QBOA hold an annual Opal Festival in Winton, usually the second week of July. The Winton Opal Festival and Trade Show is generally the first on the circuit of Australia’s eastern states trade shows, held in opal producing areas.

This year, a second festival will be held in September, coinciding with the Outback Festival.

The Winton Opal Festival is held along Elderslie Street, between Werna and Oondooroo Streets. The main street is closed to traffic on Saturday the 10th during the daytime, and you will find traders selling rough and cut stones, as well as jewellery pieces, and allied souvenir items. You may also find some surprises!

Trading is open to the public.

The Boulder Opal “Queen of Gems” International Jewellery Design Awards are part of the Opal Festival, held each year and judged just before the Opal Trade Show. Entries are available for viewing by the public on the second day of the festival, at the outstanding Waltzing Matilda Centre.