If you’ve been looking for a reason to escape the grind this winter, we’ve got five of them—and then five more. The East Gippsland Winter Festival is back for its fifth year, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest, brightest, and chilliest yet.
this month-long celebration stretches across the entire East Gippsland region—from the snowy High Country of Omeo to the wild coastline of Cape Conran. It’s all about art, culture, food, fire, and good vibes, as the region showcases its creativity and resilience, five years on from the Black Summer bushfires.
East Gippsland Winter Festival
- When: 20 June to 20 July
- Where: Across the entire East Gippsland region
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To mark the milestone, organisers have revealed five festival favourites making their grand return and five spicy new events you’ll definitely want to rug up for.
Returning Faves:
- Medieval Winter Fire Festival (Bruthen, 21 June) – Sword fights, bonfires, live music and feasting in full medieval get-up. Need we say more?
- Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch (27 June) – Think long tables, local produce, craft beer and wine, all on a historic railway bridge. Insta-worthy doesn’t even cover it.
- Fire & Ice (Metung, 5 July) – Ice sculpting meets fire shows on the Village Green. Pure winter magic.
- Lakes Lights (Lakes Entrance, 12 July) – Giant lanterns, projections, roaming performers, food trucks. It’s like a dream you don’t want to wake up from.
- Deep in the Weeds (Marlo, 19 July) – Sailor’s Grave Brewing brings the party to Dunetown. Expect killer tunes, wild beers, and a seriously good time.
Fresh Additions for 2025:
- Après Ski Party at Eight Acres, Lakes Entrance – DJs, hot toddies, mulled wine, and alpine outfits.
- Op Shop Ball in Cann River – Dress your best (thrifted) and dance the night away.
- The Great Alpine Scarecrow Competition – It’s crafty, it’s weird, it’s a vibe. Bonus points for scarecrow puns.
- Karen Martini x Sodafish – Epic chef collab? Tick. Seaside location? Tick. Culinary FOMO? Guaranteed.
- Bottomless Cocktail Brunch at Pier 70 – Signature spirits by Bancroft Bay Distillery and serious brunch goals.
Originally created as a response to the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, Festival Founder Adam Bloem says the growth of the Winter Festival over the last 5 years has been incredible.
“It’s been amazing to see the winter festival grow over the last five years. We’re constantly blown away by the support of the local community and our wonderful festival partners and sponsors. With so many people working together, the festival is now delivering a big impact with significant economic and social benefits across the region.”
East Gippsland is calling, and it’s not just whispering—it’s howling with fire pits, feast tables, light shows, and dance floors. Book a cabin, pack your best winter fit, and get ready to experience winter like never before.
To discover more of this year’s festival program visit East Gippsland Winter Festival.
