Central Victoria

Central Victoria is a vibrant and festive region that boasts a diverse and rich cultural heritage. Home to a variety of multicultural festivals, community gatherings, and sporting events, the region provides ample opportunities for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the celebrations.

Here are some of the nationally or globally recognized annual events that people can observe in and around Central Victoria:

1. Bendigo Easter Festival: The Bendigo Easter Festival takes place every year over the Easter long weekend. It's a family-friendly event that features a range of activities, including live music performances, parades, street food vendors, and carnival rides. The highlight of the festival is the torchlight procession that winds its way through Bendigo's streets on Good Friday.

2. Castlemaine State Festival: The Castlemaine State Festival is a biennial event that showcases the best of local and international art and culture. The festival attracts artists and performers from around the world and offers everything from theatre, dance, and music performances, to exhibitions, workshops, and literary events.

3. Maryborough Highland Gathering: The Maryborough Highland Gathering is an annual event that takes place on New Year's Day in Maryborough. The event features traditional Scottish Highland games, such as caber tossing and tug-of-war, as well as traditional pipe band competitions.

4. Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival: The Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival is a popular music festival that takes place every November in Bendigo. The festival brings together some of the best blues and roots musicians from around the world and offers a range of performances, workshops, and jam sessions.

5. Bendigo Writers Festival: The Bendigo Writers Festival is an annual event that takes place in August and brings together some of the country's top writers and literary figures. The festival offers a range of workshops, panel discussions, and readings, and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

6. Bendigo Art Gallery Exhibitions: The Bendigo Art Gallery is a popular destination for art lovers throughout the region, with regular exhibitions that showcase local and international artists. Notable past exhibitions have included works by Salvador Dali, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe.

7. Bendigo Antique Fair: The Bendigo Antique Fair is an annual event that takes place in June and offers a wide range of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items. The fair attracts dealers and collectors from around the country and is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history and vintage objects.

8. Bendigo Cup: The Bendigo Cup is one of the biggest horse racing events in the region and takes place every October. The cup features a range of races, including the Bendigo Cup itself, and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

9. Woodend Winter Arts Festival: The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is an annual event that takes place in June and offers a range of music, theatre, and dance performances, as well as art exhibitions and literary events. The festival is a celebration of the arts and attracts visitors from across the country.

10. Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival: The Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival is an annual event that takes place in September and celebrates the arrival of spring. The festival features a range of activities, including music performances, art exhibitions, and flower shows. The festival's highlight is the display of more than 20,000 daffodils in Kyneton's botanical gardens.

These are just a few of the nationally or globally recognized annual events that people can observe in and around Central Victoria. With such a rich and diverse cultural scene, there's always something happening in the region, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience Australia's vibrant cultural heritage.