The Bellarine Peninsula is turning up the heat this winter as Nightide returns to Queenscliff for a three-day solstice celebration filled with fire, performance and waterfront atmosphere.
Running from Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June, Nightide transforms the historic seaside town into a glowing winter destination just 90 minutes from Melbourne, with a special ferry service also operating from Mornington for those travelling across the bay.
The weekend begins with Nightide Fringe: The Between the Devil event on 19 June at a secret Queenscliff location. This adults-only opening night blends burlesque, live music and late-night performance, setting the tone for a weekend built around spectacle and winter indulgence.
On 20 June, the main Nightide event takes over Queenscliff Harbour, bringing together fire pits, roaming performers, aerial artists, live music, food trucks, bars and waterfront entertainment. As night falls, fireworks and fire displays light up the harbour, creating a winter solstice experience that leans into both celebration and atmosphere.
The festival wraps up on 21 June with a free family fun day at Queenscliff Harbour, designed for all ages. Expect circus acts, rides, face painting, bubbles, live entertainment and hands-on activities for kids, rounding out the weekend with a community focused finale.
Across all three days, Nightide blends winter tradition with contemporary performance, turning Queenscliff into a hub of music, fire and coastal storytelling. From intimate secret shows to large scale harbour activations, the event offers something different at every turn.
With its mix of arts programming, food and drink, and immersive winter experiences, Nightide has quickly become one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s standout seasonal events, drawing visitors from across Victoria to mark the shortest days of the year in style.
For event details and ferry information, visit https://www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/products/nightide
