Winter Blooming Festival - Full Program

Our 2026 Winter Blooming Festival is coming up this weekend! This festival is THE weekend of the year, forming an incredible opportunity to celebrate First Nations, multicultural, and LGBTQIA+ culture, communities, and allies across our region.

From talks, performances, exhibitions, live music, dancing, and social gatherings, our 2026 Winter Blooming Festival will be a weekend of learning, creativity, and celebrating diversity in all its forms!

FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST
5:30pm - 6pm
Artist Talk: Side Gallery Artists

6pm - 8pm
Exhibition Opening & Festival Launch

SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST
10:15am-11:30am
You Weren't Meant to Hear This: Dr Todd Fernando

11:30am - 12:30pm
A Conversation with Professor Peter J Anderson and Dr Christina Kenny

12:30pm - 1:30pm
Speaking Truth: Art Identity & the Power of Voice Panel Discussion

2pm - 4pm
Build Your Story: Tiny Clay Houses Workshop (4x 30min sessions)

2:30pm - 4:30pm
Budget Backyard Homesteading & Urban Foraging Workshop

2:30pm - 4:30pm
Life Drawing Workshop with Studio Maverik

2:30pm - 4:30pm
Rainbow Village Workshop

7pm-10pm
Winter Blooming Ball ft. DJ Bilby, Amber Rose & Luci Dream

SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST
10am - 12:30pm
Queer Brunch by Six Counties Restaurant

For more information & to book your tickets, head to our website: Winter Blooming Festival | New England Regional Art Museum

Please note: Workshop tickets are sold separately.

Winter Blooming has been produced in collaboration with Armidale Regional Council, University of New England, Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council, and ACON.