One of regional Victoria’s most beloved events—the East Gippsland Winter Festival—will once again light up the coast with creativity, culture and community spirit, as it celebrates its sixth year.
Running from 19th June to 19th July 2026, the month-long celebration will transform the region’s towns and coastlines into a kaleidoscope of light, art, food and music. Soak in the roaring fires under the stars, glowing installations along lakefronts and winter feasts showcasing Gippsland’s famous produce.
A Month Of Light, Food & Culture
You can expect festival favourites to make a triumphant return—from the spectacular Lakes Lights on the water to the quirky Bruthen Medieval Festival and the feel-good Winter Solstice Swim hosted by Gippsland Jersey.
The program also promises new creative experiences that highlight the area’s thriving local arts scene and culinary talent.
Also, kicking off this year’s festivities is the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch on Friday 19 June, a picturesque gathering for just 150 lucky guests, followed by an evening launch party at Nicholson River Winery to toast the people and partners behind the festival’s success.
The Fundraiser Soiree
Before all that, locals and supporters can get in early on the celebrations at the Festival Fundraiser Soiree on Saturday, 9th May at Metung Country Club. The evening will double as the official program reveal—and a way to fuel the event’s ongoing growth.
Guests will feast on canapés from local stars like Albert & Co, Sodafish, New Leaf Café and The Local Metung, with drinks by Lightfoot Wines and East Gippsland Distillery.
A live auction, sponsored by O’Brien Real Estate Bairnsdale, will offer up unique local experiences and items—with proceeds going straight back into community-run events on the festival program.
“The support from our local community over the past six years has been incredible, and it’s what continues to drive the festival forward,” said Festival Founder Adam Bloem. “The Fundraising Soiree is a great opportunity for locals to get behind the festival while enjoying live music and some of the best food and drinks in Gippsland.”
“We’re also thrilled to have Metung Country Club join as a Major Partner in 2026—it’s one of the best golf courses in regional Victoria and the perfect backdrop to launch our program.”
From Bushfire Recovery To Regional Showcase
The festival’s success story is deeply rooted in resilience. Born as a community initiative following the devastating 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires, the Winter Festival has become a beacon for creativity and connection in East Gippsland, drawing thousands of visitors each year and generating a powerful economic and social ripple across the region.
Bloem says the team is proud of how far it has come; moreover, she calls reaching its sixth year a significant milestone: “The festival now stands as a flagship event for East Gippsland, helping local artists, producers and businesses thrive during the off-peak season.”
Supported by the Victorian Government’s Regional Events Fund and East Gippsland Shire Council, this year’s program promises a blend of nostalgia, innovation and small-town charm that has cemented the festival’s place on the state’s winter calendar.
The full festival program can be found at egwinterfest.com.au.