Mountain Festival 2026
Mountain Festival 2026
13–15 November 2026 | Macedon
Come up to the mountain for a weekend of big ideas, good conversations, creative inspiration and a deeper connection to the natural world at Mountain Festival 2026.
Set among the beautiful landscapes of Macedon on Wurundjeri Country, Mountain Festival brings together writers, thinkers, artists, environmentalists and curious minds for three days of conversations, workshops, storytelling and experiences inspired by place, story and nature.
Born from the Mountain Writers Festival in 2022, Mountain Festival returned in 2024 with a program exploring literature, landscape, environmental science, Indigenous storytelling, nature writing and the ways our surroundings shape the stories we tell. The festival returns to Macedon in November 2026 for another weekend of thought-provoking ideas and creative experiences.
A festival shaped by place
There is something about being surrounded by mountain air, towering trees and the changing landscapes of the Macedon Ranges that encourages you to slow down and look at things differently.
Mountain Festival embraces that sense of place, creating opportunities to listen, learn, question, create and connect. Expect a program that explores our relationship with nature and Country, the stories held within landscapes, creativity, sustainability and the ideas shaping our future. With festival venues centred around Macedon, it’s easy to make a weekend of it. Arrive by train, settle into the village, explore the surrounding mountain landscape and discover the local food, wine, gardens and country hospitality that make the Macedon Ranges such a special place to visit in spring.
The 2026 program
Mountain Writers’ Festival returns to the Macedon Ranges in 2026, celebrating stories that deepen our relationship with place through our enduring theme ‘Nature. Place. Story.’ Through conversations, workshops, performances and immersive events, the festival brings together readers, writers, artists and thinkers for a weekend of stories shaped by nature, place and community.The festival brings acclaimed Australian writers including Bob Brown, Debra Dank, Tony Birch, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Omar Musa, Jac Semmler, Victor Steffensen and more to be announced into conversation with local and regional voices. Set at the foot of Geboor (Mount Macedon) on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country across three days Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November, Mountain Writers Festival offers a literary festival experience unlike any other.
When is Mountain Festival 2026?
The Mountain Festival will be held from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026 in the village of Macedon, in the Macedon Ranges.
Where is Mountain Festival held?
The festival is centred around the village of Macedon, with festival venues located within the village and surrounding natural landscapes. The festival hub has previously been within a short walk of Macedon Railway Station.
How do I get to Mountain Festival?
Macedon is easily accessible from Melbourne by car or V/Line train. The train journey from Southern Cross to Macedon takes approximately 55 minutes, making Mountain Festival a convenient spring day trip or weekend escape from Melbourne.
Is Mountain Festival suitable for families?
Mountain Festival has previously included dedicated children’s and family activities, including nature-based workshops and creative experiences. The 2026 family program will be announced by the festival organisers.
Where can I stay for Mountain Festival?
Make a weekend of it and stay in one of the Macedon Ranges’ country retreats, cottages, boutique accommodation or hotels. Staying locally gives you more time to explore Macedon, Mount Macedon and the surrounding villages before or after the festival.
Mountain Festival 2026
13–15 November 2026
Macedon | Macedon Ranges
Check the official Mountain Festival website for the latest 2026 information.
