Your ultimate survival guide to Spilt Milk in Canberra

Posted on 4 December, 2025

The countdown is on – Spilt Milk is finally on its way to Canberra, and we’ve got all you need to know before the festival hits town on Saturday 13 December.

After being cancelled in 2024 – much to the sadness of live music lovers and festival goers – the largest touring music festival in Australia is back with a bang, making its way to the nation’s capital in just a few weeks with a star-studded line-up.

So, to help you get through the jam-packed 12-hour music festival, we’ve pulled together your ultimate survival guide, covering everything to who is playing to what you can actually bring in.

Oh, and did we mention that Spilt Milk is a Canberra-born event? Read on, it sounds like it’s going to be a cracker of a day.

What is it?

Spilt Milk is a one-day Australian music and arts festival that tours the nation each year. Created in 2016, the 18+ event features a lineup of international and local artists, food vendors, art installations, and other cultural experiences. It’s known as Australia’s most in-demand festival – and for good reason.

When’s it happening?

This year Spilt Milk will be taking over Exhibition Park in Mitchell on Saturday 13 December, with gates opening at 11 am.

Wait, who is playing?

Oh, just some of the most talked about local and global artists from recent times.

Headlined by US Pulitzer Music Prize-winning, hip-hop luminary Kendrick Lamar, Billboard Woman of the Year Doechii, heavyweight American DJ Sara Landry, singer/songwriter, rapper and actor Dominic Fike and rap legend ScHoolboy Q, this year’s festival will be popping off with some amazing performances.

Plus, there are acts like d4vd, Nessa Barrett, Sofia Isella, Skin On Skin, sombr, Club Angel, The Rions, South Summit and more.

You can find the set times and event map on the official Spilt Milk app.

What can I eat and drink?

Fear not, you won’t go hungry! As always, on the day there will be food from some of the best food vendors in Australia, with options available for most dietary requirements (including vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian).

Thirsty for a drink? Red Bull, Smirnoff, White Claw, Coopers and Nescafe have got you covered, and we have it under good authority that the country-themed music bar, Howdy Howdy, will be the place to be.

See you there?

Will there be an after party?

You bet! Spilt Milk will have an official after party in Canberra if you want to kick on after the festival. Keep an eye on their socials closer to the event date for the details.

What should I bring?

Make sure to pack your ID (after all, it is an 18+ event), a plastic water bottle so you can stay hydrated, and a bag no larger than 20cm x 30cm.

You are allowed to bring food items in if you have a medical condition that requires them, and tampons, pads and menstrual cups are also allowed into Spilt Milk.

Small digital and film cameras are also totally fine, and don’t worry about touching up your makeup – you can bring in products under 110ml (as long as they’re in plastic).

For all banned items, visit the FAQ page.

What’s the go with transport?

If you’re the group’s designated driver for Spilt Milk, you should know that there are limited parking spots available at Exhibition Park, so you’ll want to book yourself a slot before they sell out.

Don’t want to drive? To get to the festival, you can use Transport Canberra buses and light rail, which are often free for ticket holders on the event day. For those thinking about booking an Uber or taxi, there’s also usually a designated taxi and rideshare pick-up and drop-off area located at the main entrance gates on Flemington Road.

Make sure to keep an eye on the Spilt Milk website and socials as they announce detailed transport plans for getting to and from the event.

Where can I find accommodation?

If you’re not a local, you might be wondering where to stay on the big day. While a lot of properties book out across the weekend, the Spilt Milk website has plenty of suggestions of accommodation options – no matter your budget. Check them out here.

If you’re happy to get down and dirty, this year Spilt Milk is also offering a range of camping options for two nights, including pre-pitched and free pitch campsites and even powered sites for campervans. Allowing you to camp right next to the festival gates, there are still tickets available for select packages, so fire up that group chat and start planning! Find out more here.

What else do I need to know?

Make sure to visit the FAQ page on the Spilt Milk website before the big day, but here are some of the important things to note:

• You’ll be able to grab Spilt Milk and artist merch from the merch tent on the day.
• Lockers will be available for $25 so you can stash anything you don’t want to carry around (we recommend booking one in advance here).
• First aid services will be on site in case of any medical incidents.
• There are strictly no pass-outs.

Looking for more info? All your questions are answered here.

Help! Where can I find tickets?

We hate to break it to you, but tickets to the Canberra festival are sold out. But for anyone still chasing tickets, resale for sold-out shows is available via Moshtix and Tixel.

Good luck!

Feature image: Pat Stevenson.