River Rhythms: Singer/songwriter Competition

Join us for an inspiring evening of music, stories and celebration at River Rhythms: Warburton Birrarung Riverfest Singer/songwriter Competition.

Following a preliminary judging round, 12 outstanding original songs inspired by the Birrarung will be selected to perform live on stage at the Arts Centre, Warburton.

Hosted by Birrarung Riverfest Ambassador Sammy J, the evening promises exceptional music, plenty of laughs and a celebration of our living river. Sammy J will also perform during the evening.

A panel of judges will award the Judges' Choice Prize and the audience will vote for the People's Choice Prize.

Whether you're a music lover, a songwriter or simply looking for a memorable night out, River Rhythms is your chance to discover new talent, celebrate the Birrarung and experience the power of music to connect us to place.

Inspired to come along and support our singer/songwriters?

Click on this link to get your tickets: BOOK NOW

Your $10 ticket will include:

• Live performances by the 12 River Rhythms finalists

• MC and performances by Sammy J

• The presentation of the Judges' Choice and People's Choice awards

• An inspiring evening celebrating music, community and the Birrarung

• Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

This event is proudly hosted by Warburton Birrarung Riverfest in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council and Bendigo Bank.

Click on this link to get your tickets: BOOK NOW

Have you written an original song inspired by memories or stories of the Yarra, Birrarung? Or would you like to write a song for River Rhythms?

Judge's Choice Award: $700 cash prize and a recording session with Starmist Studio.

People's Choice Award: $350 cash prize.

If you have a song to enter, we'd love to hear it!

• Complete the online entry form HERE

• Pay the $35 entry fee

• Or contact Nicole if you have any questions on warburtonbirrarungriverfest@gmail.com

• Entries close 23 August.

Only 12 finalists will be selected to perform live at River Rhythms as part of Birrarung Riverfest 2026.

Keep update on the competition for River Rhythms on facebook here

• Most Riverfest events are free, and many have limited places with long waitlists. Please only book if you're confident you can attend, so others don't miss out. Bookings are limited to 2 tickets for smaller events and 4 tickets for larger events.
  

• Can't make it? Please cancel your ticket by opening your Humanitix confirmation email and selecting 'Manage Order'. Your place will then be released to someone on the waitlist. If you need assistance, contact us by email: riverfest@yarrariver.org.au
  

• Events will proceed unless severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances require a change. If this happens, registered participants will be notified by email.

This event is wheelchair accessible.

We welcome people of all abilities. If you have any accessibility requirements or need assistance to participate, please contact us before the event so we can discuss how we can support your attendance.

Celebrate the Yarra, Birrarung at one of 70+ events hosted over three weeks from 27 September to 18 October. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops, wildlife spotting or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest. Riverfest is presented by Yarra Riverkeeper Association with thanks to our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Water4Good. Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Yarra Riverkeeper Association acknowledges that the lands and waterways of the Yarra, Birrarung catchment, are the unceded territories of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Bunurong Boonwurrung peoples. We pay respect to Traditional Owners, who have, and continue, to care for Country. We acknowledge that the river now called Yarra has always been known as the Birrarung by its custodians.