Bendigo's Best Events and Festivals This Autumn

Lost Trades Fair

8th – 10th March
Lost Trades Fair returns this March long weekend! If you admire fine craftsmanship and love watching artisans in action, this event is for you.
Explore the work of over 150 skilled makers, artisans, and tradespeople—many of whom have been mastering their craft for more than 60 years. Enjoy live demonstrations, engage with the experts, ask questions, and take home a beautifully handcrafted piece.
A truly unique and captivating experience, the Lost Trades Fair is one of the most inspiring and authentic events you’ll ever attend.

Heathcote Harvest Festival

9th 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 free, 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!

Meatstock

14th – 15th March 
Prepare for an unforgettable two-day feast where smoky BBQ, electrifying music, and nonstop entertainment collide!
Experience the finest live-fire barbecue experts and pit masters from across the country, all while enjoying an epic line up of live music, thrilling entertainment, and friendly competitions. This is a feast for the senses that you won’t want to miss!

Frida Kahlo: In her own image

15th March – 13th July
Bendigo Art Gallery is excited to present the extraordinary Frida Kahlo: In her own image, a major exhibition and intimate portrayal of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. This exclusive international exhibition has never been seen in Australia before and features Kahlo’s personal belongings, clothing, makeup, accessories, and medical items.

Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival

14th - 16th March 
Viva La Fiesta! Eaglehawk's 52nd Dahlia & Arts Festival is bursting with colour. This year's theme, "Fiesta," celebrates the vibrant stylings of Frida Kahlo and promises a dazzling weekend of festivities.

Friday, March 14th
Dahlia & Arts Fiesta Launch Party (6:00 PM) @ Muioof Hall

Saturday, March 15th
Festival of Friendship (Canterbury Gardens) - Immerse yourself in a global feast of flavours, music, and dance.
School Relays - Cheer on our young athletes as they sprint down the street.
EUFS Pharmacies Gala Parade (High St) - Witness a dazzling display of creativity and community spirit with incredible handmade floats and unique vehicles.

Sunday, March 16th
FREE Family Fun Day (Canterbury Park) - An unforgettable day of fun for the whole family with tons of exciting activities.

Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival

5th April 
Attention, wine lovers! The Strategem 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!

Bendigo Easter Festival

18th – 20th April
A beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike, Bendigo Easter Festival is proudly brought you by Fosterville Gold Mine.
Enjoy a spectacular weekend of family-friendly fun over the Easter long weekend, where Rosalind Park and the surrounding streets will transform into a lively hub of entertainment, featuring:
🐰 A massive Easter Egg Hunt with 85,000 eggs on Good Friday
🎡 Carnival Central, the Rotary Market, live music & hands-on activities
🐉 The mesmerizing Awakening of the Dragon & La Trobe University Torchlight Procession - Commemorating the service of Rod Fyffe OAM
🎆 A dazzling fireworks display over the city
🐲 The iconic Sherridon Homes Gala Parade on Easter Sunday, starring Dai Gum Loong, the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, weaving through Bendigo’s historic streets.
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration!

Australian Street Rod Federation Nationals

19th - 20th April 
Calling all car enthusiasts! The 26th Australian Street Rod Federation Nationals will be held at Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo. The Showgrounds will be buzzing with street rods and customs, along with live bands, a food court, trade stands, kid's activities, model car displays, merchandise stand and more.

The O’Keefe Challenge

2nd – 4th May 
If you love running or cycling, The O’Keefe Challenge is your chance to take on the stunning O’Keefe Rail Trail, stretching from Heathcote to Bendigo.
Wind your way through scenic bushland, open fields, farmlands, and past Lake Eppalock as you choose your challenge:
🚴 Light the Trail Night Ride
🏃 Marathon (42.2km) & Half Marathon (21.1km)
👟 Ekiden & Mini-Eki Relays, 10km Fun Run & 5km Run/Walk Against Dementia
🏅 1.5km Quiz Walk, 1km Kids Dash and 500m Superhero Dash events
No matter your pace or distance, there’s a challenge for everyone. Are you in?

Illumin8 Festival of Light & Peace

18 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 – don’t miss out!

Heathcote on Show

7th – 9th 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.