There's plenty happening in our region for Easter this year. Check out our list for a few things to put in your diary.
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Do you have a community event that you would like featured in our What's On section? We'd love to know. Email us at: addynews@fairfaxmedia.com.au or phone us on: 5434 4470.
Good Friday Appeal
Collectors for the 2018 Good Friday Appeal. Picture: DARREN HOWE
- What: Uncle Bobs Club - Bendigo Branch is raising money for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal for the 42nd year.
- Cost: Free registration
- Where: Register interest here. Register on the day.
- Day and time: Good Friday, registrations open 8am-3pm.
- Contact: Phone Carol Maher on 0438 349 938 or Tracey Stevens on 0432 287 682.
Movie and dinner
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: A fish and chips dinner, along with your choice of two movies: Risen or Ralph Breaks the Internet. Weather permitting, Ralph Breaks the Internet will be an outdoor screening.
- Cost: Dinner $5 for adults, $3 for children or $15 for a family. Purchase tickets at the door.
- Where: The Salvation Army, 65-71 Mundy Street, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday, 5pm-8.30pm.
- Contact: 5440 8410.
Dragon puppet workshop
HAPPY: Mackenzie, Alistair and Byron Johnson, from Ararat, make Chinese dragons at the Golden Dragon Museum.
- What: Chinese dragons have paraded in Bendigo since the 1880s and are the symbol of good luck and prosperity. Create your own Chinese dragon puppet. Age group: 7-12 years. Children under 7 must be accompanied by a parent.
- Cost: $10 per child, bookings required.
- Where: Golden Dragon Museum, Bridge Street, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday, 10am-11am and 1pm-2pm.
- Contact: Golden Dragon Museum, 5441 5044.
Harcourt Egg Hunt
Picture: SUPPLIED
- What: After a year's absence, the Harcourt Easter Egg Hunt returns. Set in the magical surrounds of the fcorest, its a great day out for all ages. There is live music, fresh tea and coffee and hot cross buns, and a community run barbecue. All proceeds raised on the day go to support the Harcourt Applefest.
- Cost: Tickets are $5 - www.trybooking.com/BBJED
- Where: Harcourt Oak Forest, foot of Mount Alexander, adjacent La Larr Ba Gauwa Mountain Bike Park.
- Day and time: Easter Sunday, 10am-1pm.
- Contact: Jacqueline on 0425 323 005 or email takandjak@bigpond.com
Easter Egg Hunt
Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt in Bendigo. Pictures: NONI HYETT
- What: Join in the fun and search for 170,000 Easter eggs at Vision Australia's hunt. The eggs will be hidden in wood-wool for more than 3,000 children to find. Easter egg hunts are organised for separate age groups over various time slots each day.
- Cost: $11. Tickets available here.
- Where: Rosalind Park, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday and Easter Saturday from 10am.
- Contact: 1800 813 153.
Central Victorian Lions Team
Central Victorian Lion Dancers. Picture: DARREN HOWE
- What: Join the Central Victorian Lion Team for all the colour, movement and fun as they raise funds for The Royal Children's Hospital Appeal. Enjoy thrilling performances from our teams.
- Cost: Free
- Where: Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum, Pall Mall, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday and Easter Saturday from 10am.
- Contact: Central Victorial Lions Team.
Rotary Art and Craft market
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Hosted by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst Inc., take a wander through this market, browsing a range of arts and crafts. More than 200 stalls, live local music and delicious barbecues to enjoy.
- Cost: Free
- Where: Bridge Street and Park Road, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday and Easter Sunday, 9am-4pm.
- Contact: Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst Inc.
Torchlight Procession and fireworks
Picture: KIERAN ILES
- What: The Torchlight Procession will light up Bendigo on Easter Saturday evening. Featuring illuminated entries from local community groups and the Bendigo Chinese Association. Pre-parade entertainment along the parade route from 6.30pm.
- Cost: Free
- Where: Procession route follows View Street, Pall Mall, McCrae Street and Bridge Street, fireworks over Rosalind Park.
- Day and time: Easter Saturday, 8.30pm-10pm.
Easter VW Show
Sharon and Andrew Brose with their 1966 VW Kombi (vehicle originally from California). Picture: BRENDAN McCARTHY
- What: Come and check out VWs old and new from the Bendigo region and beyond, hosted by the Volksclub Bendigo.
- Cost: Free
- Where: Poyser Motor Group, 151 High Street, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Easter Saturday, vehicle entry from 9am.
Harley Show'n'Shine
Harley Davidson owners were in Bendigo from Friday to Sunday, enjoying rides around the region - including Sunday's thunder run. Pictures: NONI HYETT
- What: See Harley bikes from the local community as well as display bikes from Harley Central. Register here.
- Cost: Entry fee of $5 will be payable on the day as a donation to Bendigo Health Foundation.
