What’s On This Spring?
Nature & Parks
Music Festivals, Open Gardens and Much More!
This year’s spring calendar is looking busier than ever. Here are just a few of the key events and happenings to help you decide when to book in your weekend away with us. In fact, you might need at least a couple of weekends to enjoy the best of what’s on offer!
Bendigo Annual Tulip Display Mid-September to Mid-October. More than 40,000 tulips make for a magnificent display of colour in Bendigo’s Pall Mall and Conservatory Gardens in the heart of the city. Bendigo is just a 30-minute drive or 20-minute train ride from Castlemaine, so make a day of it and explore the city’s Goldfields-era architecture, laneways and renowned art gallery.
Run the Maine, September 27. Test your fitness level in this popular healthy and family-friendly event, held since 2009. Choose a half-marathon (21 km), 10 km or 5 km run, and also enjoy views of Castlemaine’s woodlands, bush and beautiful Botanical Garden while you’re at it!
Zinda Festival, Bendigo, October 12. A vibrant multicultural festival at Bendigo’s Garden of the Future. Celebrating the music, dance, food and cultures that have contributed to regional Victoria’s diversity. It’s a fun day out for the whole family
Maldon and Baringhup Agricultural Show, October 20. Old-fashioned family fun galore at this evet, with jumping castles, puppet shows and facepainting for the kids plus dog, fleece, horses, cattle, and cooking competitions and events.
Newstead Young Writers’ Festival, October 20. Encourage your child’s storytelling talent and sign them up for the first Newstead Young Writers Festival. Professional storytellers in attendance include award-wining writers John Marsden, Andy Jackson, and Carmel Bird. There’ll be workshops, mentoring, author talks and more
Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition October 20 to December 8. Enjoy a special outing with a visit to this magnificent Sutton Grange property where the works of 15 sculptors are on display in the extensive gardens. Explore rose gardens, rockeries, Australian natives, stunning views, and stay for morning or afternoon tea or a light lunch. Weekends only.
Maldon Folk Festival November 1 – 4. More than 50 years’ young, this year’s family-friendly festival will feature folk, bluegrass, jazz and blues plus workshops and dance at venues around the National Trust-classified historic town.
Castlemaine Festival of Gardens, November 2 -10. This hugely popular garden festival happens every second year and draws visitors from across the state. Explore 24 town and country gardens in Castlemaine and the surrounding region, including a purpose-built accessible garden, sculpture gardens and grand country gardens.
Town Folk Festival November 16. This is a big one! A one-day, family-friendly celebration of diverse and exciting folk music across four stages all a short walk from each other in the heart of Castlemaine. The stellar line-up includes The Teskey Brothers, Marlon Williams, Ngaiire and A. Savage along with outstanding local talent.
Traditional Arts Fair November 17, Buda House, Castlemaine. Offering a wonderful day for the whole family, this event at historic Buda House features traditional arts, cooking, gardening, metalwork and old-fashioned crafts along with gourmet food, music and plenty of activities for the children as well as a magnificent spring garden setting.
36th Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show November 23 - 24. If you love trucks you’ll love this! Expect more than 200 trucks on show for judging along with live music, entertainment, and kids’ activities.
Castlemaine Artists’ Market, Fourth Sunday of the month, 10 am – 2pm at Western Reserve, Forrest Street. Another fun day out for all the family. Forty-plus stallholders featuring a huge array of arts, crafts and clothing, plus food trucks, music and more. G et some early Christmas shopping sorted!
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Don’t forget – we’re just a 40-minute drive from the charms of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Take the back roads for a scenic drive and perhaps a detour to a winery or two, and enjoy a spot of shopping and a leisurely lunch.
For more details, visit the website and social pages of individual events or go to the Castlemaine Maldon & Surrounds website.
Run the Maine, September 27. Test your fitness level in this popular healthy and family-friendly event, held since 2009. Choose a half-marathon (21 km), 10 km or 5 km run, and also enjoy views of Castlemaine’s woodlands, bush and beautiful Botanical Garden while you’re at it!
Zinda Festival, Bendigo, October 12. A vibrant multicultural festival at Bendigo’s Garden of the Future. Celebrating the music, dance, food and cultures that have contributed to regional Victoria’s diversity. It’s a fun day out for the whole family
Maldon and Baringhup Agricultural Show, October 20. Old-fashioned family fun galore at this evet, with jumping castles, puppet shows and facepainting for the kids plus dog, fleece, horses, cattle, and cooking competitions and events.
Newstead Young Writers’ Festival, October 20. Encourage your child’s storytelling talent and sign them up for the first Newstead Young Writers Festival. Professional storytellers in attendance include award-wining writers John Marsden, Andy Jackson, and Carmel Bird. There’ll be workshops, mentoring, author talks and more
Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition October 20 to December 8. Enjoy a special outing with a visit to this magnificent Sutton Grange property where the works of 15 sculptors are on display in the extensive gardens. Explore rose gardens, rockeries, Australian natives, stunning views, and stay for morning or afternoon tea or a light lunch. Weekends only.
Maldon Folk Festival November 1 – 4. More than 50 years’ young, this year’s family-friendly festival will feature folk, bluegrass, jazz and blues plus workshops and dance at venues around the National Trust-classified historic town.
Castlemaine Festival of Gardens, November 2 -10. This hugely popular garden festival happens every second year and draws visitors from across the state. Explore 24 town and country gardens in Castlemaine and the surrounding region, including a purpose-built accessible garden, sculpture gardens and grand country gardens.
Town Folk Festival November 16. This is a big one! A one-day, family-friendly celebration of diverse and exciting folk music across four stages all a short walk from each other in the heart of Castlemaine. The stellar line-up includes The Teskey Brothers, Marlon Williams, Ngaiire and A. Savage along with outstanding local talent.
Traditional Arts Fair November 17, Buda House, Castlemaine. Offering a wonderful day for the whole family, this event at historic Buda House features traditional arts, cooking, gardening, metalwork and old-fashioned crafts along with gourmet food, music and plenty of activities for the children as well as a magnificent spring garden setting.
36th Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show November 23 - 24. If you love trucks you’ll love this! Expect more than 200 trucks on show for judging along with live music, entertainment, and kids’ activities.
Castlemaine Artists’ Market, Fourth Sunday of the month, 10 am – 2pm at Western Reserve, Forrest Street. Another fun day out for all the family. Forty-plus stallholders featuring a huge array of arts, crafts and clothing, plus food trucks, music and more. G et some early Christmas shopping sorted!
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Don’t forget – we’re just a 40-minute drive from the charms of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Take the back roads for a scenic drive and perhaps a detour to a winery or two, and enjoy a spot of shopping and a leisurely lunch.
For more details, visit the website and social pages of individual events or go to the Castlemaine Maldon & Surrounds website.
