brass and percussion, playing a mix of street funk, pop, R&B and soul.
Rebecca Hancock and James Vicary are a talented duo who have been playing together since moving to Tasmania almost a decade ago. They deliver a captivating mix of bluesy, soulful original songs and covers, drawing on decades of musical experience from the local and national music scene.
WolfeFolk is a band based in Hobart/nipaluna, led by contemporary violinist Emily Wolfe. Coming from a family with a rich musical heritage, Emily infuses her passion for music and the stories of her lineage into the band's work. WolfeFolk invites you to savour the sounds of Traditional Tasmanian music, original compositions, bluegrass, blues, and all that stirs your spirit and beckons you to dance!
ARIA-nominated artist Lou Bradley brings her unique blend of down-home country and hill-grown authenticity to A Taste of the Huon. This self-confessed hippie and music outlaw has devoted 20 years to crafting original songs that are warm, familiar, and unmistakably hers.
Kate Meehan is Tasmania's Queen of the Blues. A three-time Chain Award winner for Best Female Vocalist and Song of the Year, she captivates audiences with powerful vocals and heartfelt performances. Her band brings soulful blues magic to life at every show.
Dirty Red Bandannas reimagine vintage gems laced with banjo and driven by solid rhythm guitar. At A Taste of the Huon, the local duo will be joined by wizard guitarist Bevynn Wilkerson, who adds a dynamic electric edge to their signature rich, sweet harmonies.
Wahbash Avenue has been lighting up the local blues music scene since 2007 with their powerhouse blend of big, soulful vocals, tight grooves and irresistible rhythms. Their eclectic mix of electric rhythm and blues is guaranteed to move your feet.
The Southern Edge is a collective of talented musicians from lutruwita/Tasmania who together are a musical powerhouse. Drawing people together through sound and story, they play everything from rock and blues to high-energy covers alongside original material.
Far to the south, where deep forests meet wild seas, a group of men gather in the winter dark. Around blazing logs, they sing songs of work, women and whiskey. Rollicking and laughing, passing the jug, they lift their voices to the night until dawn breaks. Come sing with us!
The 120Ys are a premier cover band with infectious energy and a vast repertoire. They turn any event into a great party with their dynamic performances and crowd-pleasing setlist.
Zinnia Blue are an alt-country/Americana duo from Cygnet, Tasmania, featuring interweaving guitars and two-part harmonies. They create sparse, brooding melodies and lyrical, uplifting ballads that reinterpret country, folk and old-time music traditions. Their unique sound is captured in their debut album The Garden.
Montz Matsumoto and Voicestrings is an alternative bluegrass band blending bluegrass, Celtic, Indian and Japanese influences. With sparkling banjo, flying flute and soaring voices, they transport audiences from the golden rice fields of Japan to the Appalachian Mountains, blending excitement and tranquillity in every performance.
Huon Valley Youth Theatre Group brings The Storytelling Tent to life! For seven years, this welcoming group has nurtured young performers aged 8-18 in all aspects of theatre. Our younger festival-goers can enjoy hourly storytelling sessions led by the group, featuring stories from local Huon author Sonya Strong alongside classic favourites. Sessions run throughout each day—pop in for free and let imagination soar!
MAKEBELIEVE Children's Entertainment brings imagination to life with their Out Bush Adventure show. Featuring local entertainer Michelle Pears, this interactive musical adventure is full of songs, dancing and games, encouraging children and adults alike to join the fun!
The Balloon Lady is a bright and beautiful balloon buffoon bringing fun and enchantment to all who encounter her. Well known at Hobart's busy events, she captivates young audiences with quick hands, jokes, audience participation and her signature twisted genius.