- Where: Park Road, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Easter Saturday, 10am-4pm.
Bendigo Club Easter Egg Hunt
Finding eggs at the Bendigo Club. Picture: BENDIGO ADVERTISER
- What: Join in for the Bendigo Club's annual Easter egg hunt. Different times for different ages. Proceeds to Bendigo Health Foundation.
- Cost: Gold coin donation.
- Where: Bendigo Club, Park Street, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Easter Saturday, 10am-1pm.
- Contact: 5443 7080.
Easter evening dance
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Easter dance featuring great music by Bitz'N'Pieces Dance Band, a good program and home cooked supper. This event also has a raffle and prizes. All welcome.
- Cost: $9.
- Where: Spring Gully Hall, Spring Gully Road, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Easter Saturday, 8pm-midnight.
- Contact: Contact Keith on 5444 2953.
Awakening of the Dragon
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: The Chinese Spring Festival is proudly presented by the Bendigo Chinese Association, and will be followed by the Awakening of the Dragon. The Bendigo Chinese Association Plum Blossom Dance Team will take to the stage along with cultural performances.
- Cost: Free event.
- Where: Dai Gum San Chinese Precinct, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Saturday, 2pm-4.30pm.
- Contact:
Model train display
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Large HO and N Scale layouts, three in total. Featuring typical Australian scenes, a English village called Oakham and more.
- Cost: Adults $2, children free.
- Where: Bendigo Model Railroaders, 139 Wills Street, Bendigo
- Day and time: Easter Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm.
- Contact: Wayne Emmins, Bendigo Model Railroaders Inc, 5446 1370, bendigomodelrailroaders@gmail.com
Fire truck rides
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Come and ride on the historic fire truck around Rosalind Park, a festival favourite that your little ones won't want to miss out on! Presented by Bendigo and District Fire Brigades Championship Committee.
- Cost: $3 per child
- Where: Rosalind Park, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Easter Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Watch bands, cultural groups, dance troupes, clubs and many more as they perform along the Bendigo Advertiser Gala parade route. Dragon Sun Loong, the world's longest dragon of this kind, will make his last regular parade journey through the streets of Bendigo. Sun Loong, Loong and Yar Loong will all depart from the Queen Elizabeth Oval car park and meet Dai Gum Loong at the Alexandra Fountain. Sun Loong will then lead Dai Gum Loong up View Street and down again. At the fountain, Loong will then lead all three dragons along Pall Mall to the Golden Dragon Museum for the last section of their parade journey.
- Cost: Free
- Where: Parade route: View Street, Pall Mall, McCrae Street and Bridge Streets, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Easter Sunday, 1pm-3pm
- Contact: Bendigo Easter Gala Parade
Easter fun day
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Hosted by Bendigo Greyhounds, this family fun day will have showbags, Transformers, jumping castle and more for children to enjoy. Adults can enjoy 12 exciting races, full bistro and bar and TAB facilities.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Where: Bendigo Greyhounds Lord's Raceway, McIvor Highway, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Easter Sunday, 4pm-6pm.
- Contact: Bendigo Greyhounds.
Table tennis
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Have a go at table tennis - here's your chance to try it out within the shade a local park. Find out how to get involved in the sport in Bendigo.
- Cost: Free event.
- Where: Rosalind Park, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Easter Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Easter blues
Scott Cook at the 2017 Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival. Picture: GLENN DANIELS
- What: Three days of great live music across some of Bendigo's best venues. Full artist line-up, featuring more than 20 local and visiting favorites.
- Cost: Free
- Where: Various locations throughout Bendigo. Click here for more.
- Day and time: Good Friday - Easter Sunday, starting at 11am.
- Contact: bendigoblues@gmail.com for a program.
Art exhibition and sales
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: The Bendigo Rotary Easter Art Show is the largest community art show in regional Victoria exhibiting a range of more than 800 artworks which are all for sale. Proceeds from the show support local, youth and international community projects.
- Cost: Entry $5 for adults and children under 16 are free.
- Where: Bendigo Town Hall, Hargreaves Street.
- Day and time: Good Friday - Easter Sunday, 9am-5pm.
- Contact: Rotary Club of Bendigo, Easter Art Show Coordinator, Brian Figg on 0428 133 384 or via brianfigg@hotmail.com.
Photographic exhibition
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: A yearly event held during the Easter period, there will be more than 150 prints on display. Projected digital images will be shown in the adjoining rooms.
- Cost: $3 per person, children free.
- Where: Dudley House, View Street, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday and Easter Saturday, 9.30am-5.30pm, Easter Sunday, 9am-5pm.
- Contact: Gary Paterson 0407 845 827, graeme.harvey1@bigpond.com
Craft exhibition and sales
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: An exhibition of craft work completed by members of the Intensive Care Auxiliary, Bendigo Health and friends. Handmade items, including baby and children's wear, ornaments, plus many other items. Items exhibited are unique and beautifully worked.
