The sun is finally starting to shine in central Victoria, and to celebrate there is an array of events for the whole family to enjoy.
Check out our great list of thing to do - and make sure you don't miss the 'plan ahead' events at the bottom of our list.
FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
DAFFODIL AND ARTS FESTIVAL
The Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival welcomes spring and warmth back into the community wih activities for the whole family to enjoy.
There will be visual and performing arts, crafts, garden and flower shows, lots of markets and much more.
Along with daffodils throughout the town, visitors can also take in the wonder of exhibitions, performances, ferret racing, the Kyneton dog dash and Scarecrow Competition.
The Festival of One Act Plays, now in its 63rd year, will also bring together performers from throughout Victoria.
On the last day of the festival, the Grand Parade will celebrate another successful year with bands, dancers, floats, cars and vintage vehicles.
For further information, click here.
Where: Various locations in Kyneton.
When: Until September 15.
WELLBEING AND PSYCHIC EXPO
The Bendigo Wellbeing and Psychic Expo is on again, featuring psychics, palmists, astrologers, tarot readers, alternative health and wellbeing practitioners and much more.
This event also includes alternative health and ecologically sustainable product suppliers.
Consult a reader on your future possibilities and welcome change at this expo.
Tickets from $5. Click here for more information.
Where: 155 Crook Street, Strathdale.
When: Sunday, September 8, 10am-4pm.
FLOWER SHOW
In its 125 year history, the Kyneton Horticultural Society is once again hosting its annual Spring Flower Show.
The show highlights a range of daffodils, hellebores, cut flowers, shrubs, pot plants, cacti, succulents, floral art, vegetables and a large children's section.
There will be plants for sale, grown by the society members, as well as potted bulbs, books, jellies and pickles, pots and gardenalia.
The show also includes an afternoon tea, raffle and a free horticultural talk on Saturday.
For general enquiries, contact the show secretary Arnold Jenkins on 5422 6449 or 0407 844 220 or president Nicholas Scott on 0438 664 849.
Save the date: The Kyneton Horticultural Society will celebrate its 125th year with a jubilee picnic on Sunday, October 20. More information closer to the date.
Where: Watts Pavilion, Kyneton Showgrounds, Mollison Street, Kyneton.
When: Saturday, September 7, 1pm to 5pm and Sunday, September 8, 10am to 4pm.
BENDIGO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF EXPLORATOY MUSIC
The Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music brings the most innovative concert music from all over the world direct to Bendigo.
The festival appeared in the international music scene in September 2013, winning praise from around the world
With an emphasis on rarely performed long form works, the festival showcases musicianship and innovation in composition.
For the full program, click here or email: info@bifem.com.au
Where: View Street Arts Precinct, Bendigo.
When: Until Sunday, September 8, various times.
BENDIGO INVENTION + INNOVATION FESTIVAL
The second annual Bendigo Invention + Innovation Festival is set to feature a variety of talks, workshops and panel sessions.
The week-long festival originally grew from the Bendigo Inventor Awards, which will kick off the event on Monday.
The festival includes events that promote innovative approaches to business and Bendigo's reputation as an innovative city.
For more information on the festival, click here.
Where: Various locations in Bendigo.
When: Until September 8.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
OPEN DAY
This weekend, the historic Sandhurst Trustees Building will host a special open day.
The building is the former home to Bendigo and Adelaide Bank wealth management subsidiary Sandhurst Trustees.
The 161 year old building will be accessible to the public, allowing the community to share memories of the building, before it begins a new chapter.
In the 1850's, the central section of the building was completed, starting life as a post office for the growing township of Sandhurst.
In 1891, Sandhurst Trustees purchased the building for 4,000 pounds.
The Trustees then operated from the site for the next 126 years.
In recognition of the significance of the building, it has been classified by the National Trust of Australia and is also protected by a Heritage Victoria listing.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the purchase and re-use of the historic offices.
The Bank will be conducting the sale, managed by Agents in Conjunction, DCK Real Estate and Tweed Sutherland First National.
Where: 18 View Street, Bendigo.
When: Sunday, September 8, 11am to 2pm.
SPRING AND SUMMER FASHIONS
Purchase a brand new wardrobe and fundraise at Kay's Spring and Summer Fashions.
This event, supported by the Bendigo Branch of Heartbeat Victoria, will raise money for the equipment necessary to assist heart patients in and around Bendigo.
The day also features a lucky door prize, raffle and an afternoon tea.
Bring a friend and enjoy a cuppa, members bring a plate please. $5 entry.
For further information, Marie 5443 6797 or Edna 5447 8838.
