The East Gippsland Winter Festival will return from June 19 to July 19, 2026, once again transforming Victoria’s far east into a month-long celebration of art, food, music, culture and creativity during the heart of winter.
More than 100 events are scheduled across the region, with towns, rivers and coastal landscapes brought to life through firelight, lantern installations, live performance and immersive experiences.
The festival has grown into one of Victoria’s largest seasonal events, drawing visitors to East Gippsland’s winter landscapes and supporting local tourism during the quieter months.
Festival organisers say the program is designed to embrace the “magic of winter’s long, dark nights”, with returning signature events including the Lakes Lights lantern parade, featuring glowing installations and large-scale lantern sculptures, the Bruthen Medieval Festival, and the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch, which showcases regional produce in a unique outdoor setting.
In 2026, the festival will also introduce a series of new events aimed at expanding its cultural and adventure offerings.
A Scottish Festival will be held on June 27 at High Country Hooch Distillery in Glenaladale, featuring traditional cèilidh-style celebrations with music, storytelling, dancing, bagpipes, bonfires and whisky, with guests encouraged to bring instruments to join in.
Adventure seekers will be able to take part in the Mitchell River Gourmet Packraft Trip on June 28 at Echo Bend Camp Park, where guided participants will paddle 10 kilometres through Mitchell River National Park, navigating rapids before enjoying a gourmet lunch in the wilderness.
On July 10, The Riversleigh Winter Masquerade Ball in Bairnsdale will offer a formal night of live music, dancing and vintage-inspired elegance, with guests invited to dress in formal attire and masks for an immersive winter-themed celebration.
Food and wine will also take centre stage at Garden to Ocean on July 12 at Sodafish in Lakes Entrance, where chefs Bodee Price from Brown Brothers Winery and Nick Mahlook from Sodafish will collaborate on a four-course menu showcasing seasonal produce from both inland and coastal Victoria, paired with matching wines.
The festival will conclude on July 18 with a Wrap Party at the Paynesville Hotel, featuring a lineup of Australian and local musicians to close out the sixth annual program with live performances and high-energy entertainment.
The official program launch will take place on May 9 at the Metung Country Club, coinciding with a fundraising soirée supporting volunteer-led community events featured in the 2026 program.
The evening will include welcome drinks from Lightfoot Wines and East Gippsland Distillery, canapés from regional venues including Albert & Co, New Leaf Café, Sodafish and The Local Metung, alongside projection art, lighting installations, live music from Misty Harlowe and Taylor Sonier, and a live auction supported by O’Brien Real Estate Bairnsdale.
The East Gippsland Winter Festival is supported by the Victorian Government through the State’s Regional Events Fund and East Gippsland Shire Council through its Pathways to Growth program.
State Minister for Tourism Natalie Suleyman said the festival plays an important role in driving regional visitation during winter.
“We are proud to support the East Gippsland Winter Festival. Events like this are vital for regional tourism, drawing thousands of visitors to East Gippsland and providing a significant boost to local jobs and businesses throughout winter,” she said.