- Cost: $5 entry, bookings not required.
- Where: Bendigo North Lawn Bowls Club, corner Fenton Street and Holmes Road.
- Day and time: Easter Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm.
- Contact: Beth Benbow, Intensive Care Auxiliary, Bendigo Health, 0429 011 447, benbowbeth@gmail.com
Animal farm
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Long time festival favourite, Farmer Darryl is back again to entertain and delight the whole family with his huge animal farm. Get up close and personal with a huge range of animals.
- Cost: $5 per child, parents free with paying child, extra adult $1.
- Where: Rosalind Park, Bendigo
- Day and time: Good Friday - Easter Sunday, 10am-5pm.
CFA carnival
People enjoying Carnival Rides at the Easter Festival. Brock Shaw. Pictures: DARREN HOWE
- What: The combined Bendigo Fire Brigades children's rides are provided for the community to enjoy with great range of rides for the small members of the family.
- Cost: $3 per ride
- Where: William Vahland Place, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday and Easter Sunday, 10am-5pm, Easter Saturday, 10am-9.30pm.
- Contact: Ashley's Kids Rides
Connected Circus
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Visitors to the Connected Circus space will have the opportunity to learn how to use a range of circus props including hula hoops, twirling staffs and more.There will be performances every day followed by intensive workshops on specific props. Vern the Ringmaster of 'The Connected Circus' will be running the circus space.
- Cost: Free event
- Where: Conservatory, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday - Easter Sunday, 10am-5pm.
- Contact: Learning with Vern
Bendigo Easter Festival
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: This festival is a fun filled, entertaining weekend for the whole family. There will be loads of activities, dance, drums and more as Bendigo celebrates its Chinese heritage.
- Cost: Free or low cost for whole family.
- Where: Throughout the Bendigo region.
- Day and time: Good Friday - Easter Monday, various times. See calendar here.
- Contact: Bendigo Easter Festival.
Easter Book Fair
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: For the past thirty years the Y's Club of Bendigo has run the Easter Book Fair where 1000s of pre-loved books are on sale to the general public. Everything on sale has been generously donated by the citizens of Bendigo.
- Cost: Free
- Where: YMCA Tom Tweed Stadium, Mundy Street, Bendigo
- Day and time: Good Friday - Easter Sunday, 9am-5pm, Easter Monday, 9am-2pm.
A Parade of Quilts
Picture: SUPPLIED
- What: The Strathdale Quilters (Bendigo) Inc. hosts an Easter expo every two years, showcasing members' works. The group also helps out local charities and has been producing quality pieces for more than 20 years. This display will include both small and large quilts, wall hangings, members' bag challenge and a quilt raffle.
- Cost: $5, school children free.
- Where: St Andrews Church Hall, Myers Street Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday, 11am-5pm, Saturday and Easter Sunday, 10am-5pm, Easter Monday, 10am-3pm.
- Contact: Chris on 0400 543 069.
A Moment in Time
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: The Bendigo Textile Artists are gathering their creative projects to display at their biennial exhibition during Easter. The theme "A moment in time" refers to the range of styles and techniques used, inspired by many times - vintage, traditional, retro, and modern.
- Cost: Entry $5, accompanied children under 15 free.
- Where: Take a minute to find your way to the Small Hall at the rear of the St Andrews church on Myers Street.
- Day and time: Good Friday, 11am-5pm, Easter Saturday - Easter Monday, 10am-5pm.
- Contact: Bendigo Textile Artists
Lantern making workshop
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Let your creative juices run wild while creating your very own lantern. Join a local artist to make a lantern that you can take home or bring along to the Torchlight Procession. Supplies are limited, so get in early!
- Cost: Free.
- Where: Rosalind Park, Bendigo.
- Day and time: Good Friday - Easter Sunday, 10am-5pm.
- Contact: Lantern making workshop
Bendigo Easter antique fair
Picture: BENDIGO ADVERTISER
- What: Hosted by Bendigo Easter Antique Fair, featuring 25 dealers of antiques from all over Australia.
- Cost: $10, ticket price is for one day entry only.
- Where: Truscott Reserve, Murdock Street, California Gully.
- Day and time: Easter Saturday, 10am-5pm, Sunday, 10am-4pm, Monday, 10am-3pm.
Bendigo bonsai exhibition
Check out the events making Easter happen in central Victoria
- What: Display of Bonsai, including Australian Native Bonsai Demonstrations by club members and advice on trees.
- Cost: Adults $3, children free.
- Where: Uniting Church Hall, Forest Street. Bendigo.
- Day and time: Easter Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm, Easter Monday, 10am-4pm.
- Contact: Bendigo Bonsai Club, 0428 552 882, secretary@bendigobonsaiclub.org.au
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