When it rains, Cabin Fever Festival pours

Since 2017, winter in the Margaret River Region no longer exclusively means huddling around the fireplace and staying indoors for warmth. Cabin Fever promises to keep us toasty and tasting as the festival is set to return from 18 to 27 July.

The iconic winter festival delivers a roaring program of nearly 40 events from Busselton to Margaret River and everywhere in between, just the excuse needed to put a pause on the never-ending doona snuggles.

From wine workshops to fireside dinners, bonfires, brews, live music and family-friendly activities, there’s an event for everyone. The region’s hallmark produce is served up in dishes that will warm the body and soul.

Cabin Fever 2023 — It's time to rug up and enjoy Cabin Fever. Image: supplied

Festival Director Erin Molloy said the idea for Cabin Fever was developed to help drive visitors to the region during the winter season.

“Cabin Fever has turned winter down south into a must-do experience, where guests get to see a completely different side to our picturesque region. Bold red wines, stouts and whiskeys by roaring bonfires, raucous music and comfort food Margaret River-style only scratches the surface of what you can expect when you attend.”

“The festival encourages people to embrace winter and get out and explore the region, and those who do so are rewarded with an incredible line-up of food, wine, music and fun.” Ms Molloy said. “The events put forward by venues become more imaginative and fun each year, and this year’s program is no exception. It’s so fun to see the region alive and thriving in the middle of winter with so many activations and events to choose from – it’s a far cry from the winters of hibernation from a decade ago”.

Cabin Fever has turned winter down south into a must-do experience.

Chows Table at Cabin Fever 2023 — Delicious times ahead this winter at Cabin Fever. Photo: supplied

As an example, last year’s Red Hot at Swings & Roundabouts saw the Yallingup winery open in the evening with museum wine tastings around a bonfire and a DJ providing the tunes, and Lenton Brae hosted a scoot booting Bushman’s Ball.

We look forward to the return of some festival favourites such as Shelter the Storm, Blazing Brews at Beerfarm, Wine’s a Drag at Bungalow Social, Food Truck Frenzy, and the Cheese Toastie Battle. Keep an eye out for new events, including a low-fi wine fair with Amato Vino and friends, and a brewery collab dinner at Tuck Shop.

Four years ago, a new pop-up venue was created on the Busselton Foreshore, Shelter at The Cabin, in partnership with Shelter Brewing Co. Touted as the festival’s hub, Shelter at The Cabin will return on 18 to 20 July and be programmed with live music, kids’ activities and adult workshops.

Shelter’s head of marketing, Tom Jockel, said Cabin Fever has grown to be a must-do event in the South West.

“On the lawn in front of the brewery is Shelter at The Cabin which adds an exciting element to the Busselton foreshore precinct and is another great way for Shelter to get involved in the festival, pouring our beers in a pop-up venue that’s programmed with loads of exciting and changing events,” Mr Jockel said.

Shelter Cabin Fever — Check out Shelter at The Cabin, the unofficial festival hub. Photo: Ovis Creative

“In conjunction with Cabin Fever, Shelter hosts a rollicking night of live music and dancing at Shelter the Storm, and we’re excited to be doing it again this year. We’ve also hosted various events upstairs in our function room, from wine education sessions to family-friendly events,” he said.

So, block your diaries in July, put on the puffer, don the beanie and get ready for when fiery feasts, wild music and decadence take over the wilderness of the Margaret River Region this winter.

Tickets go on sale Wed 14 May 2025. More at cabinfeverfest.com.au.