Where: Eaglehawk Citizens Band Hall, Peg Leg Road Eaglehawk.
When: Tuesday, September 10, from 2pm.
ZONTA TRIVIA NIGHT
Bendigo Zonta Club invites the community to attend Trivia with a Twist, with trivia master, Allan Peach.
Get the family and all your friends together for a night of fun and great prizes.
Purchase tickets for your team here. $33 per person, finger food provided, drinks at bar prices.
Where: Bendigo Pottery Function Room, 146 Midland Highway, Epsom.
When: Thursday, September 12, 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
SATURDAY DANCE
Enjoy an evening of dance with the Spring Gully Hall Committee this weekend.
There will be great music by Family Rhythm dance band, a good program and a delicious home cooked supper.
There will also be raffle and prizes.
Admission $9, all welcome. For more information, contact Keith on 5444 2953.
Where: Spring Gully Hall, Spring Gully Road, Bendigo.
When: Saturday, September 7, 8pm to midnight.
MACHINERY RALLY
Enjoy a great day out for the whole family at the 29th annual Wedderburn Vintage Machinery Twilight Rally.
There will be old engines, vehicles, machinery and much more on display.
There will also be a patchwork quilting display in the old school building, trade stalls, craft stalls and lots more.
Food and refreshments available.
Exhibitors free, adults $5 and children free.
For more information contact 0433 091 920, 5494 3152 or 0427 583 341.
Where: Engine Park, Racecourse Road, Wedderburn.
When: Saturday, September 7, 9am to 6pm and Sunday, September 8, 9am to 3pm.
FREE FILM NIGHT
Join in with Bendigo Sustainability Group for a free film night.
The event features a documentary, What ate my Mum? And will it eat me?, which takes a global look at living a long and healthy life.
This will be followed by a questions and answers session with filmmaker, Marcus Lovett.
Later, there will be a second film, Fools & Dreamers: Regenerating a Native Forest, a 30 minute film about Hinewai Nature Reserve in New Zealand.
There will also be tea and coffee supplied.
Bring own treats and drinks.
Where: The Old Church on the Hill, corner Harkness and Russell Streets, Quarry Hill.
When: Thursday, September 12, 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
VETERANS ROWING
Learn to row over an eight week program with the Bendigo Rowing Club.
The Bendigo RSL Active presents Veterans Rowing.
These sessions are free for all veterans and promote a healthy wellbeing.
Spaces are limited, RSVP to: healthwellbeing@bendigorsl.com.au
Where: Lake Weeroona, Bendigo Rowing Regatta, Bendigo.
When: Sunday, September 8, 10am to 1pm.
POETRY OF WWI
The Bendigo District RSL through the Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum is hosting an event featuring poetry from the First World War.
Special guest speaker, Major-General Mike O'Brien (Rtd), will be exploring poetry by Australian's and other nations.
Major-General Mike O'Brien (Rtd) is an antiquarian book dealer, collects works by Robert Graves and is a current custodian of the library of the Royal United Services Institution of Victoria.
$10 entry includes morning tea.
For more information, phone 5442 4513 or email: museum@bendigorsl.com.au
Where: Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum, 37-39 Pall Mall, Bendigo.
When: Thursday, September 12, 11am to 12.30pm.
EXHIBITIONS
WOMNJEKA
The Arnold Street Gallery is proud to present an exhibition showcasing works by Bendigo and Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Curated by Aboriginal artist, Janet Bromley, Womnjeka means welcome in Kulin Nation language.
Artists featured in the exhibition are Ian Clark, Suze Radford, Paul Chapman, Georgina Risely, Peta Hudson and many more.
The exhibition includes several various events such as a circle weaving workshop, curator talk and artist talks.
For more information, see the gallery website here.
Where: Arnold Street Gallery, 189 Arnold Street, Bendigo.
When: Until Saturday, September 21, 2pm to 4pm.
BALENCIAGA: SHAPING FASHION
World-class couture has come back to town, with the Bendigo Art Gallery opening their newest exhibition, Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion this weekend.
This exhibition showcases the growth and works of designer Cristobel Balenciaga and his legacy of the modern designers he influenced.
The exhibition will feature contemporary designs by the house of Balenciaga, with video footage that shows historic garments morphing into modern interpretations.
For more information on the exhibition, the gallery and bookings, click here.
Where: Bendigo Art Gallery, View Street, Bendigo.
When: Until Sunday, November 10.
DESERT LINES
Desert Lines: Batik from Central Australia brings together about 60 selected works from the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria.
