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 35-minute drive or 20-minute train ride from Castlemaine, so make a day of it and explore the city’s Goldfields-era architecture, hidden laneways and renowned art gallery.

Run the Maine, September 26. Test your fitness level in this popular healthy and family-friendly event, held since 2009. Choose a half-marathon (21 km), a 10 km or a 5 km run/walk, and take in views of Castlemaine’s woodlands, bush and beautiful Botanical Gardens while you’re at it! The event raises funds for Castlemaine’s health service.

Castlemaine Market Building Art Exhibition to October 5. View the works of more than 100 regional artists across a range of mediums at this exhibition, which highlights the range and diversity of the local arts community. Open daily.

Zinda Festival, Bendigo, October 11. 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 great day out for the whole family

Maldon and Baringhup Agricultural Show, October 19. Old-fashioned family fun galore at this event at the Madon Showgrounds, with jumping castles, puppet shows and facepainting for the kids plus dog, fleece, horses, cattle, and cooking competition events.

Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition November 1 to December 7, weekends only. Enjoy a special outing with a visit to this magnificent 40-hectare Sutton Grange property where the works of Victorian, NSW and South Australian 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.

Maldon Folk Festival October 31 – November 3.  More than 50 years’ young, this year’s family-friendly and accessible festival will feature folk, bluegrass, jazz and blues from local, Australian and overseas performers plus workshops and dance at venues around the National Trust-classified historic town.

Town Folk Festival November 15. 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. This year’s stellar line-up includes Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory, King Stingray, the Pigram Brothers, Jazzparty, Witch and many more

Traditional Arts Fair November 17, Buda House, Castlemaine. Another favourite. 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. 

36^th Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show November 29 - 30. If you love trucks (and loads of family fun) you’ll love this! Expect more than 200 trucks on show for judging along with live music, entertainment, and kids’ activities.

Castlemaine Guided Walking Tours Saturdays at 2 pm throughout spring.  Explore the central streets of Castlemaine and sites of significance with a local history expert on a one-hour walk through town. Tickets are $5 and are available from the Visitors’ Centre in Mostyn Street, which is also the starting point for the walks.

Castlemaine Artists’ Market, Fourth Sunday of the month, 10 am – 2pm at Western Reserve, Forrest Street. Another fun day out for all the family. Dozens of stallholders featuring their creative works including art, crafts, sculpture, clothing, garden art, jewelry plus food trucks, music and more. Get some early Christmas shopping sorted!

Newstead Community Market, September 20 and November 16. Explore the lovely village of Newstead, just a 15-minute drive from Castlemaine, and take in the quarterly community market under the shade of beautiful old gum trees. Trash n’ treasure, garden-fresh fruit and vegetables, friendly locals – it makes for a lovely morning out in the country.

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.