Thinking of hibernating for the winter? Think again! The annual East Gippsland Winter Festival is returning for the third time, celebrating art, food, culture and nature over one glorious month. With over 100 events to look forward to, there’s a lot of reasons for you to drive out of Melbourne and explore the region this winter. Expect a series of free activities, family-friendly events, picturesque locations and more. The East Gippsland Festival will start on Friday June 9 and end on Sunday July 9.
East Gippsland Winter Festival
This festival will kick off on the King’s Birthday long weekend, cover the Winter Solstice and continue on to the school holidays. Go on a winter getaway and discover hearty feasts, high country adventures, a rail-trail ride, wellness experiences, projections, live music, and much, much more.
The full program will be announced on April 29, but for now, there’s some spectacular highlights for you to look forward to. These include:
Lakes Lights
When: July 1
Where: Lakes Entrance
Rug up and have fun with this community lantern parade. It will go across the Lakes Entrance Footbridge, leading to a curated display of glimmering, artist-made lanterns, installations and projection art on the land between Gippsland Lakes and 90 Mile Beach.
Fire & Ice
When: June 10
Where: Metung
Discover live ice sculpting and a blazing fire show on the Metung Village Green. This will overlook the peaceful waters of Bancroft Bay.
Bruthen Medieval Winter Fire Festival
When: June 24
Where: Bruthen
Step back in time with sword fights, bonfires, costumes, roving performers, music and feasts.
Deep In The Weeds at Sailors Grave Brewing
When: June 10
Where: Orbost
Sailors Grave Brewing is hosting their infamous ‘Deep in the Weeds Festival’ inside a 130-year-old butter factory on the banks of the Snowy River. Listen to headline act C.W. Stoneking and His Primitive Horn Orchestra, while sipping on beer from the brewery. Enjoy a dinner catered by Meatsmiths Melbourne, with dessert from The Lindenow Long Paddock.
Winter in Laneway3875
When: July 8
Where: Bairnsdale
Have fun at this laneway party in the heart of Bairnsdale. Expect projection art, live music, street food and local craft beer and wine.
If you’re keen on checking out the East Gippsland Winter Festival, remember to book your accommodation early! Stay tuned to their website and socials for updates.