
Events Program

Solstice Dawn Dip
Gold coin donation
East Beach Surf Club
4 Hughes Ave, Port Fairy
Twilight sky. Dark water. Crisp wind. Shivering shoulders. Buzzing minds. Racing hearts. Slivers of light. It. Does. Not. Get. More rejuvenating than this.

Pallisters Reserve
Free
Pallisters Reserve, 457 Masons Rd, Orford
Pallisters Reserve entrance is 4.57 Km from the beginning of Masons Road, Orford. A member’s car will be leaving Port Fairy Tourist Centre at 9.30am to lead visitors out to Orford Hall.
Pallisters Reserve is a 250 hectare Trust for Nature wetland conservation property just outside Port Fairy. It’s home to more than 125 species of birds and abundant native flora including eucalyptus, wattles, banksias native grasses and over 25 orchid species.
Open House: An afternoon at Lucy's Lane
Gold coin entry
132 Princes Highway, Port Fairy
Interior enthusiasts rejoice, for this Winter Weekend in Port Fairy, locals Sarah and Jet Lu are opening their two recently completed accommodation projects at Lucy’s Lane. Uniquely styled by the talented designer Belle Hemming from the Bright Belle Project, these two cottages will delight and inspire those who enjoy interiors and beautiful places to stay.

River Brunch
Gold coin entry
Port Fairy Angling Club
5 Gipps St, Port Fairy
Finish off the long weekend the right way, with River Brunch. It's River. It's Brunch. It's everything you need at the end of a very long weekend. Food and bar by the Winter Weekends committee, wrapped in tunes by DJ Kezzadeeya and Jack Cooling. Let's debrief and dance, in the comfy courtyard of the Angling Club.

Exhibition: Birds of the South West Coast by Brett Jarrett
Free
Glyph Gallery
38 Bank St, Port Fairy
Globally acclaimed local artist Brett Jarrett’s new exhibition Birds of the South West Coast highlights the stunning birdlife of our region. Brett’s extraordinary calling as a naturalist and artist has led him to become one of Australia’s most collectable and recognisable realist painters of the animal world.

Dune Solstice: Aggregate Stableford
Cost TBC
Port Fairy Golf Links
101 Skenes Road, Port Fairy
It’s sure to be a fresh new hit this festival: a special two-day program of winter golf on Australia’s most beautiful golf course, where the ocean and the green are virtually one.
On Monday, sign up for the Belfast Aggregate Stableford. Each player must have a GA handicap. Everyone begins at 8.30am for a shotgun start, with all competitors cordially invited to gather for lunch and presentations afterwards. You won’t get a finer, fresher finish to the long weekend!
Spaces are limited and bookings essential. To secure a spot or join a team, call the clubhouse on 5568 1654.

Live: Sarah Mary Chadwick and Geoffrey O'Connor
$25
St John’s Hall
21 Regent St, Port Fairy or enter from Barclay St
For four years in a row, New Zealand born Melbourne-based artist Sarah Mary Chadwick has braved the cold, rain and wind to deliver heartbreaking, intimate sets in the depths of our south west Victorian winter. This year, she brings along a brand new album, ‘Take Me Out To a Bar/What Am I, Gatsby?’ and special guest, Melbourne suave-wave songsmith Geoffrey O’Connor.
BOOK NOW

Port Fairy Ghost Stories: Guided Town Walk
$15
Starts at Railway Place
Bank St, Port Fairy
This event runs on Saturday and Sunday from 4-5.30pm.
Visit the captivating places where Port Fairy’s chilling, thrilling ghost stories actually happened. The tour brings to life tales from the popular book, Port Fairy Ghost Stories which has released its second edition. Parental supervision recommended for children under 15 years. Bookings essential.
BOOK NOW
The Port Fairy Dachshund Dash Sausage Sizzle
Gold coin entry
Port Fairy Football Oval
111 Griffiths St, Port Fairy
It’s the most sizzling sideshow of the season! Between the heats of the annual Dachshund Dash, crowds will watch on for a second truly explosive spectacle: the Sausage Sizzle Sprint Eating Competition.
As frosty breaths curl in the air and tiny paws tear down the racetrack, fearless competitors face off in a battle of snags in bread and bravado. It's human vs meat in a race against the clock, where only the quickest jaws and strongest stomachs survive. Tomato sauce and crumbs will fly in this unmissable celebration of winter madness, tasty chaos and culinary carnage.
The Backwards Race
Gold coin entry
Port Fairy Football Oval (inside Gardens Caravan Park)
Enter from Griffiths St, Port Fairy
This is no ordinary sprint. It’s a test of coordination, balance, direction and mental focus as athletes take on the full 100m…in reverse. Get ready for a return event to Port Fairy that’s as unpredictable as it is impressive. Let’s see who can master the art of reverse speed and cross that finish line first for the $50 grand prize money. Backwards bolters, on your marks!
All participants must wear a helmet and be ready 15 minutes prior to race. Enter on the day, at the Dachshund Dash race.

