SMOKE ON THE WATER 2026
About
SMOKE on the Water – King’s Birthday Long Weekend Festival📍 Maydale Reserve
Embrace the crisp country air with two day-to-night experiences of fire, flavour and live music at Maydale Reserve.
Locals and visitors are invited to rug up and settle in for a vibrant, sensory-rich weekend set along the scenic Wimmera River. Wander through Horsham’s longest wine bar, showcasing a full complement of local wines, and enjoy it fireside alongside craft gin, mulled wine and boutique beers from producers within 150km of Horsham. Street food vendors will be serving bold, smoky dishes and indulgent desserts all weekend.
By day, explore art and photography displays, the River Walk Sculpture Trail, and a program of hands-on workshops. Families can enjoy treasure hunts, sandpit play, marshmallow toasting by the campfires and hut building.
As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts. Drum fires glow, music carries into the night, and on Saturday evening the spectacular bonfire ignites — marking the moment day turns to night!
Free camping is available all weekend!
Entry via The Cattle Shed — just follow the fires, the rhythm of the music, and the mouth-watering smells in the air.
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FRIDAY – GALA OPENING (7:00pm – 9:00pm)
Begin the weekend with a special evening gala featuring drinks and nibbles alongside an art and photography exhibition by local artists including Leanne Onley, Angela Walker, Sharon Merrett, Joan Goad, Murray Shanaughan, Fiona Tracey and Andrea Cross.
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SATURDAY & SUNDAY PROGRAM
Mornings
• Sunrise Walk & iPhone Photography Workshop – 6:30am (Free)
• Join the Horsham Park Run – 8:00am at Sawyer Park (Saturday)
Workshops (across both days)
• Art therapy
• How to bake
• Flower arranging
• Smoking fish & chicken
(More details to be announced)
All Afternoon
• Street food vendors
• Horsham’s longest wine bar (local wines)
• Craft drinks from regional producers
• Art & photography exhibition
• River Walk Sculpture Trail
• Kids activities & hut building
• Camp oven cooking & slow-cooked meats
• Drum fires and fireside spaces
Live Music
From 12:00 noon each day
• Saturday until 11:00pm
• Sunday until 5:00pm
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SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS
• Bonfire Lighting – 6:00pm
• Special Night Entry – $10 at the gate from 8:00pm
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SUNDAY
• Breakfast available for campers
GET INVOLVED
Entries are now open for the River Walk Sculpture Trail competition. Visit https://maydalereserve.my.canva.site/ for details.
Date
Friday 5th - Sunday 7th of June, 2026Location
Maydale Pavilion
22 McBryde Street, Maydale Reserve, Horsham Vic 3400
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SMOKE ON THE WATER 2026
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