STEP UP! BENDIGO 2019

Walk around the scenic Lake Weeroona and join in raising public awareness for diversity within our communities.

Step UP! for Down Syndrome is an event for the whole community to enjoy and all are welcome.

There will also be family fun activities with children's events and a barbecue.

For more information, click here.

Where: Lake Weeroona, Bendigo.

When: Sunday, October 27, 9.30am to 1.30pm.

SUSTAINABLE HOUSE DAY

Bendigo Sustainable House Day is an event featuring various houses for inspection, from newer builds to the renovations, and the information about how to make your home sustainable.

There are talks in the morning from guest speakers, Nicola Welland and Tim Forcey.

Nicola will speak about the energy in building materials and Tim will speak about electric and solar power.

Head to the Old Church on the Hill to register and collect your guide to explore the open homes.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Where: The Old Church on the Hill, corner of Harkness and Russell streets, Quarry Hill.

When: Sunday, October 27, 9.30am to 4pm.

PINK UP

Raise money and dance the evening away at the Spring Gully Hall.

This event will include great music by Carmel Phelan, a good program and delicious home-cooked supper.

The evening will raise money to donate to the McGrath Foundation for all who have experienced and are experiencing breast cancer.

There will also be a charity auction on the night, raising extra money to add to the donation.

Come in your best pink outfit in a decorated hall.

Admission $9, all welcome. For more information contact Keith on 5444 2953.

Where: Spring Gully Hall, Spring Gully Road, Bendigo.

When: Saturday, October 26, from 8pm.

OPEN HOUSE

With the success of last year's Open House Bendigo, this event is on again, showcasing local architecture and heritage buildings.

The weekend event features many buildings such as the Beehive Building, Bendigo Mining Exchange; Bendigo Chapel; Hospital and Landscape; TAFE, Octagonal Reading Room; and many more.

For a full list of events and times, click here.

Where: Throughout the Bendigo region.

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, various times.

OPEN HOUSE - TRAMWAYS

To celebrate Open House Bendigo, Bendigo Tramways are hosting tour events for attendees.

These events include the following:

For more information on these events and discounts for Open House and Bendigo Tramways, click here.

Where: Bendigo Tramways, 1 Tramways Avenue, Bendigo.

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, from 10am to 4pm.

SHOW N SHINE

The Leukaemia Foundation's Aussie Muscle Car Run will be stopping for a Show N Shine event at the weekend.

This muscle car run is an annual event that raises money for the foundation and this year has about 50 entries completing the run.

The event will also have a DJ, barbecue lunch, cake, coffee and a special visit from Bendigo Mayor Margaret O'Rourke.

There will also be raffle giveaways.

Where: Phillips Drive, Kangaroo Flat.

When: Sunday October 27, 11am to 1pm.

BENDIGO CUP

The Bendigo Jockey Club welcomes all to join in the festivities of Bendigo's Country Racing.

The Bendigo Cup attracts many jockeys, trainers, horses and attendees from across Australia, coming together to celebrate the sport of horse racing.

For more information on the day and to book a ticket, click here.

Where: Bendigo Jockey Club, Heinz Street, White Hills.

When: Wednesday, October 30, 10.30am to 6pm.

FAMILY FUN DAY

The North Bendigo Preschool is hosting a family fun day at the weekend.

Take your children out for a day of fun and activities.

There will various games, foods, stalls, music and much more.

For more information phone 5443 2335.

Where: 55 Bannister Street, North Bendigo.

When: Saturday, October 26, 11am to 4pm.

SPLATTER RUN

In partnership with Wedderburn College, Inglewood and Districts Health Services are hosting their annual Splatter Run.

The Splatter Run is now in its second year and is a unique event in the Loddon Shire that celebrates health, happiness and participation for youth.

Setting off at 11am, runners of all ages and abilities will participate in a day of fun, exercise and colour.

There is a choice of participating in the 5km, 1.6km or both.

This run is untimed so there's no pressure to compete.

There will also be various entertainment such as, the opportunity for students to try a new sport, a DJ providing music, an obstacle course, fun from The Zone and various other activities.

Where: Donaldson Park, Wedderburn.

When: Sunday, October 27, from 11am.

STUDIO BALENCIAGA

Discover your fashion skills with Studio Balenciaga.

This open studio space offers various sketching, styling and embellishment activities for all budding stylists.

All materials provided. No bookings required and all are welcome.

Where: Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo.

When: Open Friday, Saturday and Sundays until October 27, from 11am.

LET'S WALK

Victoria Walks will host weekly walks for people living in Kangaroo Flat for the month of October.

