Overview
In 2026, the Bendigo Easter Festival will be held Friday April 3 - Monday April 6.
Commencing in 1871, the Bendigo Easter Festival is one of Australia’s longest-running community events.
Over the Easter long weekend, Bendigo’s beautiful Rosalind Park and surrounding streets will be transformed into a vibrant precinct bursting with family-friendly entertainment, stage shows, hands-on activities, live music, roving performers, an Easter egg hunt and more!
Experience the thrills of Carnival Central, find a treasure at the Rotary Market, and marvel at the extraordinary entertainers wandering through picturesque Rosalind Park.
Dance, drums, Lion teams and 100,000 crackers are all part of the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony, as Bendigo celebrates its Chinese heritage at the Dai Gum San Precinct.
Find your place along the road to cheer on the convoy of illuminated floats in the La Trobe Torchlight Procession, concluding with a spectacular fireworks display over the city on Saturday night.
Thousands of people will line the streets on Easter Sunday to watch the gorgeous display of colour in the Sherridon Homes Gala Parade. Experience the excitement as Bendigo’s newest Dragon Dai Gum Loong (the world’s longest Imperial Dragon!), weaves his way through the historic streetscapes of Bendigo in his first solo parade outing.
The Bendigo Easter Festival is filled with fun and excitement the whole family will enjoy, and after visiting this annual event it is sure to become your family’s Easter tradition!
The Bendigo Easter Festival is proudly brought to you by premium sponsor Fosterville Gold Mine
Note: the main festival precinct and activities will operate from Good Friday - Easter Sunday. Smaller community run events will be held on Easter Monday in various locations within the City.
History of Bendigo Easter Festival
The first Bendigo Easter Fair, as it was known then, was held in 1871 by Messrs. Aspinal and Burnside to raise funds for the Sandhurst Benevolent Asylum and Hospital raising over £1000 for this charitable cause. The fair was considered such a success that it has been held every year since, making it Australia's longest ongoing community festival!
