Festivals & Events

January

Glenlyon Sports Day – Glenlyon

Held on New Year’s Day, The Glenlyon Sports Day continues the tradition that began in 1857. The meeting is one of the last remaining, old fashioned, country sports days in Victoria and offers events ranging from wood chopping, to ladies gumboot throwing. The event is held at the Glenlyon Reserve in a picturesque setting, well shaded by magnificent old oak trees.

March

ChillOut Festival – Daylesford

Spanning the Labour Day long weekend, ChillOut is Australia’s largest and longest running LGBTI regional festival.

Andersons Mill Festival – Smeaton

The venue for this festival is an historic 5 story bluestone mill. This long running festival is a celebration of wonderful local food, wine and live music.

Lost Trades Fair – Kyneton

The fair celebrates artisans and craftspeople who have mastered traditional skills. See coopers, blacksmiths, cane weavers, spoonsmiths, chair makers, whip makers and fletchers creating their goods and wares.

Bullarto Tractor Pull & Vehicle Display – Bullarto

A fantastic community event featuring vintage tractors and beautifully restored vehicles.

Daylesford Polo – Daylesford

More than just a polo experience, Daylesford Polo is a feast for the senses held in a stunning location. All profits from ticket sales are donated to charity and the event takes a sustainable approach in its execution. A range of different ticket options are available to cater for everyone.

May

Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm: Autumn Harvest Festival – Shepards Flat

Celebrate the autumn harvest with tours of the 1860s farmhouse, carriage rides, artisan stalls, music and gourmet food.

Clunes Booktown Festival – Clunes

*2020 event cancelled* A huge book fair in historic Clunes, with over 18,000 people attending. Along with author talks, panel discussions and literary luncheons, festival-goers can: discover the largest collection of rare, out-of-print and collectable books in Australia, go inside heritage buildings, listen to live music, watch street performers, take a horse and cart ride, or sample local food and wine.

June

Woodend Winter Arts Festival – Woodend

*Postponed, date TBA* Over the Queen’s birthday long weekend, this festival brings together acclaimed Australian and international talent with the music, literary and arts community of the stunning Macedon Ranges. The result is a world-class showcase of vibrant, traditional and thought-provoking performances and events.

August

Daylesford Words in Winter Festival – Hepburn Shire & surrounding districts

This annual literary and arts festival is a celebration of words, stories and ideas in all their forms shared by locals and visiting presenters through: readings, poetry, theatre, music, talks, workshops and exhibitions.

September

Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival – Kyneton

In a great proclamation of Spring, daffodils will welcome visitors to Kyneton for one of Victoria’s most colourful festivals. The Daffodil Art Prize and the Art Photography Prize will be exhibited throughout the festival and a host of local galleries and studios will open their doors to display the diverse work and practice of local artists.

A Feast of Music – Daylesford

Set in the beautiful Daylesford Town Hall, the annual ‘A Feast of Music’ stretches over a long weekend and features extraordinary music performances, an orchestral concert and a musical dinner. A true feast for all senses.

October

Everything In Its Right Place – A lo-fi wine festival – Daylesford

Discover new and innovative wines from a variety of producers, from Australia and across the world, at this showcase of small lo-fi wine.

Timeline Festival – Krystal Castle

Embark on a journey back in time with a congregation of over 350 historical re-enactors for three days of medieval showcase events, role-play activities, displays, living history and more.

November

World Circus and Cabaret Festival – Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Set across two beautiful venues, the World Circus and Cabaret Program promises to wow its audience with an overflowing program featuring everything cabaret and with the hottest circus acts around.

Daylesford Agriculture Show – Daylesford

For over 145 years, the Daylesford Agriculture Show has been showcasing the regions equine talent, livestock and produce.

Kyneton Cup – Kyneton

The Kyneton Racecourse is often referred to as the prettiest country racecourse in Victoria, due to the picturesque landscape and the beautiful established elm trees which line the track. Kyneton Cup Day (held the day after Melbourne Cup) forms part of Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival.

December

Daylesford Highland Gathering – Daylesford

Come along and enjoy a wee bit of Scotland. The Daylesford Highland Gathering is held annually on the 1st Saturday of December. The Gathering includes a street march in the main street of Daylesford and then a full day of drumming, piping and dancing at the picturesque Victoria Park; located at the southern entrance of Daylesford.

New Year’s Eve Gala – Daylesford

A fun community event featuring a street parade of colourful, creative floats and a fair including live music, food vans, a kid’s corner and wood chop. The event culminates in midnight fireworks over the lake.