Overview
The Goldfields boasts a rich calendar of festivals and events. From music, wine and dancing to food, antiques and sport, there's something to see and do all year round.
Summer celebrations
Ring in the new year and kick up your heels at the Maryborough Highland Games, a New Year's Day fixture for more than 160 years. Pack up your family or get a group of friends together over the summer months for free or low-cost Summer in the Parks events, including outdoor entertainment, live music from local acts and community activities.
Autumn magic
At Easter, see Sun Loong the Chinese dragon parade through the streets of Bendigo for the annual four-day Bendigo Easter Festival, Australia's longest running cultural festival. Enjoy a local drop at Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival in historic Rosalind Park, or sample favourite brews at Bendigo Craft Beer and Cider Festival. For more food and wine fun, check out the Pyrenees Unearthed Wine and Food Festival, or soak up the sunshine at the annual Ballarat Begonia Festival. Every other year, head to Castlemaine State Festival, a fabulous regional arts festival with exhibitions, performances and more.
Winter warmers
Sample winter delights with a season of farmers markets, festivals and literary events. Don't miss the twinkling lights, markets and family-friendly entertainment at Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill, June to July. Time your holiday for the food, wine and entertainment at Heathcote on Show and the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival, or immerse yourself in a world of books and writing at Bendigo Writers Festival.
Springtime follies
In October, tour Bendigo's heritage buildings while enjoying offerings from local restaurants at Bendigo Heritage Uncorked. Then step into spring at the Maldon Folk Festival, a four-day musical extravaganza featuring some of the country's finest folk artists. Don't forget to while the day away at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, which runs every second year and celebrates photographic art in all its forms.
