About
“Remote outback towns, singalongs over a beer, friendly folk and sublime arias sung by top artists under the stars. There’s nothing else like it.” Australian Financial Review.
Join thousands of music lovers from around Australia and the world who make the annual pilgrimage to the outback to experience majestic voices and big skies in beautiful harmony.
This is the Festival of Outback Opera.
Unlike any other music event you have experienced. It’s more than a festival, it’s a journey. The Festival of Outback Opera delivers a series of outdoor concerts in iconic locations set on a backdrop of sublime sunsets and scenery like you have never encountered. Frock up for the Gala or join us in the pub for a casual singalong. Gather under the stars for Dark Sky Serenade or enjoy an afternoon of beautiful voices and delicious local food at the Long Lunch.
A flexible itinerary allows you to immerse yourself for a long weekend or give in to the full week of activities. This is song and scenery on a grand scale. And while the space is vast, the feeling is intimate, leaving you with a smile on your face and a bounty of new friendships.
It’s an experience the city cannot match. Start making your plans today to attend the Festival of Outback Opera 2026, returning to Winton and Longreach from 19 – 24 May 2026. The program will be announced early September and as with previous years, the festival will sell out quickly.
Program 2026
Festival Opening: Ceremony, Recital and Movie – Winton
Tuesday 19 May 2026 6:00pm
The Dawn Chorus – Birdwatching Tour – Winton
Wednesday 20 May 2026 7:00am
Music Trivia – Winton
Wednesday 20 May 2026 3:00pm
All Together Now! – Winton
Wednesday 20 May 2026 6:30pm
Cultural Conversation – Winton
Thursday 21 May 2026 12:00pm
Dark Sky Serenade – Winton
Thursday 21 May 2026 5:30pm
The Dawn Chorus – Birdwatching Tour – Winton
Friday 22 May 2026 7:00am
Long Lunch – Longreach
Friday 22 May 2026 11:30am
The Adventures of Figaro – Winton
Friday 22 May 2026 12:00pm
The Sundowner – Winton
Friday 22 May 2026 5:00pm
Singing in the Night – Longreach
Saturday 23 May 2026 5:30pm
Sing Sing Sing – Longreach
Sunday 24 May 2026 10.30am
Opera Ball – Longreach
Sunday 24 May 2026 6:00pm
The Adventures of Figaro – Longreach
Monday 25 May 2026 10:00am
The Festival of Outback Opera is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Tourism and Events Queensland, the Outback Queensland Tourism Association and Haymans Electrical.
Opera Queensland acknowledges and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land and seas where we live and perform.
We acknowledge and respect the knowledge, cultures, languages, songs and dances they have created and shared for at least 65,000 years.
Our commitment is to listen and walk respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities, to celebrate the stories and songs of this place and its First Peoples.