Events Program
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.
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!
Portraits of Port Fairy
Free
The Hub windows
Corner of Bank St and Sackville St, Port Fairy
Winter Weekends proudly showcases a delightful collection of portrait art created by the youngest and most creative members of our community — the children.
Each artwork, drawn on a simple and humble square, tells a story through vibrant colors, expressive lines, and the unique perspective only a child can bring. From playful self-portraits to imaginative faces full of character, these mini-masterpieces remind us that art has no age limits — only endless possibilities. So take a moment, enjoy the creativity, and let’s celebrate the wonderful talent growing right here in our community!
Community Tree
Free
The tree behind the stage
Fiddlers Green, Cnr Sackville and Bank St, Port Fairy
This beautiful installation brings together artwork from people of all ages. The tree is a living canvas that reflects the heart of our community.
Stop by, take it all in, and see how individual creativity can come together to form something truly inspiring!
I Am: A sticky note exhibition
Free
The Hub windows
Corner of Bank St and Sackville St, Port Fairy
In this installation, each note you see holds a simple yet powerful message: a few words written by individuals describing who they are. Together, these colorful squares form a collective portrait of our shared community. Take a moment to read the words, reflect on the voices, and feel more alike than apart.
Glyph Late Night Shopping
Free
Glyph Art Gallery and Creative Space
38 Bank St, Port Fairy
Purchase a sculpture before supper, or a watercolour with your wine. Glyph invites you to explore the creative culture of our region with their gallery and workshops, plus a bar for refreshments, open into the evening.
Winter Weekends Opening Party
Free
The Railway Goods Shed
Railway Place, Bank St
Kick off the King’s Birthday long weekend with our festival opening party in the Goods Shed! Grab a feed from the food trucks, a bevvie from the bar. We’ll have bands and DJs, so get down and make some warm connections to start a long, cool weekend of winter fun.
15 Minutes of Fame
$20 entry + meals
St Brigid's Hall
212 Koroit-Port Fairy Rd, Crossley
Nothing warms a south-west hall in the middle of winter quite like the oh-so-cherished, always-heart-warming, ever-popular 15 Minutes of Fame, where community takes center stage! A sweet and satisfying mix of live entertainment and hearty homemade tucker, including their famous and fabulous array of desserts. Bring mates, drinks and snack platters and grab a table to relish a full night of local and emerging acts. Dinner starts at 6.30pm, performances start at 7.30pm.
Tickets at the door (so be on time to snag a group table!)
This is a fundraiser for St Brigids Hall fund.
Film: Spit
$15
Reardon Theatre
35 Bank St, Port Fairy
The sequel to the hit Aussie film ‘Gettin Square’ (2003), Spit checks in with small-time ex-con Johnny Spitieri (Spit, played by David Wenham) after 20 years on the run overseas. As he slips back into Australia on a false passport only to find himself locked up in detention, he’s got a massive target on his back as old enemies are determined to settle old scores. A dark quirky comedy/crime/drama. Rated M. This film runs for 1 hr 45 mins. Hosted by the Port Fairy Film Society.
Port Fairy parkrun
Free
Russell Clarke Reserve
James St, Port Fairy
Run, jog or walk your way into the weekend in some of Port Fairy’s prettiest parklands. A timed 5km event for people of all ages and abilities. Register online, print out your barcode and meet at the amenities block. Dogs (on a lead) are also welcome! Register to run at www.parkrun.com.au/portfairy
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.
MADE Market
Free
St Johns Church Hall
21 Regent St, or enter from Barclay St
One of the region’s most loved markets, MADE showcases a curated collection of fine handmade art, carft and design from established and emerging makers.
Community Market
Free
Railway Place
Bank St, Port Fairy
Shop, eat and love local at our gorgeous community market. It’s loaded with goodies and is the absolute best way to kick off a winter Sat’dy morning in Port Fairy.
Young Makers Market
Free
The Railway Goods Shed
Railway Place, Bank St, Port Fairy
Discover the future of creativity and entrepreneurship at the Young Makers' Market—an exciting showcase of innovative products crafted by talented young artisans.
Yoga with Dani: Family Friendly Flow
Free, bookings essential
Port Fairy Sea Scouts
5 Bank St, Port Fairy
Join us for a one-hour family friendly flow that works for all ages. Expect personal, partner and group challenges that involve balance, strength and focus. This session allows you to explore the benefits of yoga whilst interacting with one another in a fun and engaging way, practicing communication, cooperation, kindness and focus throughout.
BOOK NOW
Pre-Loved Art Fair
Gold coin entry
Port Fairy RSL Club
4 Bank St, Port Fairy
Everything old is new again, right? Right! Peruse pre-loved painting, pottery, glass and ceramics to find the statement piece you never knew you wanted or needed till now.
