Bendigo is a vibrant contemporary regional centre, boasting beautiful streets created from one of the world’s greatest gold rushes. Every visit will reveal new surprises and experiences.
Castlemaine boasts a remarkable community of artists, writers, actors and designers, who offer a host of galleries, theatres, festivals, bookshops and boutiques. It’s a theme that runs through nearby Maldon, Newstead and Harcourt.
Rich in history and opportunity... today’s visitors come to Maryborough and the surrounding villages for many reasons. Many come to wander through the lovely box-ironbark forests with their wildflowers, birds and superb display of Wattle in the spring. Others come to research family history and discover a connection to the Victorian gold rush, or to visit nearby wineries or explore markets, galleries and museums.
Take a deep breath… and travel along the meandering roads of the Loddon Valley. They start at untouched historic villages, weave their way up to spectacular views on granite strewn hilltops, through ancient forests, and then alongside wide flowing rivers and vast wetlands.
One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries presenting innovative exhibitions alongside a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events. Our collection is extensive, with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800's, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art.
Bendigo Venues and Events nurtures, develops, presents and celebrates performing arts and culture for Bendigo and central Victorian communities.
...as the region comes alive with vibrant events and festivals set against a backdrop of stunning autumn leaves. The change in seasons makes for a picturesque setting for you to enjoy a great range of events and festivals, live music, entertainment and indulging in seasonal food and wine. Whether you’re after a family friendly weekend, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Bendigo offers something for everyone. With a lively atmosphere and plenty to see and do, autumn in the Bendigo region is a season not to be missed!
8 March
Celebrate the beginning of autumn and the harvest season in the Heathcote region at the Heathcote Harvest Festival at Barrack Reserve, Heathcote.
Enjoy a fantastic evening filled with twilight markets, local wine, craft beer, and spirits, delicious food trucks, kids' entertainment, and live music.
This family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to gather your loved ones, bring along your picnic blankets and chairs, and soak up a wonderful night out!
3 March – 29 November
The Brickman is returning to his hometown Bendigo, bringing with him a great Lego brick exhibition all about Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and more!
Embark on an extraordinary journey of curiosity, creativity, and discovery with the groundbreaking exhibition CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks. This exhibition is a collaboration between Bendigo Art Gallery and Discovery Science & Technology Centre.
Designed and created by one of the world’s leading LEGO brick artists and only LEGO Certified Professional (LCP) in the southern hemisphere, Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught and his team.
Click here for more info and tickets.
8 March
Get ready to feast riverside as the Flavours of Loddon Food Truck Festival returns to Bridgewater on Loddon Sunday, 8 March. With vibrant food trucks, local wineries & breweries, and live entertainment right on the water’s edge, it is the perfect day out for friends, families and anyone who loves great food in a beautiful setting. Bring your appetite and enjoy the best of the Loddon Valley!
14 March
Red Hot Summer tour 2026 is turning up the heat with a scorching all-Australian line-up. This epic day of live music will be headlined by our most iconic and enduring singer/songwriter, Paul Kelly – a master storyteller whose music is woven into the fabric of modern Australia.
He’ll be joined by an incredible line-up of much-loved favourites, including Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, and Jess Hitchcock – making for an unforgettable celebration of homegrown talent.
Click here for more info.
20-22 March
Eaglehawk will come alive with a harvest themed 53nd Dahlia & Arts Festival!
A vibrant celebration, this year’s events will include the Gala Street Parade, displays of spectacular Dahlia flowers, the Schools Relay race, art shows, the Eaglebald Portrait Prize, Harvest Scarecrow Competition, Canterbury Park Gala Fair & Market, free Sunday family day and more.
Click here for more info.
14 March
The Melbourne Mavericks are bringing the excitement of Super Netball to Bendigo, and we’re kicking off the season in style! Join us at Red Energy Arena for our blockbuster season opener against the Giants, a clash packed with energy, intensity and storylines you won’t want to miss.
3-6 April
A beloved tradition for both locals and visitors, the Bendigo Easter Festival is proudly presented by Fosterville Gold Mine. Over the Easter long weekend, Rosalind Park and the surrounding streets will come alive with family-friendly fun and vibrant entertainment. The festival features a massive Easter Egg Hunt with more than 100,000 eggs on Good Friday, along with Carnival Central, the Rotary Market, live music and a range of hands-on activities. Crowds will be captivated by the Awakening of the Dragon and the La Trobe University Torchlight Procession, followed by a dazzling fireworks display over the city. On Easter Sunday, the iconic Sherridon Homes Gala Parade will take centre stage, starring Dai Gum Loong, the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, as it weaves through Bendigo’s historic streets.
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration.
Click here for more info.
2 May
Head to The Great Stupa for Illumin8, a breathtaking celebration of peace and harmony inspired by Buddha’s life.
This family-friendly event features stunning light installations, interactive sculptures, cultural performances, and live entertainment. Enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food stalls, take part in Buddhist ceremonies, and experience Burning the Bad, a ritual to release negativity and start fresh. Wander through the Peace Park, be amazed by the performers, and capture the moment with a selfie in front of the illuminated Stupa.
Tickets sell fast, so don’t miss out!
2 May
Attention, wine lovers! The Strategem Grape Day Out, previously known as the Bendigo Winemakers Festival, is back in the heart of Bendigo, celebrating the region’s outstanding wines, the passionate winemakers behind them, and another successful vintage.
Enjoy a day filled with 80+ wines to taste, delicious food, lively entertainment, exciting competitions, and live music.
Sip, savour, and soak up the festive atmosphere, this is a wine experience you won’t want to miss!
29-31 May
To mark its 45th anniversary, the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra presents a bold and unprecedented musical event: a three-day Beethoven Festival, uniting four orchestras to perform the complete symphonic cycle of Ludwig van Beethoven.
6-8 June
Celebrate the King’s Birthday long weekend by exploring the Heathcote region, where more than 25 wineries, breweries, and distilleries will be offering exclusive tastings, new releases, live music, and gourmet food.
Hop on a bus and visit charming boutique cellar doors, unwind by a cosy open fire, meet the passionate winemakers, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
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The City of Greater Bendigo acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands across Bendigo.
We acknowledge and pay respect to their Elders past present and emerging.
