Test Program | East Gippsland Winter Festival

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Nanna Skillz – Preserve Making Masterclass (AM: Spiced Apple)

Preserve the Past, Taste the Future! Have you ever wanted to turn fresh produce into delicious homemade jams, relishes, or fruit butters? Don't let our Nanna’s skills disappear! Join our hands-on class and learn the art of traditional preserving—no shortcuts, just time-honoured techniques that ensure flavour and a long-lasting shelf life. Spaces are limited, so book now and keep these treasured skills alive!

Gippsland Jersey Winter Solstice BIG Sunrise Cold Dip

Get DIPPIN' and catch yourself outside of your comfort zone with a winter solstice cold dip. The Gippsland Jersey Winter Solstice Sunrise Swim is a yearly ritual that involves jumping into the Gippsland Lakes to greet the sun on the shortest day of the year. It's said to provide mental clarity, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being.

Nanna Skillz – Preserve Making Masterclass (PM: Tomato Relish)

Winter Warming

Join the Bairnsdale Scouts and Girl Guides for a fun filled day of activities including old-time games (tug-of-war, sack races etc), foosball, face painting, scavenger hunt and more! Sausage sizzle, S’mores, and hot chocolate available to purchase.

Welcome Winter Rail Trail Ride – Bruthen

Enjoy an undulating ride on the East Gippsland Rail Trail between Nicholson and Bruthen. On this 23km ride, soak up the serenity of pedalling through our beautiful countryside, with no traffic! Be supported by our local guide with tips on the local area and bike mechanic support.

Paddlers Progressive Picnic Lakes Entrance

One of the unique features of Lakes Entrance, is being a town surrounded by lake! Make the most of it with us and join us for a guided progressive paddling picnic, as we sample some of the local flavours from our Kayaks & SUPs!

The Art of Dining

An exhibition of food and cooking-related pencil drawings by talented local artist Cecile Michel across multiple East Gippsland restaurants, cafes, and wineries. This foodie art trail showcases the region's vibrant culinary culture and captures the artistry of both food preparation and presentation.

Inverno ~ Second Serving. Guy Grossi x Sodafish

Renowned chef, restaurateur, author and TV personality, Guy Grossi, returns to East Gippsland to team up with Sodafish owner and chef Nick Mahlook for another special Winter Festival collaboration lunch ~ Inverno, Second Sitting.

Kiss My Art

NEW DATE: Sat 28 June! An outdoor exhibition showcasing very large urban photographic works pasted up along the Nicholson Street Mall undercover walkway (old Woolworths site) in Bairnsdale's CBD. These surreal images were created by capturing single frame multi exposures on 35mm film while shooting live on location.

Cann Valley Op-Shop Ball, 80s-90s

You're invited to the free Cann Valley Op-Shop Ball where all gowns and clothing are to be purchased from Op-Shops and second-hand stores. Before the Ball we will be hosting a twilight market with food vendors, market stalls, face painting and a light show! There will be prizes for best dressed, live music and much more!

Great Alpine Scarecrow Competition

Join the fun in our community scarecrow competition! Build your scarecrow, set it up in a visible location, snap a photo and send it. Photos will be shared on the Great Alpine Art Gallery Facebook page—get likes and shares to crown the community’s favourite scarecrow this winter!

Paynesville Lantern Parade & Street Food Fiesta

Experience the magic of the Paynesville Lantern Parade and Street Food Fiesta! Enjoy a glowing lantern walk along the foreshore, tasty street food from local eateries and food trucks, and buskers at various locations along the Esplanade. A vibrant night of community, food, and music awaits!

Masquerade Winter Gala

The Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise invites you to the Masquerade Winter Gala, a fundraising event taking place at Club Eastwood with a 2-course meal featuring locally sourced produce, wine and entertainment by "The Jimmys". Round up your friends, get dressed up and enjoy a fun night out raising funds for a new community project!

No Lights No Lycra

No Lights No Lycra is a welcoming, alcohol and drug-free event where people dance freely in a dimly lit room, focusing on fun, self-expression and inclusivity. It’s a space for all ages and backgrounds to let go, exercise and enjoy the joy of movement.

Metung Yacht Club Paint & Sip

Metung Yacht Club is hosting two Paint and Sip afternoons with local artist Helen Crossley Sunday 22nd June and Sunday 13th July at 1.30pm- 4.00pm $75.00 pp. Includes all art material and shared grazing platter.