The 2025 Port Fairy and Community Bank Dachshund Dash
$15 per dog registration
Gold coin entry at the oval
Port Fairy Football Oval, 111 Griffiths St
Is your tiny pooch ready for the big race? Is your little darling the next King of the dashing world?

Barry Tate: An Exhibition of Works
Free
Drift House Salon
96 Gipps St, Port Fairy
Barry Tate will once again showcase his stunning small-scale domestic ceramic pieces at multi award-winning Drift House’s Salon, a free-standing garden pavilion providing a beautifully designed dining and lounging space.

Dune Solstice: The Belfast Alt Shot
$100 per person/$400 per foursome
Port Fairy Golf Links
101 Skenes Road, Port Fairy
It’s sure to be a fresh new hit this festival: a special two-day program of winter golf on Australia’s most beautiful golf course, where the ocean and the green are virtually one.
On Sunday, sign up for the Belfast Alt Shot. Also known as foursomes, it involves partners competing as a side by playing one ball in alternating order on each hole.
Spaces are limited and bookings essential. To secure a spot or join a team, call the clubhouse on 5568 1654.

SOLD OUT: Childrens' Painting Workshop with Jess Chatfield
Free, bookings essential
Port Fairy Community House
Railway Place, Port Fairy
In this special workshop for 2-18 year olds, proud Gunditjmara woman Jess Chatfield will lead participants in painting boomerangs and message stones using traditional symbols.
BOOK NOW

The Dash Colouring Competition
$2.50 entry, includes a pack of pencils
The Paper Store, 50A Sackville St
Not all is grey in winter. Head to the Paper Store to collect your colouring-in sheet from Thursday 6th June and bring the design to life. There are three categories for children to enter: Under 6, ages 7-10 and ages 11-14. Entries must be back by midday Sunday 8th June, with winners called at 2pm. Happy colouring!

Breath Work with Jono
Free
Port Fairy Sea Scout Hall
5 Bank St, Port Fairy
For many of us, going for a walk on on the beach, a coffee with friends or experiencing a beautiful sunset are the epitome of feelings of safety and connection. What if, through some dedicated breathing exercises and some guidance, you could learn to have that feeling with you all day long?
BOOK NOW

Lighthouse Tours
$5 Adult, $1 child, $10 family (cash or card accepted)
The Lighthouse
Griffiths Island, Port Fairy
Walk to the very edge of town, climb the stairs and take in the Southern Ocean views to imagine the life of a lighthouse keeper. A rare opportunity to visit the internal workings of the historic Port Fairy lighthouse that’s been in operation since 1859. Please note: this event is subject to weather. Check the festival socials or the Visitor Info Centre on the day.

Exhibition: Birds of the South West Coast by Brett Jarrett
Free
Glyph Gallery
38 Bank St, Port Fairy
Globally acclaimed local artist Brett Jarrett’s new exhibition Birds of the South West Coast highlights the stunning birdlife of our region. Brett’s extraordinary calling as a naturalist and artist has led him to become one of Australia’s most collectable and recognisable realist painters of the animal world.

Vinyl Swap Meet
Gold coin entry
Star of The West Hotel
76 Sackville St, Port Fairy
Vinyl hoarders, music collectors, crate diggers and closet DJs. . . gather with your people for an day of swapping, selling and spinning.

Port Fairy Fairy Hunt
Free
Start at the Visitor Information Centre
Railway Place, Port Fairy
As the nights draw in, it’s a time for magic and adventure. Fairies and elves, goblins and ogres, the little folk are here to play. Head to the Visitor Information Centre to begin your search. Follow the clues and answer the questions for your chance to win!
This event is proudly sponsored by Langley's Accommodation.

Koroit Community Market
Free
Koroit Village Green
Commercial Rd, Koroit
Head to the newly-launched Koroit Community Market, for all your fresh fruit and veggies, cakes, jams, candles, clothes, local wine, hot food and coffees, plants, flowers, jewellery and collectibles. All served with a friendly dollop of magical Irish Koroit hospitality!

