Winter Arts Festival

Looking for things to do now that the cool weather has set in? Rug up and head to the City of Casey, located just a 40-minute drive from the CBD, for its Winter Arts Festival from June 20 to July 20. 

This celebration of creativity, community and colour is back for another year, with a jam-packed program of performances, installations, film screenings and workshops spotlighting local talent. Taking over multiple venues including Narre Warren’s creative hub Bunjil Place, the historic Old Cheese Factory and the expansive Wilson Botanic Garden, the program features a mix of free and ticketed events.

Highlights include a crowd-pleasing production of the Broadway hit Mamma Mia!, performed by Windmill Theatre Company; an electric drag cabaret showcase from Queers of Concert; and live music covering everything from soul to pop by the talented South East Music students.

Film buffs can catch a special screening of the heartwarming flick Memoir of a Snail, followed by an exclusive Q&A with the Oscar-winning filmmaker Adam Elliot – who just so happens to be a nearby Berwick local. There’s also Lost in Bunjil Place Plaza, a free art installation by Amanda Parer featuring giant, illuminated sculptures of endangered botanical species. 

Families are well catered for, with a line-up of kid-friendly events and interactive theatre shows. These include The Owl’s Apprentice, a magical mix of shadow puppetry and physical theatre, and Imagine Live, a live-action musical adaptation of a beloved children’s book. Budding young artists (and their grown-ups) can get stuck into a series of hands-on workshops covering everything from lino printing and clay sculpting to Arabic calligraphy, portrait drawing and paper flower making.

At Wilson Botanic Garden, little explorers can go on safari as the grounds are taken over by life-sized animal sculptures. Expect to encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, lions and tigers dotted around the lakeside. And for something everyone can enjoy, head to Cranbourne West Community Hub for a night of karaoke complete with games, prizes and plenty of pizza. 

For the full festival program and to purchase tickets, visit the Bunjiil Place website here.