Passion of Saint Nicholas + Christmas in July Feast

Join us at the Bruthen Mechanics Hall for the hilarious and heart-breaking 'Passion of Saint Nicholas' cabaret show with the option to include a delicious 'Christmas in July' feast!

Bottomless Cocktail Brunch

Join Bancroft Bay Distillery for a Bottomless Cocktail Brunch at Pier 70 on the waterfront in Paynesville. Pier 70 will be dishing up a brunch menu that’s just as impressive as the view and Bancroft Bay Distillery will bring their signature spirits including gin, vodka, and agave. Round up your friends and celebrate the 5th annual EGWF in style!

Picnic, Art and Stroll in Lake Tyers Beach

Locals will help you find animal, birds, plants, and tiny creatures in this bush oasis. An opportunity for families to discover the bush in a safe, all weather environment. Find treasures, make art (materials provided) and enjoy the bush. Safe for all abilities.

Winter Solstice Soirée

Celebrate big, shine bright, and make the longest night count! Rally up your friends, dress in your finest cocktail attire and enjoy a night of winter magic with finger food, a winter cocktail and live music!

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Australia’s most iconic comedy tour is hitting the road for a huge 27th year! Bringing together the brightest stars from the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re delivering top-tier humour straight to your town!

Mr. Snotbottom

He’s the Prince of Putrid, The Willy Wonky of Weird! He’s Mr Snotbottom! A deeeesgusting kids comedian brimming with all the oooey, gooey, yucky, slimy topics kids love: boogers, bottoms, pop-offs and smells!

Tiny Festival of Practice

Orbost Studio for Dance Research bring their annual tiny festival of practice to the Forge. Internationally celebrated locals; dancer Rosalind Crisp and performer Andrew Morrish, invite a bunch of experienced improvisors to forge new performances at the Forge!

Group Ride from Bairnsdale to Eagle Point

Ride from Bairnsdale to Eagle Point alongside the Mitchell River with a group bike ride hosted by East Gippsland Active Transport. Speed limits will be reduced and support provided by experienced riders so you can enjoy a fun group ride with prizes and other surprises in store.

AbFab Exhibition

In a world that is filled with beauty we are taking the opportunity to exhibit and sell pre loved art works at our AbFab Exhibition. Join us in our amazing hall and view absolutely fabulous art works that you may wish to purchase to take home.

Raymond Island Koala Tours

Explore the Raymond Island Koala Trail with one of the team from Koalas of Raymond Island Wildlife Shelter who will share interesting information about our koalas and the environment, and help you spot lots of koalas in the wild! On Sunday 13 July, wildlife carer Josh Neille will join the walk for one day only!

Koho Sauna – Night Sessions

Join us for an evening sweat session! Feel the rush of alternating between the warmth of our scandi-inspired wood-fired sauna before a refreshing cool off in the saltwater of the Gippsland Lakes. Trust us, you will love it!

Todd Cook & The Rufous Whistlers Album Launch

Renowned Gippsland musician Todd Cook will be launching his highly anticipated 6th album as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival. With sold-out shows from Edinburgh to Yungaburra and international recognition, expect intimate storytelling through to lively acoustics and foot-stomping goodness. With special guests; Olivia Lay and the Alleycats Community Choir.

Bluey & Bingo Shine a Light on Endangered Animals

Join Bluey and Bingo on an illuminated adventure at Beachcomber Holiday Units! This glowing lantern display celebrates Australian endangered animals and includes a QR code linking to fun facts. A magical stop for kids and grown-ups alike!

Dried Flax Flower Dome Workshop

Create your own dried flax flower mini dome in this hands-on workshop with Marama Flax Creations, no experience needed, just bring your curiosity and love for handmade winter beauty!

Snowy Steampunk Soiree

Twilight drinks in steampunk style on the Snowy Rail Bridge. Enjoy steaming spiced bevvies, live music and finger food, with an unforgettable atmosphere at an incredible location. Come and celebrate the new life of this grand historic structure in vintage-industrial style!