Paint a Watercolour Dachshund with Melanie MacIlwain
Free, bookings essential
Port Fairy Library
Sackville St, Port Fairy
Join local artist Melanie MacIlwain for a painting workshop for all ages where you will create your own watercolour Dachshund to take home. All materials provided, plus tea, coffee and snacks. Spaces are limited, bookings essential.
Toy Making Workshop
Free
Fiddlers Green Marquee
Cnr Sackville and Bank St, Port Fairy
The Men's Shed masters lead a toy making workshop for kids of all ages to construct wooden toys.
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!
Sit with me: An interactive installation
Free
Port Fairy Sea Scouts Hall
5 Bank St, Port Fairy
This cozy armchair invites you to pause, sit down, and step into someone else’s world. Through a simple scan of a QR code, you’ll hear real, intimate stories shared by people from all walks of life — reflections on love, loss, joy, identity, and everything in between. It’s an invitation to slow down, to listen deeply, and to connect with the quiet power of human experience. Every story is a reminder that behind every face is a life worth hearing.
Poi Twirling Workshop
Free
Fiddlers Green Stage
Cnr Sackville and 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.
Tower Hill Studio presents: Paint your pooch
$75, includes all materials and apron
Oak and Anchor Hotel
9 Bank St, Port Fairy
Join Jenny from Tower Hill Studio for a fun session dedicated to the dog you adore!
You'll be guided step-by-step in creating a portrait of your beloved pup. Learn how to capture your pooch's charm on canvas in a unique piece you’ll take home, all in a fun and relaxing environment. Drinks and nibbles available for purchase.
BOOKING DETAILS TO COME
Join Jenny from Tower Hill Studio for a Paint and Sip session all about your beloved dog. Capture your pooch's unique charm on canvas in a fun, relaxing environment. You'll be guided step-by-step to create a portrait of your pup to take home. All materials and apron included. Drinks and nibbles available for purchase, or alternatively upgrade your booking to free flowing bubbles for an extra $39 per person.
Hoop Jam
Free
Fiddlers Green Stage
Cnr Sackville and 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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
Pre-Loved Art Fair
Free
Port Fairy RSL Club
4 Bank St, Port Fairy
Everything old is new again, right? Right! Peruse pre-loved painting, pottery, glass and ceramics to find the statement piece you never knew you wanted or needed till now.
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.
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.
The Dash Colouring Competition (Copy)
$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!
Childrens' Painting Workshop with Jess Chatfield
Free, bookings essential
Port Fairy Community House
Railway Place, Port Fairy
In this special two-hour workshop for 2-18 year olds, Jess Chatfield will lead participants in painting boomerangs and message stones using traditional symbols.
Jess is a proud Gunditjmara woman from the Framlingham Aboriginal community in south west Victoria. While she’s primarily known for her activism and storytelling, she has ventured into the realm of visual art, where her work often intertwines her cultural heritage with contemporary issues, reflecting her deep connection to Country and community. All supplies provided.
Dune Solstice: The Belfast Alt Shot
Frosty fairways
$100 per person/$400 per team
Port Fairy Golf Links
101 Skenes Road, Port Fairy
Over two days this June long weekend, opt in for a game of golf…with a twist. The Belfast Alt Shot is a brand new and (as far as we know!) world-first format of team golf. Alt Shot, also known as foursomes, is a form of play involving partners (in either match play or stroke play) where two partners compete as a side by playing one ball in alternating order on each hole. In this event though, it’s not about the usual numbers. Instead, the importance of your score comes after the collective enjoyment, camaraderie, social interaction and your wellbeing.
To book, call the clubhouse on 5568 1654.
500 Works from the Woodfired Kiln Volume 2: An Exhibition by Barry Tate
Free
Drift House Salon
98 Gipps St, Port Fairy
Barry Tate will once again showcase his beautiful, small-scale domestic ceramic pieces on at Drifthouse’s Salon, a hidden sanctuary-breakfast room-afternoon bar usually available exclusively to guests of Drifthouse.
“Barry Tate’s art practice is hard to pin down. He’s a potter, a painter and a sculptor. He’ll often describe his practice with statements others have made about him - a charming elusiveness. Someone at a gallery told him he’s a multimedia artist, he tells me on the phone this morning. It’s true - his works bypass fidelity to any one medium and wanders between aesthetic traditions." - Madeliene Peters
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?
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. The stakes rise with every backwards step, demanding strategy, spatial awareness and serious core strength.
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... backwards bolters on your marks!
Enter on the day, at the race.
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.
Port Fairy Ghost Stories: Guided Town Walk (Copy)
$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.
Twilight Market
Gold coin entry
Port Fairy Consilidated School
Albert St Street, Port Fairy
The beautiful Port Fairy Consolidated School Twilight Market is back again this Kings Birthday Weekend! The event is hosted at the school around the 150 year old bluestone building.
Exhibition: Birds of the South West Coast by Brett Jarrett (Copy)
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.
Winter Solstice Swim
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
You can meet at the Visitors Centre in Port Fairy at 9.30am to follow a convoy of cars to the reserve, if required.
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.