Despite being halfway through the 2026 East Gippsland Winter Festival, there are still plenty of events happening across the region.
Running through to July 19, the non-profit festival continues to drive regional connection, supporting local businesses, tourism operators and artists.
The Orbost Arts Centre serves as a primary creative hub for the festival’s winter program:
TriviART (Friday, July 3): This targeted trivia night will challenge locals on their art and woodworking knowledge, acting as a fundraiser to support future exhibitions.
Enchanted – Community Art Exhibition (running until July 19): Exploring magical worlds and the natural beauty of East Gippsland, this daily exhibition features a wide variety of works from local creators.
Mid-July brings a unique combination of culinary indulgence and high-country wellness in the coastal town of Marlo:
Embers & Ales: The Long Night Feast (Saturday, July 11): Hosted at Sailors Grave Brewing in Dunetown, this Yule-inspired long-table feast will be led by gardener, chef, and TV presenter Paul West.
The event features fire-cooked dishes highlighting Gippsland and South Coast produce matched with specialty beers.
The Little Dip (Sunday, July 12): Hosted by contemporary tourism operator The Little Drift, this free community cold plunge at Frenchs Narrows encourages locals and visitors to reset in the Snowy River.
Saturday, July 18, is set to be one of the festival’s most active nights in the area, with three distinct themed events taking place:
Cann River Winterfest – A Winter Night Out!: Taking place at the Cann River Community
and Information Centre, this gathering is designed to bring community warmth and entertainment to the far east.
Snowy Steampunk Soirée: Beneath the historic trestles of the Snowy Rail Bridge in Orbost, this atmospheric evening will feature themed catering and unique live music.
Marlo Hotel’s Wild West Night: The iconic coastal pub will transform for a themed evening of country hospitality, food and music.
The festival wraps up its physical program on Sunday, July 19, with the Sunday Sessions Rockabilly Dance at the Orbost Arts Centre, converting the gallery space into a high-energy retro dance floor.
To support the future of this community-driven event, the 2026 Winter Festival Raffle will continue to accept entries until Monday, July 20.
For ticketing and program details, visit the official East Gippsland Winter Festival website.