In partnership with City of Greater Bendigo and Healthy Heart Victoria, this event not only gets you out and about, but also helps increase fitness.

Walks will take about 30 to 40 minutes.

Click here to see a digital version of the map.

Where: Meet at Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, Kangaroo Flat.

When: Wednesday, October 23, from 10am. Running until Wednesday, November 13.

MESSY PLAY

The Bendigo Community Toy Library is hosting its Messy Play Day for the first time at its Long Gully campus.

The free event is open to all members and non-members.

The event will have an abundance of messy activities, including coloured spaghetti, slime, play-dough, a sandpit treasure hunt and much more.

There will also be a new activity of "chocolate mud" for all to get involved with and get their hands dirty.

The Toy Library now has two campuses at Spring Gully and Long Gully and more than 1500 toys to choose from.

For more information on the Toy Library, phone 0439 504 857 or click here.

Where: Bendigo Community Toy Library, St Matthew's, Eaglehawk Road, Long Gully.

When: Saturday, October 26, 9.30am to noon.

FOLK FESTIVAL

Coming up at the start of summer is the annual Maldon Folk Festival.

The festival will give attendees four days of folk music, dance, workshops and various activities around Maldon.

The event has been around for more than four decades, giving locals and those from afar the chance to experience a festival atmosphere.

This event will have something for everyone to enjoy

Click here for a full list of performers and for further information.

Where: Maldon.

When: Friday, November 1 to Monday, November 4.

KYNETON MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Macedon Ranges will come alive with the sounds of the Kyneton Music Festival this month.

The eighth annual festival, and the last, is expected to once again attract locals and those from further afield to the scenic town of Kyneton for music fun.

This year's festival features a huge line-up with acts such as Ali Barter, Stonefield, Jade Imagine, The Putbacks, Hobsons Bay Coast Guard, Black Cab, Ben Salter and many, many more.

Taking place over two days, the annual festival will immerse itself in the town with iconic Piper Street playing host to the centre of all the action.

Festival passes are $105 for the weekend or $80 for Saturday only.

For more information, click here.

Where: Piper Street, Kyneton.

When: Friday, October 25, from 8pm and Saturday, October 26, from noon.

SENIORS FESTIVAL

Now in its 37th year, the Victorian Seniors Festival is a time for people to celebrate and try something new in their community and further afield.

There are various event in the region, which will continue to the end of October.

Gannawarra Shire is celebrating our seniors with a few events as follows:

Makeup workshop, Sir John Gorton Library, Kerang, Tuesday, October 29, from 10.30am. Free event, phone 5452 1546

Wetland River Cruise, Southern Road, Gannawarra, Thursday, October 31, from 10am. $20 tickets, bookings essential. Phone 5450 9333.

Details of all events listed here.

Where: Throughout Gannawarra Shire.

When: Month of October, various times.

IRIS PLACE

Head along to this open garden event and learn more about the colourful plant that is the iris.

There are more than 340 different iris plants to view, all in varying colours and sizes.

Iris in pots are also available to buy.

Groups are welcome. Free entry.

For more information, phone 5446 7060.

Where: 155 Booth Road, Woodvale.

When: From Saturday, October 19 to Sunday, November 10, 9am to 5pm.

BENDIGO SHOW

The Bendigo Agricultural Show Society is celebrating 160 great years.

This year's show will be one of the biggest and best yet.

There will be all the favourite craft competitions, including cooking, knitting, photography and more.

There will also be Lego featured alongside a robotics display and virtual reality farm tours.

There will be the livestock favourites with sheep, cattle, pigs, alpacas and goats.

Working dogs will also be shown in obedience and jumping competitions.

The Bendigo Agricultural Show is one not to be missed. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

Where: Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Holmes Road, Bendigo.

When: Friday and Saturday, October 25 and 26, from 9am.

BIKE PALOOZA

Bike Bendigo is celebrating their month-long, October festival, Bike Palooza with various events.

Bike Palooza 2019 has had a focus on children, families and riding.

This weekend there will be a Bike Pop-Up for families.

Children will enjoy riding on a mini-streetscape, with qualified instructors on hand to help them learn how to ride without training wheels.

There will be various games and activities for primary school aged children, while Mark Slater (the Grumpy Bike Mechanic) will teach a puncture repair workshop.

There will also be a display of low-rider bikes and sausage sizzle with drinks.

Where: Long Gully Splash Park, Creeth Street.

When: Saturday, October 26, 10am to 1pm.

GUILDFORD JAZZ WEEKEND

The inaugural Guildford Jazz Weekend is celebrating jazz and the town on Guildford.

