The chill of winter is about to be met with the warmth of community spirit as the 2026 East Gippsland Winter Festival prepares to light up the region’s eastern corridor. From June 19 to July 19, the towns of Orbost, Marlo, Cann River, and Mallacoota will host a month-long celebration designed to transform the quiet season into a vibrant showcase of art, fire, food and light.
The Orbost Arts Centre will serve as a creative hub throughout the festival, beginning with the Enchanted Community Art Exhibition (June 19 – July 9).
This local showcase features diverse works inspired by magical worlds and the natural beauty of East Gippsland.
Music lovers can enjoy two distinct Sunday Sessions at the Arts Centre.
On June 21, local band the Snowy Jammers will be supported by Steve the Singing Plumber for an afternoon of rock, country and blues.
To close the festival on July 19, the venue will transform into a Rockabilly dance floor with DJ Ray Crome spinning classic beats.
For those seeking more structured fun, the TriviART night on July 3 will challenge locals on their art and woodworking knowledge, acting as a fundraiser to support future exhibitions.
The winter solstice (June 21) will be marked with a focus on wellness and reflection.
In Mallacoota, the Arts Space Gallery will host The Turning, a three-day immersive sound and light installation.
The weekend includes a Crafternoon of sustainable making, student art projections, and a closing performance by the Mallacoota Healing Singers.
Simultaneously, the Bloom – Orbost Hub will host a Winter Solstice Mini Retreat, featuring yin yoga, harmonic sound healing, and a catered vegetarian lunch, timed to coincide with International Yoga Day.
One of the festival’s most anticipated culinary events arrives on July 11, when Sailors Grave Dunetown hosts Embers & Ales: The Long Night Feast.
Renowned chef and TV presenter Paul West will lead a long-table dinner featuring fire-cooked Gippsland produce matched with seasonal beers.
Guests will be invited to participate in a symbolic ritual, casting written intentions into a fire to leave the past behind.
The festival reaches a fever pitch on Saturday, July 18, with major events across three locations:
Snowy Steampunk Soiree (Orbost): The historic Snowy Rail Bridge will awaken for one night only.
The western end of the timber trestle will be transformed into a steampunk playground of firelight and vintage-industrial charm.
Featuring shuttle buses from town and themed toddies, this fundraiser supports the ongoing restoration of the bridge.
Cann River Winterfest – A Winter Night Out: A family-friendly event featuring a lively market of handmade goods, local food vans and a community movie screening.
Wild West Night (Marlo Hotel): The Marlo Hotel will trade its river views for a saloon atmosphere, featuring country tunes, line dancing and themed cocktails for cowboys and outlaws alike.
With a program spanning from the deepest forest walks to glowing industrial bridges, the 2026 East Gippsland Winter Festival invites locals and visitors alike to embrace the chill of the colder months.
