Canberra scores in major deal with Spilt Milk festival

Canberra's most popular music festival, Spilt Milk, will continue for another five years after signing a new deal with the ACT government.

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Tens of thousands attending Spilt Milk festival, held annually at the Exhibition Park in Canberra. Pictures by Gary Ramage

Since the first Spilt Milk festival in 2016, the annual event is said to have generated about $127 million for the ACT economy through visitors, jobs and business for the local hospitality and accommodation sectors.

Its comeback in 2025 attracted more than 45,000 people and lifted the economy by an estimated $30.2 million, the ACT government said.

Kick Entertainment (organisers of Spilt Milk) director and co-founder Ryan Sabet said Ryan Sabet said: "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."

Mr Sabet said 14 local acts played at Spilt Milk 2025 in front of crowd numbers they normally would not find in Canberra.

"This renewed support protects a nationally significant festival with the local community built into its DNA," Mr Sabet said.

"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."

Hotel occupancy reportedly reached 95 per cent on December 13, 2025 (festival night) and was the highest single-night hotel revenue recorded that year.

ACT general manager of the Australian Hotels Association, Chris Gatfield, said hotel rooms were booked out while pubs and bars were full during the Spilt Milk weekend.

"The vibe of the city is fantastic. Locking in four more years of fun after 2026 is a great move," Mr Gatfield said.

The government's long-term agreement was announced this week after an increased investment in the ACT's Major Event Fund in the 2026-27 budget.

Royel Otis performing at Spilt Milk 2023. Picture by Gary Ramage

Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism and Events Andrew Barr said Spilt Milk had become an important part of Canberra's events calendar and the new deal recognised the festival's value to the capital.

"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," Mr Barr said.

Night-Time Economy Minister Michael Pettersson said locking in Spilt Milk until 2030 just made sense for local artists, local businesses and Canberrans who love a good festival.

"It ticks all the boxes," Mr Pettersson said.

This year's Spilt Milk festival will be held on Saturday, December 12 at Exhibition Park in Canberra.

International stars Lewis Capaldi and RAYE are headlining Spilt Milk's artist line-up, which includes Baby Keem, KETTAMA, Maisie Peters, Remi Wolf, DMA'S and Canberra DJs such as Madfaze and Babyhope.

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