Woodend Winter Arts Festival returns

A winter gathering of music, performance, words and ideas

Over the four days of the King’s Birthday long weekend, Woodend will once again transform into a vibrant and intimate cultural hub. The 2026 WWAF program brings together classical and contemporary music, opera, theatre, family events and expansive conversations, presented in beautiful venues throughout the cosy village of Woodend.

With more than 90 artists appearing across the festival, audiences will experience exceptional performances up close – from the soaring acoustics of St Ambrose Church to the warm intimacy of St Ambrose Hall.

2026 Music Program

Attendees can look forward to exceptional performances across classical, contemporary, opera, theatre and family programming.

Highlights of the music program include:

• An electrifying, opening night jazz concert from the Chris Johnstone/Mat Jodrell Quartet

• A sweeping recital spanning five centuries with accordion virtuoso James Crabb

• Affinity Quartet bringing one of the first Australian performances of Paul Wiancko’s LIFT

• Coady Green in a dramatic pairing of Liszt and Linda Kouvaras sonatas

• The long-awaited return of Monteverdi’s 1610 Vespers, performed by Ensemble Gombert and Accademia Arcadia, conducted by John O’Donnell

• A performance of Bach’s Musical Offering by Accademia Arcadia

• ARIA Award‑winning pianist Tamara‑Anna Cislowska pairing with one of Australia’s most lauded composers Elena Kats‑Chernin, traversing the wondrous catalogue of Kats-Chernin’s music

• Seraphim Trio presenting four Australian composer variations on a Schubert waltz, paired with Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A minor

• The Festival’s Artistic Director Jacqueline Ogeil shines a light on the neglected genius of 18th century composer Sebastián de Albero

• Opera Unmasked, a playful operatic highlights evening with The T Shirt Opera Company over dinner at The Victoria Hotel

• And one for the families as Inventi Ensemble traverse the magical world of Scheherazade in 1001 Nights!

Words, Ideas & Inspiration

The Words & Ideas program will yet again deliver a series of fascinating and engaging discussion, bringing some of Australia’s most respected voices to Woodend.

You will find:

• Bestselling author of The Dressmaker fame, Rosalie Ham leading a fun discussion on the joy of getting older, following the recent launch of her first non-fiction book titled Look after your feet

• A joyful, family‑friendly session led by celebrated author Maxine Beneba Clarke, who will share poetry, picture books and the creative power of storytelling for young people

• A discussion by leading social psychologist Hugh Mackay on community, belonging and kindness in an age of fragmentation

• Former Chief Scientist Alan Finkel as he confronts the encroachment of AI on creativity and underlines the importance of protecting human expression

• Respected writer Anna Goldsworthy’s conversation with Jacqueline Ogeil on the cultural and existential implications of AI

• Author and commentator David Marr’s reflections in the Sheila Drummond Memorial Lecture on how we preserve enduring truths amid the noise of modern discourse

Theatre

Don’t miss the absurdist brilliance of Peter Rose’s short plays, performed by The Highly Strung Players.

Make a weekend of it in Woodend

With events presented in intimate venues throughout town, all WWAF performances are within easy walking distance of one another, making Woodend the perfect place to settle in and linger for the weekend.

Accommodation in and around Woodend fills quickly during the festival, so we recommend booking early to secure your stay and make the most of everything on offer.

Even better, Woodend is easily reached by train, with regular V/Line services from Melbourne dropping you in the heart of town. It means you can leave the car at home and enjoy a relaxing and culturally fulfilling long weekend in Woodend.

Get in early — Get your tickets now

Secure your spot now and be part of this magical long weekend in the Macedon Ranges.

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate here or visit our website for more information on how to donate.