Ethereal – Lakes Entrance

Flute magic woven by one of the masters. World-renowned flautist Josh Batty makes his Melbourne Chamber Orchestra debut with a special East Gippsland performance; Mozart’s sparkling Flute Quartet and an arrangement of Prokofiev’s captivating Flute Sonata. Between these works, MCO’s musicians deliver one of Beethoven’s great String Quartets, the C minor Quartet, adding a dash of turbulence and energy to the program.

Food and Fire at Wyanga

Savour a five-course feast showcasing Gippsland’s finest local produce, expertly paired with Wyanga wines, flaming cocktails and local beers. Warm up by the fire under the stars, immersed in cosy ambiance. This ticketed event promises culinary delights, live music, and the charm of winter in Lakes Entrance. Book now for a night of flavour and festivity!

Metung Mid-Winter Market

Join us on the waterfront of Bancroft Bay for our Mid-Winter Market, featuring an array of local stallholders selling fresh seasonal produce, handmade products and upcycled creations. Enjoy a sausage sizzle and enjoy lunch or brunch at a local cafe.

Buchan Foothills Festival of Colour

**CHANGE OF VENUE: BUCHAN RECREATION RESERVE** Join us for the Buchan Foothills Festival of Colour! Kick off with a glowing Lantern Walk, then dance under neon lights with a live DJ, roving entertainers, face painting, bling and food trucks. A fun, family-friendly night that ends with a bang!

Elfi – “Gypsy Soul” Album Launch

Come along for a Sunday afternoon chill at the Bruthen Inn and support local singer song writer Elfi as she launches her first album "Gypsy Soul", recorded in Bruthen at the Bruthen Music Studio. All original songs; her music speaks of her love of nature, the fight for justice and the heart opening journey of being human. Come and listen to some beautiful soulful music and enjoy a gorgeous winters day in Bruthen!

Bemm River Woodchop Competition

Bemm River Progress Association are proud to announce North & East Gippsland Axemans Association are coming to Bemm River for a fun filled family day, followed by live entertainment at the Bemm River Hotel.

Yoga at the Cellar Door

Join us at the picturesque Nicholson River Winery for a beginner-friendly yoga class, a vinyasa flow leading into restorative poses, pranayama and meditation followed by wine and cheeses as the sun sets with a gorgeous view overlooking the Nicholson River.

Bemm River Car Show & Community Event

Get ready - the Bemm River Winterfest is coming to Luderick Park! In the morning, enjoy the Car Show and Shine and Swap Meet, wander through market stalls, and soak up the vibes with 50/60's music and food vans. As the sun sets, the festival lights up with a glow and fire show followed by a Silent Disco. Dance your way along the boardwalk through a magical festival of lights and then settle in and enjoy tunes from musical duo Ryan Shore and Jamie Spicer.

SPICEOLOGY The Art of Indian cooking simplified

Join us for a transformative Ayurvedic cooking class. Learn to align food with your body type, master spices, cook Indian dishes, and take home recipes, treats, chai, and a special yoghurt culture. Experience food as medicine in the most delicious way!

Chai Blending Masterclass

Dive into a vibrant, hands-on masterclass where Ayurveda meets the magic of masala chai! Learn to blend spices in perfect harmony for your unique body type, create your own signature chai mix to take home, and master the art of brewing authentic stovetop chai bliss.

Folk Sessions at Nowa Nowa

Join us for an afternoon of folk music at Nowa Nowa Hall featuring the return of folk duo Mickey and Michelle. Supported by talented Gippsland musicians, Strat and Lyndal. Stick around for a trad session after the performances. BYO instrument to join in, or just tap / stomp to the beat!

Folk Workshops with Mickey & Michelle

Do you play the Violin or the Harp? Join us for a music workshop led by accomplished folk musicians 'Mickey & Michelle'. Separate fiddle and harp workshops will be held on the afternoon of Saturday 21 June. Then come along the following day (Sunday 22 June) and experience the of Mickey & Michelle with a show at the Nowa Nowa Hall supported by talented Gippsland Musicians 'Strat & Lyndal'.

Boogie with Baby

A free form dance event for mummas, pappas, dance lovers and babies/toddlers needing to shake it out and get those bodies moving! Live DJ, guided and free flow movement, chai and community hangs to follow.

Entwined – Exhibition Opening Night

Join us the opening of the Entwined exhibition at the Great Alpine Gallery in Swifts Creek as we celebrate 10 years of making with the Great Alpine Basketry Group with an exhibition display of fibres and techniques used.

