The 2026 Woodend Winter Arts Festival Program
The festival program itself offers something for every interest. Jazz lovers can open the weekend with an evening featuring the Chris Johnstone and Mat Jodrell Quartet, while classical music audiences will find plenty to enjoy, including performances by Jacqueline Ogeil, Accademia Arcadia, the Melbourne Octet and the acclaimed Seraphim Trio.
Literary and ideas enthusiasts can hear from some of Australia’s leading voices, including David Marr, Hugh Mackay, Alan Finkel, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Anna Goldsworthy and Rosalie Ham. Theatre also takes centre stage with performances from The Highly Strung Players, while family audiences can step into the magical world of 1001 Nights with Inventi Ensemble.
One of the festival’s signature events, Monteverdi’s Vespers, returns to Woodend following its much-loved appearance at the festival’s 400th anniversary performance in 2010. Presented by Ensemble Gombert and Accademia Arcadia, the work is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of the Early Baroque period.
With more than 30 events spread across four days, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival is best enjoyed as a weekend escape rather than a day trip. Fortunately, Woodend and the surrounding Macedon Ranges offer plenty of places to stay, from cosy cottages and boutique guesthouses to luxury country retreats and contemporary accommodation.
Wander Woodend
In between performances, Woodend itself invites exploration. Wander the town’s leafy streets, browse independent shops and galleries, settle in beside the fire at a local café or enjoy a long lunch at one of the village’s much-loved restaurants. With many festival venues located within easy walking distance of each other, it’s easy to spend an entire day soaking up the atmosphere without ever needing the car.
Woodend – A World Top Farmers Market Town
Saturday morning begins with the Woodend Community Farmers’ Market, held on the first Saturday of every month. As one of the world’s accredited Top Farmers Market Towns, Woodend is recognised internationally for its commitment to local food, farmers and community connection. The market brings together growers, producers and makers from across the region, making it an ideal place to start the day with great coffee, fresh local produce and a taste of the Macedon Ranges before heading to festival events. Separate to, but also complementing the Woodend Farmers Market, the Woodend Lions Community Market offers collectibles, curios, and gifts.
Woodend Long Weekend Winter Art Show
Just across town, visitors can continue their cultural weekend at the Woodend Winter Art Show. Presented by the Woodend Art Group at the historic Woodend Railway Station, the exhibition showcases works from local artists across painting, photography, ceramics, jewellery, glass and mixed media. It’s a wonderful complement to the festival program and another chance to discover the creativity that thrives throughout the region.
Exploring Beyond Woodend
Of course, no visit to Woodend is complete without a stop at Hanging Rock. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the iconic volcanic formation offers walking trails, panoramic views and one of Victoria’s most recognisable landscapes. Whether you’re climbing to the summit or simply enjoying a winter walk beneath the towering rock formations, it’s an essential Macedon Ranges experience.
Beyond Woodend, visitors can explore nearby villages including Mount Macedon, Macedon, Lancefield, Romsey, Gisborne, and Kyneton, discover cool-climate wineries and cellar doors, enjoy seasonal dining experiences, country pubs, and take in some of the region’s most spectacular winter scenery.
Friday 5 June
7.30pm – An Evening with the Chris Johnstone / Mat Jodrell Quartet
St Ambrose Hall
Saturday 6 June
10.30am – David Marr: The Sheila Drummond Memorial Lecture
Woodend Community Centre
12.00pm – Piano Masterclass
St Ambrose Hall
12.00pm – Jacqueline Ogeil Plays Albero
St Ambrose Church
1.00pm – Hugh Mackay: The Power of Community
Woodend Community Centre
2.30pm – The Art of Close Harmony – Melbourne Octet
St Ambrose Church
3.00pm – Maxine Beneba Clarke: The Power of Picture Books and Poetry for Young People
Woodend Community Centre
4.00pm – Ancient Letters
St Ambrose Hall
5.45pm – The Marriage Game
St Ambrose Hall
7.30pm – Monteverdi Vespers
St Ambrose Church
Sunday 7 June
10.00am – 1001 Nights!
St Ambrose Hall
10.00am – Visions of Beethoven
Woodend Community Centre
11.30am – Alan Finkel: AI is Masquerading as Human – How Can We Respond?
Woodend Community Centre
12.15pm – Two Visions of the Sonata: Liszt and Kouvaras
St Ambrose Hall
1.00pm – Bach: Musical Offering
St Ambrose Church
2.15pm – Ensemble Area 57
St Ambrose Hall
3.30pm – Monteverdi Vespers
St Ambrose Church
5.15pm – A Breath of Fresh Air! with James Crabb
St Ambrose Hall
7.00pm – Opera Unmasked: Arias and Anecdotes
Victoria Hotel
Monday 8 June
10.00am – Anna Goldsworthy on AI, Culture and the Self
Woodend Community Centre
11.30am – UpLIFT – Affinity Quartet
St Ambrose Church
1.00pm – Rosalie Ham: Look After Your Feet (and Other Things)
Woodend Community Centre
1.30pm – Variations and Remembrance – Seraphim Trio
St Ambrose Hall
Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival offers the perfect excuse to slow down, embrace the season, and experience a cosy winter getaway in the Macedon Ranges
For the full festival program, ticket information and bookings, visit the Woodend Winter Arts Festival website.
