posted on 29 Apr 26 | by Explore Bendigo

Embrace the Magic of Winter Events in the Bendigo Region

If you're looking for a new winter adventure, the Bendigo Region is for you. Forget hibernation, this vibrant region knows how to embrace the season in style.
Snuggle up by an open fire with a rich glass of local red, step into a winter wonderland of dazzling lights, or rug up and dive into a packed calendar of events and festivals. Whether it's glorious woolly fashion, musical storytelling, or a legendary beer festival, we're turning up the heat when the temperature drops!
So, grab your winter woollies, round up your favourite people, and get ready to visit the Bendigo Region, because winter here is anything but dull!
Here’s a roundup of the best winter events and festivals to enjoy this season.

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Heathcote on Show

6th – 8th June 
Make the most of the King’s Birthday long weekend with a delicious adventure through Heathcote’s wine country for Heathcote on Show. More than 25 wineries, breweries, and distilleries will be rolling out the red carpet with exclusive tastings, new releases, live music, and mouthwatering gourmet food.
Take your time exploring charming boutique cellar doors, relax by a crackling open fire, and meet the passionate winemakers bringing the region’s finest drops to life. Whether you're sipping, savouring, or simply soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, Heathcote is the perfect place to enjoy your long weekend.

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2026 Midstate Mopars

6th - 7th June
Shout out to all the car enthusiasts. The 2026 Midstate Mopars are celebrating their 19th edition of this iconic all‑Chrysler event in Bendigo.  The weekend brings together enthusiasts from across Australia for one of the largest Chrysler gatherings in the Southern Hemisphere. Highlights include a scenic cruise to Castlemaine, a bustling Swap Meet for collectors and restorers, and a relaxed, family‑friendly Show ’n’ Shine set in the heart of Bendigo. From classic muscle to modern Mopars, it’s a must‑see winter event for motoring fans of all ages.

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Keys of Gold

3rd - 26th July
16 incredible concerts. 12 stunning venues. 32 magnificent instruments. 250 world-class performers - wow!
Welcome to Keys of Gold, a month-long classical music festival where history and melody collide in the heart of Central Victoria. This year's event is unlocking the magic of Bendigo’s musical heritage. From historic churches to intimate settings, every performance promises a rich and immersive experience. 

 

Images courtesy of Nic Hamilton Photography

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Electric Wonderland

26th June - 12th July
Winter in Bendigo just got a whole lot brighter! The ever-popular Electric Wonderland is lighting up Rosalind Park once again for the school holidays, and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever.
Wander through interactive pathways, lose yourself in a maze of laser lights, and marvel at thousands of twinkling fairy lights that transform the park into an enchanted dreamscape.
Visitors can expect new innovative light installations including a giant magical snow globe, interactive dance-pads with a fiery finale, projection portals to lose yourself in, an immersive radiant reef of underwater creatures and more.

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Australian Sheep & Wool Show

17th – 19th July 
For three days in July, Bendigo transforms into a haven of woolly wonders, fine food, and top-tier craftsmanship at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.
Celebrate the dedication and skill of Australia’s finest wool growers and prime lamb producers as they showcase their passion for the industry. Stroll through bustling displays featuring the best sheep breeders, shearers, and wool handlers, witnessing first-hand the artistry and hard work behind this iconic trade.
From shearing and wool handling competitions to sheepdog trials and a farmyard nursery full of adorable animals, this event is a must-see celebration of Australia’s best. 

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Women in Wool

17th July
It's time to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women shaping the wool industry. Join us at The Sheep Show’s Women in Wool series, where talent, creativity, and craftsmanship take centre stage.
Enjoy an inspiring Luncheon, shining a spotlight on the incredible women shaping the future of Australian wool, from paddock to product, heritage to innovation. You'll be treated to special guest speakers, hear inspiring stories, see stunning fashion parades showcasing fine wool designs and wearable art. 

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Bendigo on the Hop

29th August
There’s no better way to wrap up winter than with Bendigo’s iconic beer festival, Bendigo on the Hop. This one-of-a-kind event pairs top-notch beer venues with Australia’s best independent brewers, creating a craft beer experience like no other. Gather your beer-loving crew, stroll through Bendigo’s historic streets, and chat with passionate brewers as you sip on exclusive tastings and fresh new releases.
With delicious food, live music, and an unbeatable atmosphere, it’s your chance to embrace winter in the best way possible.