Dance the Winter Off: Latin Dance Day

Shake off the winter chill with rhythm, movement and joy! Dance the Winter Off is a one-day event. Enjoy a series of fun, beginner-friendly learning classes led by passionate instructors. Cuban salsa, cumbia, merengue and more. Just come ready to move, laugh and connect.

Entwined

An exhibition at The Great Alpine Gallery in Swifts Creek celebrating 10 years of making with the Great Alpine Basketry Group with a display of fibres and techniques used.

Sourdough Workshops

Learn the art and science of making a wild yeast starter and sourdough bread on Raymond Island in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes. Participate in the hands-on process and relax in between by the wood fire oven with seasonal harvest lunch provided and optional meditation and/or garden and foreshore exploration.

Break Free From the Chaos

Step out of the overwhelm and chaos of life and into stillness. A powerful 2-hour immersion workshop designed to help you reset, recharge and reconnect.

Winter Warmer Sunset Cruise

Join H2O Tours & Adventures in Paynesville (the heart of the Gippsland Lakes) for a Winter Warmer Sunset Cruise with hot chocolate & marshmallows, tea & coffee.

Paynesville Farmers & Makers Winter Market

The Paynesville Farmers & Makers Winter Market is held on the Paynesville foreshore and offers a great range of stalls selling locally made products and beautiful fresh food.

Cassilis Winter Market

The Cassilis Community Market is held at the beautiful Cassilis Recreation Reserve where locals and visitors can enjoy browsing around the stalls, enjoy great country food in a beautiful location.

Bruthen Medieval Market

Step back in time at Bruthen’s Medieval Market, a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of creativity and community! Enjoy free entry and immerse yourself in a medieval-themed wonderland featuring local artists, growers, and businesses showcasing their finest wares. Browse unique gift stalls, savour delicious offerings from food and drink vans, and let the kids shine in the best-dressed child competition or get their faces painted.

Howitt Park Winter Market

Howitt Park Market is a large, variety market run by the Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise. Over 100 individual stalls selling local fresh produce, unique craft works, new and recycled clothing, toys, plants, garden decor and more! It features a large food court and is a great way to spend a Sunday morning with friends and family.

Boatshed Food & Wine Winemakers Evening

Boatshed Food & Wine are proud to announce Pfeiffer Wines will be the host of our second winemakers evening, which is scheduled to kick off this years East Gippsland Winter Festival on Friday 20th June.

Great Alpine Scarecrow Building Workshop

Start your scarecrow adventure at our hands-on workshop, where you’ll learn tips and tricks for crafting the perfect scarecrow. Explore how different materials can be used to create your own winter-inspired scarecrow, whether simple or elaborate. Materials will be provided, you can also bring your own if you have something particular in mind—no experience necessary, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch

SOLD OUT! Enjoy a unique dining experience in the most picturesque of locations - a Long Table Lunch on the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge. A collaboration between Albert & Co, The Long Paddock and the Nicholson General Store. Celebrating local food, wine and craft beer, guests will enjoy lunch and live music while perched 50 metres above the Nicholson River with spectacular views up and down the river.

Snowy Jammers live at the Arts Centre

A rocky-bluesy-punky fusion band playing original tunes and iconic covers at the Orbost Arts Centre! Come along for a fun afternoon from 3pm on Sunday 13 July - middle weekend of the school holidays.

Mad Hatters Tea Party

Afternoon tea & Activities - a fun family event for the school holidays. Prizes for best dressed!

Tour de Tambo

‘Tour de Tambo’ is a self-guided family bike ride starting at Swifts Creek and following the Tambo River to Ensay and return, accompanied by a support wagon. All children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult during the ride.

Where The Wild Things Are at Marlo Hotel

Let your imagination run wild as the band Todd Cook & The Rufous Whistlers takes you on a gnashing filled journey through a jungle of soulful melodies and foot-tapping beats.

SUP n Sauna

Fancy Stand Up Paddling with your crew on some glassy Gippsland Lakes, followed by a steamy session in a floating sauna? Book it in! A 1hr Guided SUP Session arriving at a 1hr Koho Sauna session. You'll be glad you did!

Metung Paddle & Plunge

Come for a paddle on the Gippsland Lakes in Metung! Enjoy gliding along the glassy winter lake, paddling right into the picture, before immersing yourself in the warmth of the Metung Hot Springs.

