Amphibians, reptiles, birds and marsupials have taken over the grassed area near Bendigo Creek.

Crews are also erecting a stage at Charing Cross (the corner of View Street and Pall Mall).

Wires and cables that will help light up Bendigo can be seen strung between trees to help keep them away from the thousands of feet that will visit the park on Saturday night.

When people walk down View Street and Pall Mall in Bendigo on Saturday night, they may not know which way to look. 

City of Greater Bendigo tourism and major events manager Terry Karamaloudis said there was an air of anticipation around Bendigo.

“There is excitement around the city as we await the flicking of the switch to turn on the inaugural Bendigo White Night event,” he said.

“We have been planning for a crowd of 40,000 people (between) 7pm Saturday and 2am Sunday.

“White Night Bendigo is another opportunity to showcase the many heritage assets that we love so much in Bendigo.”

EARLIER: When people walk down View Street and Pall Mall in Bendigo on Saturday night, they may not know which way to look. 

White Night Bendigo will kick off from 7pm with more than 50 projections, art installations, performances, exhibitions and films on display through the CBD.

One of the most popular light installations is sure to the interactive White Night sign in Mitchell Street.

Heading down Mitchell Street to View Point, there will be a number Bendigo stories being told including The Fortuna Villa Story by local designer Robert Parsons.

Showing on the side of the T&G Mutual Building (31 View Street) the work is based on chilling official reports by the Army Survey Regiment and old ghost tales from the surrounding area.

Music will take centre stage on the corner of View Street and Pall Mall with Bendigo bands Jack and the Kids (10pm) and The Sherri Parry Band (7pm) performing alongside Castlemaine acts KIAN (midnight) and Eliza Hull (9pm), and Macedon Ranges performer Pat Devlin (8pm).

Along Pall Mall, the Soldiers Memorial Institute will host The Armistice Display. Marking the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War I, The Armistice aims to reflect, celebrate and remind people of those who served Australia.

Patrons are advised to keep an eye on weather forecasts for Saturday night despite it being the first day of spring.

Beanies, scarves, jackets and thick socks are tipped to be popular fashion choices with wind, rain and cold temperatures sure to feature at individual points on Saturday night.

Light showers are expected with forecast temperatures in Bendigo are tipped to reach 13 degrees through the day and reaching a low of 1 degree after midnight.

Winds between 15 and 20km/h are expected to ease in the afternoon with the east of the state set to receive the strongest winds.