This year, Nightide takes its cue from the darkness below with Creatures of the Deep: Leviathans Awake — a theme that channels the ancient pull of the sea, where myth, menace and mystery drift just beneath the surface. Set against the winter solstice, it is a world of black water, firelight and strange beauty, where on the longest night of the year Queenscliff becomes the stage for a dark ritual of spectacle and atmosphere, drawing the creatures of the deep to the surface before returning them to the darkness.

Spanning three days, Nightide unfolds through a series of distinct experiences across the weekend. From a unique and avant-garde fringe event on Friday night, to the bold ritual of the Frostbite Nude Swim at dawn on Saturday, through to the themed Solstice Feast later that day and the festival’s main winter solstice celebration on Saturday night including activations, live music, fire burn, bars, food trucks and fireworks. On Sunday, Nightide shifts once again with a free family event that opens the festival to a lighter, more playful side.

We’re still revealing what’s to come. Subscribe now to be first to hear about ticket releases, program updates and everything still to emerge from the depths.