Looking for something fun, educational, tasty and family-friendly to do this Labour Day weekend in 2025? A quirky garlic festival will be taking over the small regional Victorian town of Korumburra on March 8 and if it's anything like previous annual editions, it's going to be a glorious (albeit pungent) day out.
The South Gippsland Garlic Festival, formerly the Meeniyan Garlic Festival, is back. It's Victoria's largest celebration of Aussie garlic and a great excuse to learn more about this long-prized culinary stalwart and fill a basket with some of Gippsland’s best produce.
Predicted to bring over two tonnes of garlic to the people from different growers from across Victoria, the aromatic festival will take place from 9am to 6pm at the Korumburrra Showgrounds on Saturday, March 8. There'll be about 80 stallholders this year, plus lots of live entertainment and fun kids' activities to fill out the day. Of course, Bluey will be there.
Adults will want to check out the festival bar, which showcases celebrated Gippsland winemakers brewers, and distilleries - including Fleet Wines, Gurneys Cider, Burra Brewing and more. Meanwhile over at the kitchen, former Masterchef contestant Simon Toohey, Gippsland Food and Beverage ambassador Alejandro Saravia, and local chefs like Jodie Odrowaz and Michael Clark (Messmates) will be making an appearance to deliver expert cooking demonstrations.
But it doesn’t stop at the festival grounds! Yep, the entire town of Korumburra will join in the celebrations, with pubs, cafes, breweries and bakeries offering up their own unique Aussie garlic creations and products on the day.
Entry into the festival is $15 for adults with kids' entry only $5 and family discounts available, too. The event is dog-friendly, but vampires may want to steer clear.
Side note: if you're thinking about making the most of the long weekend and staying in Gippsland for a bit longer, why not head to the Thorpdale Potato Festival the next day? Weekends never felt (or smelt) so wholesome.