SOLD OUT: Wood Engraving with David Frazer
$245/$370
Glyph Gallery Creative Space
38A Bank St, Port Fairy
Immerse yourself in this two-day workshop with renowned printer, carver, artist and teacher, David Frazer. Wood engraving is a very old printmaking medium, historically used as a form of illustration for books and newspapers. White lines are engraved in the small, fine, end grain wood blocks using engraving tools and printed as a relief print. Much finer, highly detailed work can be achieved than with a lino-cut or woodcut. The prints are small and intimate and well suited to narrative and poetry. Participants should expect to complete and print two woodblocks.
For more information visit Glyph Gallery online.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Noodledoof Silent Disco
$15 early bird/$25 at the door
Noodledoof Brewery
128 Commercial Rd, Koroit
Experience a unique and unforgettable night out with the Noodledoof Silent Disco. Presented by DJ E-Man, groove to your own beat with wireless headphones, offering a fun and inclusive dance experience for everyone, including those with hearing sensitivities or disabilities.
BOOK NOW
Dirty Angel x Winter Weekends Comedy Night with Robyn Reynolds and Friends
$28
St John's Hall
21 Regent St, Port Fairy
Robyn Reynolds has recently made Melbourne her home and has lit up the stage serving punchlines hard and fast in her fresh brand of witty and energetic humour. She’s fresh in Port Fairy - with a couple of special guests - after a dream run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, where she was nominated for Best Newcomer with her smash show 'What Doesn't Kill You'.
BOOK NOW

Opening: Birds of the South West Coast by Brett Jarrett
Free
Glyph Gallery
38 Bank St, Port Fairy
Hear from local artist Brett Jarrett whose new exhibition Birds of the South West Coast highlights the stunning birdlife of our region. Brett’s extraordinary calling as a naturalist and artist has led him to become one of Australia’s most collectable and recognisable realist painters of the animal world. Brett will speak about his life, his art and his feathered subjects. Glyph will host a bar for refreshments. All are welcome.

Port Fairy Ghost Stories: Guided Town Walk
$15
Starts at Railway Place
Bank St, Port Fairy
This event runs on Saturday and Sunday from 4-5.30pm.
Visit the captivating places where Port Fairy’s chilling, thrilling ghost stories actually happened. The tour brings to life tales from the popular book, Port Fairy Ghost Stories which has released its second edition. Parental supervision recommended for children under 15 years. Bookings essential.
BOOK NOW

Pool Party
$15
Belfast Aquatics Pool
39 Campbell St, Port Fairy
It might be cold outside, but it’s a warm 31 degrees at Belfast Aquatics! So throw on your best summer gear and flashiest swimwear and dive in for loads of fun, music, party lights, pool toys, games and more.
This is a winter fundraiser for our town’s amazing community pool and fitness centre - all are welcome!

Sing for Bandari: A Community Sing-a-long
Children free/ Adults $20
Port Fairy Lecture Hall
Next to Fiddlers Green, Sackville St, Port Fairy
Welcome to Sing for Bandari - a community singalong to lift our spirits and raise money for the Bandari Project. Can't sing?! It doesn't matter! Feeling shy?! Also doesn’t matter! Just come along, open your mouth, your lungs and your heart.
BOOK NOW

SOLD OUT: Ceramics with Jelena
Free
Port Fairy Community House
Railway Place, Port Fairy
Port Fairy's own Jelena Lockett is an artist and teacher with 14 years experience teaching art in New Zealand and Australia. Passionate about working with clay as a form of artistic expression and mindfulness, she believes the process of creating is much more important than the outcome. Jelena welcomes children and young people aged 8+ to get their hands dirty, have fun and create something to take home in the process. Please note your creations will need to be kept for firing and collected at a later date. This activity is delivered in partnership with Moyne Youth Arts Collective and funded through the Victorian FReeZA program.
THIS EVENT IS BOOKED OUT

Hoop Jam
Free, no bookings required
Port Fairy Sea Scouts
5 Bank St, Port Fairy
Hula Hoop Instructor and DJ Kezadeeya brings fun, energy, and creativity to this year's Winter Weekends! Come on down for a dynamic, one-hour session for all ages and skill levels, where participants can come together, enjoy music and learn some fun hoop tricks.

Tower Hill Studio presents: Paint your pooch
$79, includes all materials and apron
Oak and Anchor Hotel
9 Bank St, Port Fairy
Join us at Sidro with Jenny Phillips from Tower Hill Studio for an afternoon of Paint & Sip with a Paint Your Pooch session at The Oak and Anchor Hotel! You’ll be guided step-by-step in creating a portrait of your beloved dog to take home. All materials and apron included. A wonderful chance to capture your pooch’s charm on canvas in a fun and relaxing environment.
You can also choose to upgrade to a free-flowing cocktail package for the event for an additional $42.
BOOK NOW

Poi Twirling Workshop
Free, no bookings required
Port Fairy Sea Scouts
5 Bank St, Port Fairy
Dive into a mesmerising world of colour, movement and joy with our poi twirling circus workshops. where every spin brings balance to both body and mind. Discover the benefits of stimulating right and left brain coordination while indulging in a fun, soulful fitness activity.