Back to Back Wool Challenge

How fast can our team shear, spin and knit a woollen jumper? Starting from 9am, come along to see the progress throughout the day, and help us raise funds for "Annie's Cottage".

Alpaca Weaving Workshop

Learn to weave with luxurious, soft, Australian Alpaca in a range of hand-dyed colours. Beginner friendly, with all materials and supplies included.

Light up the Lake

Join us on your SUP or Kayak - fully lit! - to help light up the lake during Lakes Lights event! Get creative and come and float with us near the Footbridge as we add to the spectacular sight that is this annual event!

Women’s Winter Bush Walks & Camping at Echo Bend

Echo Bend Camping Park, located at Glenaladale, invites women to come camping in a safe natural environment to explore the bush and its surrounds. Guided walks for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the bush and to connect with nature.

Lantern Making Workshop at Echo Bend Camping Park

Echo Bend Camping Park is an ideal place to come & relax with nature. Various walks, abundance of wildlife and birds to be seen. Come and be creative and enjoy making some lanterns to light up the camp at night.

Stone Painting at Echo Bend Camping Park

A workshop to be creative whilst enjoying some time away camping with family and friends. Decorate/paint stones with a winter theme. Be inspired by the environment in a lovely, relaxed bush setting.

The Little Dip by The Little Drift

From Deep in the Weeds to the ocean's edge, embrace Sunday morning with a ritual by 'The Little Drift'. A cold plunge to clear the mind and sharpen the senses, followed by the warmth of breakfast at Sailors Grave Brewery.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Drag yourself to the 'Deep in the Weeds' recovery session at Sailors Grave Brewing's Dunetown. The team will be serving up a Mexican breakfast, Bloody Marys & bottomless filter coffee.

Dunetown ~ Barrel Room Launch Dinner with The Long Paddock

Join us Sailors Grave Brewing at Dunetown for the launch of our koelschip & barrel room with an exclusive 20-person beer dinner with The Long Paddock. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with 4 courses crafted by The Long Paddock paired with 4 barrel-aged beers from Sailors Grave Brewing's cellar.

Snowy River Country Music Festival

Saddle up and join us for the inaugural Snowy River Country Music Festival at the Orbost Club Hotel. 5-Canarys Food Truck, Bucking Bull., Country Theme Dress-Up and Live Music from Sean McGuinness, Olivia Lay, Ethan Calway and Dog Country. Giddy up!

Cycle to the Snowy

Enjoy a winter bike adventure on the East Gippsland Rail Trail with us! Cycling 38km from Nowa Nowa to the newly renovated Snowy River Trestle Bridge.

“End of an Era” – Wine Tasting of early East Gippsland Wines

The first and exclusive tasting of about 20 early East Gippsland wines, mainly from the 1980's and 90's at Nicholson River Winery. Some are in Magnums, and include Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Cabernet-Merlot, Riesling and Semillon. Cheese and biscuits provided. Capped at 20 people.

Winter Solstice Eve Yin Yoga

A nurturing 90-minute Winter Solstice Eve Yin Yoga session to restore, reflect, and reset. In a softly lit space inspired by the stillness of winter, we’ll release the old, honour the return of light, and set quiet intentions for the season ahead.

Fire & Ice @ Metung

Celebrate winter with live music, incredible ice carving, face painting, kids’ activities, giant games, a dumpling eating contest, delicious food, cocktails, and a thrilling fire show. End the evening with a magical lakeside lantern parade—perfect family fun to kick off the school holidays!

Bruthen Medieval Winter Fire Festival

Bruthen's Medieval Winter Fire Festival is on again with wonderful medieval costumes, spectacular sword fighting, a bonfire, hearty food and beverages, and live music. Dress up in your best medieval costume, rug up and venture out into the winter evening.

FAR EAST- Live Music Tour

Recently reformed duo "Indykator" showcasing obscure tunes throughout the Far East. Performances at Cabbage Tree Hall, The Bellbird Hotel and Bemm River Hotel over two days.

FAR EAST Sound-Bowl Activations & Ecstatic Dance

The Far East will be activated with singing sound bowl resonance as part of this winter's festivities compliments of the "Wellness & Lifestyle Collective" & "Fire & Flourish". Furthermore an "Ecstatic Dance" offering hosted by "Nadine & Beny" will grace Cann River Monaro Centre.

