Festivals, Fairs, the Castlemaine Show, Art and More.
It’s Fun For All This Spring.
Castlemaine during spring and early summer is its best. The creative spirit of Castlemaine and Central Victoria spills over with a packed events and festivals calendar, the town’s gardens and parks are a glorious riot of colour, markets have an abundance of produce and the longer days and warmer weather are ideal for exploring and time outdoors.
Here are just some of the events scheduled for the next few months to help you decide when to book your getaway with us.
Waaman Guided Tour – monthly. Join Uncle Rick Nelson on the first Saturday of each month for a memorable two-hour tour of Djaara Country, visiting significant sites selected by Uncle Rick. Learn about ancient traditions, hear rich stories and connect with the land and living culture. Tours depart via bus from the Castlemaine Market Building at 10 am. Book through waamantours.com.au
Run the Maine September 25. 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 October4. View the inspiring mix of painting, sculpture, textile and photography from 170 local and regional artists across a range of mediums at this exhibition, which highlights the range and diversity of the local arts community. Open daily.
20th Guildford Banjo Jamboree October 2 – 4. A weekend celebration of the arts, culture and especially the banjo that will feature American string band music, Klezmer Jazz and contemporary genres, with workshops and community jam sessions.
Newstead Young Writers Festival, October 11. This is a day that’s all about ideas, creativity and weaving a good yarn for aspiring school-age writers and their families, under the guidance of 20 professional authors, illustrators and storytellers.
Maldon Folk Festival October 30 – November 2. The 51st Maldon Folk Festival l will feature folk, Celtic, bluegrass and some jazz and blues from local, Australian and overseas performers plus workshops and dance at venues around the National Trust-classified historic town. It’s a family-friendly and accessible event offering events and music for all age groups.
Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens October 24 – November 3. This popular biennial event attracts garden and nature lovers from around the State, and for good reason. Twenty gardens are open this year and include grand country gardens, verge gardens, sculpture gardens and town gardens. The festival’s theme, The Solace of Gardening, reminds us that gardening offers a peaceful, calming and rewarding refuge.
Castlemaine & District Agricultural Show October 20 (evening) and October 31. An authentic country fair and show with livestock judging, shearing, wool spinning, blacksmithing, a craft and produce pavilion and judging, opportunities for children to meet ponies, lambs and goats, rides and food. A great day out for everyone!
Town Folk Festival, November 21, Castlemaine. It’s not surprising that tickets for this stunning one-day festival, featuring a stellar lineup of international and Australian musicians, have sold out. It’s still worth a visit to Castlemaine that weekend just to soak up the powerful festival vibes.
Buda House & Garden Traditional Arts Fair, November 2, Castlemaine. It’s a day of colour, crafts and creativity at Buda Historic Home and Garden’s popular annual traditional arts fair. The event showcases traditional arts, cooking and gardening with stalls and demonstrations. With plenty of food, including a gourmet BBQ, and engaging children’s activities it’s a fun day out for all ages.
38th Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show November 28 – 29. 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.
Other
Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition (a permanent cultural exhibition). This fascinating and informative exhibition at the Market Building in the heart of Castlemaine is a must-do. Embark on a journey of interactive learning about Djaara country and culture, experience a virtual “Welcome to Country” ceremony and learn about bush foods, medicine, waterways and weavings.
Castlemaine Artists’ Market September 27, October 25, November 22, December 11. More than 60 local and regional artists and makers showcase their work at this monthly event, held at Western Reserve, Forest Street, in the centre of Castlemaine from 10 am to 2 pm. Browse jewellery, ceramics, prints, designer clothing, leather goods, woodwork and more. Enjoy chats with artists and makers, quality coffee and offerings from excellent food trucks. There is always fun for the kids as well.
