The one day food and wine festival, The Portarlington Mussel festival, will return on January 13 2024.
This one’s for the seafood enthusiasts and festival-goers! The Portarlington Mussel Festival is making a grand return on January 13, 2024, promising a day of gastronomic delights, live entertainment, and coastal charm in the historic town of Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Nestled amidst the vineyards and olive groves of Geelong, or accessible by a scenic boat ride across the bay, Portarlington beckons as a beloved holiday destination with a rich history. And come January, it transforms into a seafood haven, drawing crowds for the annual Portarlington Mussel Festival.
Kicking off at 9.30 am and rocking through till 5 pm, this one-day food and wine fiesta, hosted by the Portarlington Community, has become a staple on the summer festival calendar.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Starting with a handful of farmers in 1982, the industry now boasts over 20 mussels farmers in Port Phillip Bay, with Portarlington cultivating some of Australia’s tastiest mussels. These delectable blue mollusks are celebrated for their sweet flavour, high protein content, and low-fat profile, making them a culinary delight for seafood aficionados.
Set in the delightful village of Portarlington, the beloved local festival features these famous Portarlington mussels in all forms, to eat on the spot or to take away.
The mussels are only the beginning; there are more than 200 stalls for punters to browse through, including food booths with local produce, market stalls, local beer and wine tastings.
The festival boasts an impressive entertainment lineup featuring local musicians across five stages, headlined by cover band Queen Forever. There will be an array of acts to keep the crowds grooving, like Andrea Robertson, Soul Sister Swing, Trojan, Jimi Hocking, Sam Cocking, Brianna Ekberg, Kym Dillon, Treble Chefs, 10 Fly High, The Lea Jets, and Vardos. Cooking demonstrations, art shows and roving kids’ entertainment are also on the agenda.
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The Portarlington Mussel Festival began as a street festival in 2007, aimed at celebrating and promoting the local mussel industry. Over the years, it has evolved into one of Victoria’s most beloved community festivals, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers who contribute their time, the festival has redirected over $230,000 to community initiatives.
As the 16th annual Portarlington Mussel Festival prepares to unfold, it’s time to mark January 13 on your calendar. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a picturesque summer day out, Portarlington has it all. Plus, with a reasonable $5 cash donation per adult (kids enter free), attendees can immerse themselves in a full day of seaside festivities.
Save the date and keep up with the latest here.