ROUGE – A Circus for Grown Ups

Rouge is a decadent blend of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret and tongue-in-cheek burlesque. It is a non-stop celebration of the astonishing, the surprising and the downright sexy.

Glo Ride Bairnsdale

Join us on our Glo Ride of the Mitchell River Track. Have some fun decking out your bike as creatively as you can with fairy lights, glow sticks, neon, strip lights, whatever you can come up with! It's a party ride together for an hour on 5 - 8km of trail!

Lakes Lights

A true highlight of the EGWF! Step into a magical wonderland and be captivated by larger-than-life lantern sculptures, mesmerizing projection art, dazzling light installations and roaming performers. Soak in the beauty of the community lantern parade as hundreds of hand made lanterns traverse across the footbridge and light up the lake, plus live music, food trucks and a new VIP experience!

EGWF Raffle

Support the East Gippsland and go in the draw to win some epic prizes by entering the 2025 East Gippsland Winter Festival Raffle! All proceeds go directly toward coordinating the East Gippsland Winter Festival — a not-for-profit celebration that brings the community together, showcases local talent, and supports small businesses across the region.

TL;DR – Live at the Orbost Arts Centre

Composer-trumpeter-producer Peter Knight returns to his hometown of Orbost for a one-off performance with his new band TL;DR at The Orbost Arts Centre. Hypnotic, minimal, groove based music that is fresh and distinctive. Join us for the final event of the 2025 EGWF!

Embers and Echoes – Fireside Feast

A cosy winter feast of bold flavours and rich sounds. Gather under the stars for seasonal fare and soulful tunes from award winning duo Ally Row. It's food, firelight and folk - East Gippsland style. Rustic. Real. And just a little bit magic.

Sip and Savour on the Balcony

Bubbles, bites and balcony views - what more could you want? Join us on the balcony of the historic Paynesville Hotel overlooking the glistening waters of the McMillan Straights for a bottomless brunch, where the drinks keep flowing and the good vibes roll on.

Cann River Winter Solstice Community Event

Join us in Cann River to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Enjoy live music, an outdoor shared dinner around fire pits, storytelling, stargazing, seasonal food and community connection.

Mr. Snotbottom – Kids Workshop

Little Comedians Workshop. A 60 minute workshop with Mark Trenwith (Mr Snotbottom) where kids get to learn top secret comedy skills used by the pros.

Winter Enduro Mountain Bike Race

Attention mountain bike enthusiasts: Join us for the Winter Enduro Race at Mt. Taylor Mountain Bike Park. 12th & 13th July 2025. Saturday will showcase a four-track end race, while Sunday promises a day of fun and excitement.

Indian Degustation Evening

As a result of overwhelming demand, we present the return of Stanley's popular curry evening as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival. Pre-drinks including exclusive cocktails and fine wines from 6pm leading into 6 courses of British Indian Restaurant / Balti house style dishes to delight. A unique evening.

MCO Mallacoota Playbook #5. From a Seed to a Living Film

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra - Mallacoota Community Music Workshop and Presentation. Music, story, film/animation, poetry, and dance, made up and developed by locals, shared and workshopped with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Flute Quartet in the beautiful setting of the Mallacoota Golf and Country Club.

Lake Tyers Tavern Talk: Beware Reef

Join the Friends of Beware for a deep dive into the marvellous marine life that lives right here in East Gippsland. Arrive at 5pm to try your knowledge in our famous Curiosity Quiz before taking your seats for a spectacular slide show and talk about temperate reef life some of our favourite coastal creatures.

Eight Acres Après Ski Party

Think fake snow, retro ski outfits and the ALBERT & CO pop-up bar with a menu stacked with heaps of wintery treats. Plus, warm yourself up with mulled wine, roaring firepits, Jägermeister, and dance to the beats of DJ EDDY like you just got off the slopes. There’ll be a chairlift photo booth, shot skis, giveaways and prizes for best dressed. So break out your brightest retro onesie or go full alpine chic!

Pearadox

Students of the Rhonda Gray art school have planned a winter display at The Potted Pear. Come along to discover how artists interpret the playful word trio pear, pair, and pare in this vibrant exhibition. Expect clever twists, rich imagery, and surprising connections in every artwork.

