Sassie Joan and Chris "Beau Ty" Martin drove from Noosa and the New South Wales Central Coast to join the festivities.

"We just love the music. We heard the festival was on and we thought we'd come down and check it out," Ms Joan said. 

Ms Joan said she was most looking forward to the music while Ty was excited to see the hot rods.

This year the event will see Lydiard Street closed for a "New Orleans-style" street party on Saturday night, with rock 'n' roll bands, a classic car show and stalls.

"I don't want the festival to just be in venues, I really want to see it spill out onto the streets," Mr Martin said.

Kathryn Jones, from Perth, said she had flown over for the festival with around 15 of her friends to see international bands on the bill.

Josh Hi-Fi Sorheim, Alex Vargas, The Rhythm Shakers, Gizelle and The Delta Bombers will all play at the festival.

Ms Jones said the event was a cheaper option than flying to the annual Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend held in Las Vegas each year.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival

WHEN: This weekend, February 15 and 16

WHERE: Venues around Lydiard Street

MORE INFO: www.ballaratbeat.com.au