For its fourth consecutive year, the East Gippsland Winter Festival welcomes the winter solstice across a month from 21 June to 21 July.
Dubbed one of the largest winter festival programs in Australia, East Gippsland Winter Festival returns for a fourth year, celebrating ‘How We Winter’ in the region through a dedicated program of art, performance, music and gastronomy.
As the winter solstice marks the onset of winter on 21 June, the month-long East Gippsland Winter Festival invites visitors to the region for a winter escape full of cosy activities.
East Gippsland Winter Festival Details
- When: 21 June – 21 July 2024
- Where: Various locations across East Gippsland including Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Orbost, Paynesville, Swifts Creek, Marlo, Lakes Entrance, Omeo, Cann River, Metung, Buchan and Mallacoota
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Originally created in response to the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires by festival founder Adam Bloem, East Gippsland Winter Festival has become a spirited celebration in the community. In 2023, the festival saw 25,393 attendees explore the program which included 149 individual events across 33 towns.
2024 has a stacked program with over 100 confirmed events spanning the region, showcasing the natural splendour of East Gippsland. There is something for everyone with the festival coinciding with the Victorian school holidays. From family-friendly free events such as live music in majestic surrounds to lakeside wellness experiences and winter feasts, the 2024 East Gippsland Winter Festival is bursting.
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Some highlights of the festival include a deliciously relaxing sunrise bathes at Hilltop Escarpment of Metung Hot Springs followed by a breakfast picnic overlooking Lake King on 21 June, the sword-wielding excitement of Medieval Winter Fire Festival at Bruthen on 22 June, and the whimsical world of illumination at Lake Lights: Enchanted Shore at Lakes Entrance Foreshore on 6 July. The lights continue in Paynesville for Water & Lights; a magical lantern-lit installation parading off the jetties, followed by a cosy outdoor cinema session and a food truck fair. Over in Orbost, dive into Deep In The Weeds, an annual music festival hosted by Sailor’s Grave Brewing.
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The gastronomy guide is elevated with events from Guy Grossi and Sodafish for collaborative winter feast ‘Inverno’, and Moscow Willa Hut will be hosting a High Country Lunch presented by well-regarded local chef Stuart Derham.
This richly diverse festival is not one to be missed.
The 2024 East Gippsland Winter Festival will run from 21 June – 21 July. For more information including ongoing program updates head here.