Kids Fishing Clinics – Lakes Entrance

Learn to fish, cast and much more under the expert guidance of Fishcare! *Clinics designed for children aged 6 - 15 years* Clinic Times: 10:00am and 1:00pm with each session running for 1hr 30min. Event Location: Clinics will be at the jetty by the footbridge near Myer Street, Lakes Entrance. Note: All equipment provided including fishing rod. All kids must have parental/adult supervision throughout the clinic

Ethereal – Mallacoota

Tinamba Hotel + Hogget Kitchen + Lightfoot Wines

Join us at the Metung Country Club for this special winter festival collaboration as two of Gippsland's Hatted Restaurants come together to offer a unique culinary experience for one night only! Trevor Perkins from Hogget Kitchen and Simon Johnson from Tinamba Hotel have teamed up and designed a menu perfectly matched to Lightfoot Wines Pinot range; from sparkling, to white, to reds. Immerse yourself in the comfort of the Metung Country Club as we showcase the best of Gippsland.

World Bathing Day – Sunrise Bathe and Breakfast

Join us at Metung Hot Springs to celebrate the connection between water, well being and community with an early morning bathe followed by a grazing style buffet breakfast and relaxation in the stretch tent.

Lioness Indoor Winter Market

The Gippsland Lakes Lionesses Indoor Winter Market will be held in Mechanics Hall Lakes Entrance on Sat 19th July from 9am- 2pm You will find all types of Handcrafts, fresh produce, Devonshire Tea, and more

History and Poetry in the High Country

Come along to Omeo Primary School as senior students share their local history projects, and junior students share their poetry anthologies. Sit back with some supper and marvel at our amazing students.

Bringing Back The Beats To Laneway3875

Get ready for some winter party vibes when we bring the beats back to Laneway3875! The heart of Bairnsdale's CBD will come to life with a high-energy celebration, featuring a Kids Glow Disco, face painting, light installations and food trucks. Enjoy mulled wine, projections and a music stage with talented hip-hop artist Tonite and DJ Holly-J to dance the night away.

Cattle and Caves Steakhouse

Great steaks, delish wine and legendary company. It's winter done the Buchan way.

Live and Local Music at the Metung Hotel

Live and Local music featuring two East Gippsland bands across a Sunday session from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday 29 June at the Metung Hotel on the waterfront of Bancroft Bay. Performing a range of original songs and covers. FREE ENTRY

School Holiday FREE Lantern Making Workshops

Join us at the Slipway in Lakes Entrance during the first week of school holidays for FREE lantern making workshops each day from 9:30am - 12:30pm. Come along and make a lantern to carry in the LAKES LIGHTS lantern parade and become part of the spectacle! No experience required and all materials provided.

Hoggengrog

We're celebrating Winter the old-fashioned way at the Waterwheel Beach Tavern: Whole Pig on the Spit, Mulled Wine, Fire Pots on the Deck, Great Music, Good Company. Many Brews. Eat the Hog. Drink the Grog. From lunchtime until the depths of the night.

Far East Flaneur – with Bert Spinks and Ruby Gill

FLOAT will be inviting some of our favourite artists in residence, to return to Far East Gippsland for the last 10 days of the East Gippsland Winter Festival - to walk and talk, make art and tell stories while we share a cider or two. And create our Far East Walking map together. It will culminate in a Soiree at Bungalook Studio in Lakes Entrance on the final day of the EGWF: Sunday 20 July

Deep in the Weeds

Join Sailors Grave Brewing for a special ‘Deep in the Weeds Festival’ at their new Dunetown brewery! Come along and celebrate the final weekend of the month-long East Gippsland Winter Festival in style with great live music, delicious food by Gippsland favourites Trulli and The Long Paddock, and of course - Sailors Grave's weird and wonderful beers!

FREE Lantern Making Workshop – Paynesville

Join us for a FREE Lantern Making Workshop out the back of at the Paynesville Hotel from 10am - 2pm. No experience necessary and all materials provided. Come along and make yourself a lantern to carry in the Paynesville Lantern Parade!

TL;DR – Live at the Muddie

Composer-trumpeter-producer Peter Knight returns to East Gippsland for a special EGWF performance at the Muddie in Mallacoota with his new band TL;DR. Hypnotic, minimal, groove based music that is fresh and distinctive. Join us for a Saturday evening performance on the closing weekend of the 2025!

Festival Program