Celebrate central Victoria and all it has to offer with an array of events.
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Check out our great list of thing to do - and make sure you don't miss the 'plan ahead' events at the bottom.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PONY GYMKHANA
The Connemara Enthusiasts' Group together with the Barwon Region Action Group of the Connemara Pony Breeders Society Australia will host a fun gymkhana for this pony breed.
Head along and meet a Connemara - the wonderful Irish native pony breed.
This event has something to offer the whole family, and the opportunity to have a chat to the ponies' owners.
Events are open to all pure and part-bred Connemaras, entries on the day.
For further details phone Kate 0497 621 606 or Amber 0419 785 064.
Click here for more information.
Where: Gisborne Pony Club Grounds, Robertson Reserve, Couangalt Road, South Gisborne.
When: Saturday, September 14, 9am start.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON DANCE
Head along to the Spring Gully Hall and enjoy great music by Ian Stewart.
There will be a good program and delicious home-cooked afternoon tea.
The dancing event also includes a raffle and prizes.
Admission $10. Everyone welcome.
Where: Spring Gully Hall, Spring Gully Road, Bendigo.
When: Sunday, September 15, 1.30pm to 5pm.
TULIP TALK
Every Spring, the City of Greater Bendigo presents the Conservatory Gardens Tulip Display.
The display features more than 45,000 tulips in various colours and sizes.
The Bendigo Tulip Curator Talks allow for curators of the gardens to share their techniques of planting and maintaining the tulips.
There are various sessions for these talks, starting from Wednesday, September 18 through to Saturday, September 28.
Ticket cost: Adult $10, concession $8, children free.
Limited tickets available per session. Please phone 1800 813 153.
Where: 51-67 Pall Mall, Bendigo.
When: Various dates and times.
FOREVER YOUNG ROCK CHOIR
The Forever Young Rock Choir, now in its ninth year, is preparing for their performance next week.
The choir, made up of seniors aged from 65 years, will sing songs with the theme of "crazy".
Songs will be featured by artists such as Queen, Willie Nelson and others.
Supporting the choir, Girton Grammar School's band will also be at the performance.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Where: Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo.
When: Tuesday, September 17.
SHINDIG ON THE GULLY
This event, hosted by The Ironbark Gully Friends, will bring you closer to your neighbours and celebrate Ironbark Gully as a place to connect with each other.
This event will include live music, including Steph Bitter, Sparrow, Rowan Blackmore, Daniel Aaron and Pearl.
There will be nature play, craft and cultural activities and a history Walk and Talk with Dr Charles Fahey.
Where: 38 Victoria Street, Ironbark.
When: Sunday, September 15, 11am to 3pm.
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 - particularly his iconic sgraffito work.
Gerry has exhibited his ceramics both in Australia and internationally, including at the Havana Biennale, 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.
FASHION PARADE
Mount Alexander Sustainability Group is 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.
FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
HARVEST MOON
The Harvest Moon festival is celebrated in various forms throughout many Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, India, Thailand and China.
Celebrations may differ in each country, however the festival share the common themes of thanksgiving, future prosperity and health of families and friends.
In China the festival marks when people return home to be with family and friends after the end of harvest season.
Celebrate the festival in Bendigo with family activities such as lantern making, Chinese dance workshop, lantern parade and much more.
Food and light refreshments available.
For more information, phone 0490 525 832.
Where: Dai Gum San Precinct, Bridge Street, Bendigo.
When: Saturday, September 14, 4pm to 7pm.
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, Mariachis 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.
GEM CLUB EXPO
The Bendigo Gem Club is a not-for-profit community group, inviting visitors to its 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.
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.
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.
DAFFODIL AND ARTS FESTIVAL
The Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival welcomes spring and warmth back into the community with 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.
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
DINKI DI OLD TIME BALL
Enjoy the 24th annual Dinki Di Old Time Ball with the Emu Creek Bush Band and the Gay Charmers.
The ball aims to keep the old-time style of dancing alive.
The ball is as traditional as it can be with dances such as Maxina, barn dance, foxtrot, Charmaine, evening three-step, Pride of Erin, along with some as of the old-time set dances.
The dance bands featured at this ball have been playing for dances and balls for almost 60 years.
The supper is also traditional with sausage rolls, cakes, sandwiches and more prepared and cooked by club members.
Some attendees dress in period costume, adding to the ambience of the evening - but formal or semi-formal attire is also worn.
Tickets $25 at the door, $20 pre-paid, pre-paid closes September 18.
Phone 5442 1153. Dianne 5442 1715 or 0418 172 286.
Email: email.secretary@bendigobushdance.org.au
Where: Eaglehawk Town Hall, Peg Leg Road, Bendigo.
When: Saturday, September 21, 8pm to late.
CHARITY GOLF DAY
Inglewood and Districts Health Service will host an Ambrose Charity Golf Day.
The event includes a major prize for hole in one and a trophy for the winning sporting club team wearing its colours.
There will be raffles and prizes for best dressed, nearest to pin and much more.
There is also breakfast from 9am.
Four person teams, any combination and $25 per person (inc. cooked breakfast, barbecue lunch and afternoon tea).
Bookings essential, by Tuesday, September 20. Phone Cassie Van De Ven on 5431 7000 or email cvandeven@idhs.vic.gov.au
Where: Inglewood Golf Club, Inglewood.
When: Friday, September 27, from 9am.
BENDI-CON
Bendi-Con 2019 is back on with all the usual fun of conventions.
There will be various informative panels, celebrity guests, workshops, cosplay contests, markets and much more.
The panels include Mad Max guests speaking about their experiences in the movies, Joe from Alternate Worlds giving a presentation on the History of Comics, Sarah and the Bendigo Cosplay Society and more.
There will be many tables of comics, toys, pop vinyls, pop culture jewellry, fashion, board games and more, with traders attending from Bendigo and further afield.
Bendi-Con will also have various foods and drinks available. For more information, see Bendi-Con here.
Where: Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holmes Road, Bendigo.
When: Sunday, September 22, 10am to 4pm.
SPRING BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Celebrate the Spring Equinox at the Harcourt Spring Blossom Festival.
Set amongst flowering fruit trees at the foot of Leanganook (Mount Alexander), the festival features live music, children's entertainment, stalls, food trucks, cider, wine and beer and more.
The day is presented by the Harcourt Progress Association and Henry of Harcourt Cider, with the festival being a fundraiser for Applefest 2020.
For more information, phone Jacqueline on 0425 323 005.
Where: Henry of Harcourt, 219 Reservoir Road, Harcourt.
When: Saturday, September 21, 2pm to 7pm.
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