The works show the unique and distinct batik styles (a method of wax resist fabric printing) of five central desert communities: Ernabella (Pukatja), Fregon (Kaltjiti), Utopia, Yuendumu and Kintore (Walungurru).
This exhibition will showcase the batik work for women of the desert and it's importance. It will also show interconnected through ceremony, travel and much more.
Where: Bendigo Art Gallery, View Street, Bendigo.
When: Until Sunday, November 17.
MANY SUCH AS SHE
Museum curator, Kirsten McKay, is excited to be hosting this exhibition, Many Such As She, which profiles more than 15 biographies of women poets, alongside items from the military collection.
Central Victorian poet and critic Michael Sharkey began researching the poets' responses to the Great War many years ago, with an interest to find out why so little had been collected and why it was so long neglected.
Michael edited the collection of women's poetry for his recent publication, Many Such As She, after discovering some fascinating stories
For the exhibition, Kirsten has negotiated the loan of a suite of original poetry publications from the State Library of Victoria - Rare Books Department.
Admission: $6 adult, $5 concession, $4 student, $15 family.
For more information, phone 5442 4513.
Where: Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum, 37-39 Pall Mall, Bendigo.
When: Until Sunday, October 6, 10am-4pm.
PLAN AHEAD
POTTERY WORKSHOP
Gerry Wedd, surfer, potter and Mambo designer, is coming to Bendigo for a special two day workshop.
Gerry will demonstrate and teach techniques for making pots and decorating - particulary his iconic sgraffito work.
Gerry has exhibited his ceramics both in Australia and internationally, including at the Havana Bienal, Jam Factory, Ian Potter Museum of Art and more.
He has received numerous awards for his work and has represented in major public collections.
This workshop will involve simple building and decorating techniques, slab building, sprig and slip decoration, sgraffito, underglaze decoration and using imagery on pots.
$300 for both days, lunch included.
Bookings through Bendigo Pottery, 5448 4404.
Where: Bendigo Pottery, Midland Highway, Epsom.
When: Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15.
STEP INTO SPRING
Step into spring at Bendigo's Neighbourhood hub and enjoy a day of markets and a high tea, helping to raise money and awareness of CIKA (research into children's cancer).
This event will feature multiple market stalls, a raffle and a lucky door prize.
Gold coin entry.
There is also a high tea available at 11am, 12pm or 1pm for $30. Bookings required.
Contact Ruth 0409 864 709, email: jorue@bigpond.com
Where: Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, 155 Crook Street, Strathdale.
When: Saturday, September 14, 10am to 3pm.
BENDIGO FIESTA
Hispanos Unidos de Victoria invites all to join in and celebrate the 2019 Bendigo Fiesta.
There will be lots of music, dancing, foods, games, Mariachi's and much more.
Cost $15 adult, $10 concession/student (aged 12-18 years), $7 children (under 12).
Please book tickets by emailing Hispanos Unidos de Victoria at: hispanosunidosvic@gmail.com or contact Oscar at 0416 002 788.
Where: Salvation Army Hall, Mundy Street, Bendigo.
When: Saturday, September 14, 4pm to 10pm.
WEDDING EXPO
Prepare for your big day at the 2019 Bendigo Wedding Expo.
There will vendors on display for all your wedding day requirements, selling dresses, suits, locations, foods and much more.
$5 per person.
Where: All Seasons Hotel, McIvor Road, Strathdale.
When: Sunday, September 15, 10am to 1pm.
FASHION PARADE
Mount Alexander Sustainability Group are hosting a spring fashion parade.
The parade has a recycling theme and aims to celebrate all that is upcycled, re-purposed and reclaimed in fashion.
The group is calling for participants to 'create a better way' rather than buying their fashion.
The event will include a fashion parade and music, expert judges, food, drink and a speed sewing competition.
There will also be a rummage sale, supported by local op shops.
Admission, $10.
Where: Castlemaine Town Hall, Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine.
When: Sunday, September 15, 1pm to 4pm.
GEM CLUB EXPO
The Bendigo Gem Club is a not for profit community group, inviting visitors to their annual fundraiser.
Proceeds of the fundraiser go towards the running of the gem club workshop.
Members will showcase their jewellery and lapidary skills with displays and demonstrations.
There will be interactive activities including gem sifting, gold panning and metal detecting.
There will also be refreshments available and a raffle with prizes.
Admission $8, under 12 free.
Click here for more information.
All enquiries and new stallholders, please email: expo@gembendigo.org.au
Where: Baptist Church Hall, McIvor Highway, Junortoun.
When: Saturday, September 14, 10am to 5pm, Sunday, September 15, 10am to 4pm.
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