General News
5 June, 2026
Town prepares for Winter Weekend
PORT Fairy is preparing to embrace the chill with the return of the much-loved Port Fairy Winter Weekend.
Organisers have this week unveiled a packed program of music, art, food and family entertainment across the King’s Birthday long weekend.
From today, Friday June 5, through to next Monday (June 8) the volunteer-run festival will once again transform the seaside town into a lively winter destination, with more than 50 events planned across four days.
Festival coordinator Sophia Power-Walters said this year’s program had been designed to capture the unique atmosphere of Port Fairy during winter, combining intimate live performances with quirky community traditions and free family-friendly events.
“There’s something really special about Port Fairy in winter,” she said.
“The town feels cosy and creative, and the festival gives people a chance to experience that through music, art, food and plenty of fun.”
Festivities will begin tonight at the Fiddlers Green with an opening celebration featuring glowing neon hula hoops, roaming performers and live music set against the backdrop of the coastal town.
“We wanted the opening night to feel colourful, energetic and welcoming,” Ms Power-Walters said.
“It’s all about getting people out and about, enjoying the atmosphere and starting the weekend with a bit of excitement.”
Later that evening, local musicians Joe Gardner, Ben Cue and Milly Monk will perform at St John’s Anglican Church Hall, with organisers expecting strong crowds for Monk following her recent appearance on The Voice.
“Milly’s performance is shaping up to be a real highlight,” Ms Power-Walters said.
“There’s a lot of pride locally in seeing her success, so it’ll be wonderful to have her back performing in Port Fairy.”
Saturday night will feature a headline performance from acclaimed singer-songwriter Lisa Mitchell inside St John’s Anglican Church, with tickets already sold out.
“The church is such a beautiful venue for live music,” Ms Power-Walters said.
“Lisa’s show will be intimate and atmospheric, it’s exactly the kind of experience people love during Winter Weekend.”
Among the festival’s most anticipated events is the annual Dachshund Dash, which returns on Sunday afternoon with up to 100 sausage dogs expected to race across the football oval in front of cheering crowds.
“The Dachshund Dash has become one of the festival’s signature events,” Ms Power-Walters said.
“It’s joyful, chaotic and completely entertaining. You can’t help but laugh watching these tiny dogs sprint while everyone cheers them on from the sidelines.”
The weekend program also includes ghost tours, workshops, art exhibitions, markets and a range of family activities spread throughout the town.
Ms Power-Walters said the festival continued to attract visitors looking for a relaxed and uniquely coastal winter experience.
“What makes Winter Weekend special is the variety,” she said.
“You can spend the day listening to live music, wandering through galleries, grabbing great food or stumbling across something unexpected around town. There’s truly something for everyone.”
For a full program of events and more information, visit www.portfairywinterweekends.com.au.
