Portarlington is preparing for an influx of more than 20,000 visitors to its 2026 Mussel Festival early in the new year.
The festival returns on Saturday 10 January for a full day of live entertainment, local seafood, community celebration and family-friendly fun.
Now in its 18th year, the volunteer-led festival will take over the Portarlington foreshore with fresh mussels, cooking demonstrations, roving performers, market stalls and three lively music stages.
Festival director Ian Favarger said the event remains a much-loved celebration of local pride.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome everyone back in 2026 for another fantastic event,” he said.
“This festival is a true reflection of the Portarlington spirit, and its success is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our amazing volunteers.
“Their passion, along with the generous support of our sponsors, is what brings this community celebration to life and allows us to showcase our local mussel industry and the people who make this town so special.”
Visitors can expect roving performers, cooking demonstrations and the festival’s famous mussels cooked fresh on-site. More than 100 vendors
will offer food, artisan goods and local products delivering exceptional value to festival-goers.
The festival began in 2007 as a small street celebration of the local mussel industry and has grown into one of Victoria’s most popular coastal festivals. Entirely run by volunteers, the festival donates proceeds back into local organisations and has already returned more than $250,000 to community initiatives.
Portarlington Mussel Festival begins at 1pm on Saturday 10 January at Portarlington foreshore with entry $10 for adults and free for under 15s.
