One of Regional Victoria’s most anticipated seasonal celebrations, the East Gippsland Winter Festival, is proud to mark its sixth year of bringing communities together through a vibrant program of art, food, culture and creativity.
This year’s festival will run from 19 June to 19 July 2026 and will once again transform towns across the region with a dynamic month-long program of light installations, live performances, immersive experiences and epicurean excellence. Festival-goers can expect the return of much-loved annual favourites such as Lakes Lights, Bruthen Medieval Festival and Gippsland Jersey’s Winter Solstice Swim, alongside an exciting lineup of new events and experiences that showcase the very best of the region.
The 2026 festival will kick off in style with the iconic Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch on opening day (Friday 19 June) for 150 lucky guests, followed by the official opening function at the Nicholson River Winery in the evening, celebrating the sponsors, stakeholders and supporters who make this signature regional event possible.
Ahead of the sixth annual festival, the organising committee will host a Fundraiser Soiree on Saturday 9 May 2026 at the Metung Country Club from 5pm. This special evening will not only unveil the 2026 festival program, but also raise important funds for the festival’s ongoing growth, delivery and regional impact.
Some of East Gippsland finest eateries will be serving up a selection of delicious canapes, including Albert & Co, New Leaf Café, Sodafish and The Local Metung. Guests will enjoy a welcome drink on arrival from Lightfoot Wines or East Gippsland Distillery, with a range of local wines, craft beers, and locally distilled spirits available from The Clubhouse bar.
A live auction, sponsored by O’Brien Real Estate Bairnsdale, will take place on the night with a range of unique items and experiences generously donated by local businesses and supporters. All funds raised on the night will go towards community events on the 2026 program. These volunteer-led events help bring the community together and attract thousands of visitors in the off-peak season, delivering significant economic, social and cultural benefits across the region and supporting local artists in the process.
Festival organisers say the fundraiser is an opportunity for supporters of the festival to come together ahead of winter, helping ensure the festival continues to deliver high-quality, accessible experiences across East Gippsland.
