Join us in Portland on 31 October 2026 for the Upwelling Festival, a free community celebration of our incredible coastline, local talent and the unique Bonney Coast Upwelling.

This year’s theme, Marine Ecology, celebrates the amazing marine life and ecosystems that make our stretch of coast so special. The Bonney Upwelling brings nutrient-rich waters to the surface, attracting an abundance of marine life, including blue whales, seals, seabirds, squid and tuna.

There’s plenty to see and do throughout the day! Start with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet and a free community BBQ breakfast, followed by the colourful street parade featuring local schools, community groups, the Portland Brass Band and Gunditjmara dancers. Explore more than 130 market stalls, enjoy community art projects and kids’ activities, and catch the spectacular Flying Flamingoes performing by the water.

You can also discover more about our incredible marine environment through the Marine Environment Talks, featuring leading ocean and whale experts, and explore a special exhibition celebrating Portland’s coast at the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre.

The excitement continues all weekend with the 3 Bays Running Festival, taking place on 31 October and 1 November. With scenic coastal trails, road races and distances to suit a range of runners, it’s another great way to experience Portland’s spectacular coastline.

Best of all, entry to the Upwelling Festival is free! Come along, explore, enjoy the entertainment and celebrate the magic of the Bonney Upwelling. 

Start the day with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet and a free breakfast provided by the Rotary Club of Portland Bay and Portland Lions Club.

Enjoy a colourful procession featuring the Portland Brass Band, local schools, community groups and Gunditjmara Koondoom Yarkeen Karweeyn dancers.

Following the parade, join us for 1000 Voices - Call to the Sea, a special Upwelling Festival tradition honouring the ocean and the incredible creatures that call it home. Led by Les Horovitz, Tony Burgess and Karen Meredith, this moving tribute will be followed by a Welcome to Country delivered by Gunditjmara woman Aunty Claudette Lovett, and a beautiful welcoming dance by the Koondoom Yarkeen Karweeyn dance group.

The live music program begins with Michael Ferguson.

Catch the Flying Flamingoes performing by the water. They are also playing at 1pm and 2.30pm.

12:00 pm - Portland Coastal Linedancers

12:30 pm - Danz X-Tension

1:00 pm - Erne Miles & Elenna

2:00 pm - Portland Irish Group

3:00 pm - Stage Fright

Flying Flamingoes- 11.30pm, 1pm & 2.30pm

Lawn Stage

11:00 am - Michael Ferguson

12:00 pm - Jayden Lillyist

1:00 pm - Indie Soup

2:00 pm - Southern Ocean Sea Band

3:00 pm - Tin Shed Singers - sea shanties

4:00 pm - SNEEZE - Battle of the Jams winners

At the Portland Visitors Centre, hear from oceanographer Jochen Kaempf, Sea Country Manager Mandy Watson and Blue Whale Study CEO Dr Pete Gill. Discover more about coastal upwellings, whale conservation and the blue whales that feed in the Bonney Upwelling.

Explore more than 130 market stalls, take part in the Bonney Walk treasure hunt for children aged 5–14, enjoy free face painting and mural painting, and discover the Foreshore Banner Project featuring artwork from 13 local and regional schools.

Visit the special exhibition exploring Portland’s coastline and the Bonney Upwelling, featuring marine science and sea-inspired art.