What’s on in July: The best events happening across West Vic this month
Whether you're chasing a night out, a new skill or a winter tradition, these events are worth pencilling into the calendar.
The arrival of winter usually means fewer reasons to leave the house, but July's schedule suggests otherwise.
Community festivals, workshops and seasonal celebrations are bringing people together despite the shorter days and colder nights.
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Ted's Winter Party
Before closing for a winter break, Ted's Cafe is throwing one last party with food, cocktails, beer and live music from Liam Van De Laak, Tap Dog and DJ Carly.
When: July 3, 4pm-11pm
Cost: Free entry
Where: 20 Macs Street, Peterborough

GLOW Halls Gap
GLOW transforms the town into a winter festival hub over eight weeks. The program includes hundreds of events ranging from live performances and workshops to exhibitions, food experiences and wellbeing activities, with illuminated streets and public spaces forming the centrepiece.
When: 26 June to 31 August
Cost: Free, some ticketed events
Where: Various locations across Halls Gap
Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill's winter program combines two of Ballarat's best-known after-dark attractions. Winter Wonderlights features large-scale projections, light displays and faux snow, while the Aura show uses sound, projection and special effects to tell the story of the Eureka Rebellion in an immersive outdoor experience.
When: Selected evenings throughout July, 7:30pm and 8:30pm sessions for Aura, 10am, 5pm and 8pm sessions for Winter Wonderlights
Cost: From $45 to $199
Where: Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

Ballarat Winter Festival
Running across three weeks, the Ballarat Winter Festival brings together ice skating, pop-up events, live entertainment, food experiences and the popular Hot Choc Showdown.
When: June 27 to July 19
Cost: Free to attend, some ticketed events
Where: Ballarat CBD and surrounding venues
Warrnambool Storytelling Festival
Featuring author talks, live music, workshops, panel discussions and storytelling events across ten days, events range from family-friendly sessions to evenings focused on writing, local history and personal stories.
When: July 3-12
Cost: Free to $65 depending on event
Where: Multiple venues across Warrnambool

DIY Dairy: Butter, Yoghurt and Labneh
Learn the basics of homemade dairy production with Therés from Drakes Fresh Produce. Participants will be guided through making butter, yoghurt and labneh while learning practical techniques that can be replicated at home.
When: July 20, 5:30-7:30pm
Cost: $95
Where: Warrnambool Community Garden
Flagstaff Hill Wool Weekend
This two-day event explores the history and ongoing importance of the wool industry through live demonstrations, sheep displays, fibre crafts and hands-on activities. Visitors can see traditional techniques including blade shearing, spinning, knitting and dyeing.
When: July 11-12, 11am-3pm
Cost: $9.50 to $20.50
Where: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Mosaic Lamp Workshop
Guided by instructors from Art Masterclass, attendees will create their own Turkish candle holder or lamp while learning pattern design, tiling techniques and colour composition. Turkish tea and Turkish delight are included.
When: July 11, sessions at 2pm and 6pm
Cost: $89-$189 depending on the item selected
Where: Colac Bowling Club
Reading this in June? Keep scrolling for our recommendations!
Ballarat Winter Festival

Image: Tourism Midwest Victoria
Ballarat comes alive in the winter. It’s the season the city is famous for, so it’s accordingly transformed with an ice-skating rink in the CBD and a huge range of frosty activities. There’s also a city-wide hot chocolate competition that could warm anyone’s spirits.
When: June 27 - July 29
Where: Ballarat
SENSE-ational Aireys

This event has a bit of everything: wellness seminars, documentary screenings, panels, art workshops, local markets, and many more. It’s a celebration of life and culture in a coastal town that is set to be a feast for the senses.
When: May 29 - June 28
Where: Aireys Inlet
The Covent Daylesford Art Gallery

Image: The Convent
The Convent Daylesford is a delightful obscurity. The former nunnery is surrounded by lush gardens, a gourmet cafe and is now a weaving maze of artwork as a multi-level gallery.
Current exhibitions include the Young at Art Gippsland Collective and Brian Nash, displayed alongside hilltop views of spa country.
When: Until the end of June
Where: Daylesford
Cost: $10 donation
Faulty Towers: The Original Dining Experience

This critically-acclaimed West End production is bringing the shenanigans of Sybil, Basil and Manuel to the West Vic coast this June. About three quarters of the show is improvised, so get ready for a barrel of belly laughs. Bonus: The show comes alongside a three-course dinner.
When: June 6
Where: Mantra Lorne, Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
Cost: $85 - $99
Luke Kidgell - Good Intentions Tour

Viral comedian Luke Kidgell is hitting the Grampians to unleash some of his famous crowd-work and signature comedy. He’s returning from a world tour that saw him perform in Europe, North America and New Zealand.
When: June 6
Where: Hamilton Performing Arts Centre
Cost: $55
Warrnambool Yoga Festival

If you want to dedicate a winter weekend to meditation and a small dose of inner peace, this is the perfect event. Set in an idyllic tourist town, this festival will celebrate all things yoga and good for the soul.
When: June 13 - 14
Where: Emmanuel Centre, 140 Botanic Rd, Warrnambool
Cost: $58 - $120