From Friday evening, attendees can listen to local favourites play the finest jazz and swing tunes at the Guildford Hotel.

On Saturday there will be duo Blue Tango with Lynne Gough on vocals and percussion and Dave Richard on vocals and guitar; the Tuba Smarties, featuing Pip Avent; Ade Ishs and David Lole will also collaborate on their digital pianos.

Sunday's lineup features jazz band, Snazz Jazz; the talents of Jon Magill Duo, GrooVe Congress and many, many more.

This event is one not to be missed for jazz fans.

Bookings required, limited numbers.

For further information, phone 5473 4215.

Where: Guildford Family Hotel, 6800 Midland Highway, Guildford.

When: Friday, October 25 until Sunday, October 27.

BTC PRESENTS: WICKED

Bendigo Theatre Company is proud to present Wicked, the story behind Oz, the Wizard and Dorothy.

Based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, this performance will be filled with memorable tunes, choreography and much more.

This will be an evening of musical theatre, promising to be enjoyable for all.

Click here for more information and tickets.

Where: Ulumbarra Theatre, Gaol Road, Bendigo.

When: Until Sunday, November 3, various times.

FIFTEEN OBJECTS

The Langston Street in Fifteen Objects exhibition is now in its final week.

The exhibition showcases some of the 'small histories' throughout Bendigo.

Fifteen Objects explores the extraordinary people who have called Langston Street home since the 1860s.

The event has been curated by the Bendigo Regional Archives Centre and aims to inspire people to find out more about the hidden histories of their own houses and streets.

Where: Upstairs display cases, Bendigo Library, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.

When: Until Tuesday, October 29, from 9am weekdays and 10am Saturdays.

SCULPTURE IN MOTION

Following on from the successful Art in the Vines - Sculpture Exhibition and Trail, the Hanging Rock Winery is pleased to announce its second exhibition, Art in the Vines - Sculpture in Motion.

This exhibition will showcase sculptures relying on motion for effect.

Some of the works exhibited are made by kinetic sculpture artist Rudi Jass; winner of Bondi's Sculpture by the Sea in 2018 James Parrett; local artists; and creator of the Federation Bells in Melbourne's Birrarung Marr, Anton Hasell.

For more information about the exhibition, click here.

Where: Hanging Rock Winery, 88 Jim Road, Newham.

When: From Saturday, October 26 until Sunday, February 23.

CONCERT AND CD LAUNCH

Celebrating 25 years, the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club explores the sounds of Scottish music through a repertoire that showcases traditional roots.

MSFC will come to Bendigo to perform an acoustic concert featuring music from its new album Sea to Sky.

The group is made up of fiddlers aged from seven to 70, playing at all stages, enjoying music and performing.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Where: The Old Church on the Hill, corner of Harkness and Russell streets, Quarry Hill.

When: Saturday, October 26, from 7.30pm.

MUSIC WITH DANCE

El Vito Chamber Group, featuring 10-string guitarist Matthew Fagan and acclaimed concert pianist Nicholas Young, continues its tour collaboration in central Victoria.

Matthew Fagan is one of Australia's finest guitarists, having toured with Billy Connolly, Shirley Bassey and many more. He has also performed in more than 120 countries as a soloist with orchestras and bands.

Nicholas Young completed his Bachelor of Music at Sydney Conservatorium with first class honours and a university medal. He has since won multiple awards for his work.

The duo will be joined by special guest flamenco dancer, Laura Uhe, combining their musical passion and innovative dance in an exciting new performance.

Laura Uhe trained in classical ballet at the Royal Academy of Dance from the age of four and at 14, she became a member of the Perth City Ballet Youth Company.

For more information, click here.

Tickets (pre-booked) adult $35, concession $30, child under 16 $10, family (two adults, two children) $50. Door sales will incur an extra $5 cost and are subject to availiability.

Please book in person at the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre, between 9am and 5pm or phone 1800 171 888.

Where: Castlemaine Town Hall, Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine.

When: Sunday, October 27, doors open 3pm.

COLIN COLAHAN

The Bendigo District RSL, with the support of the Eldon Hogan Trust and the Australian War Memorial, are launching an exhibition, Colin Colahan: His Art and Life during the Second World War.

This year is the 75^th anniversary of the D-Day landings, with the RSL and Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum highlighting the service by central Victorian's in Europe during the Second World War.

One such person is Australian war artist, Colin Colahan, born in Woodend in 1897.

During his time as an official Australian War Artist, Colin Colahan had produced 83 works.

The exhibition will comprise 26 pieces and has been curated by SMIMM curator, Kirsten McKay.

Accompanying the exhibition will be the launch of the SMIMM's first special catalogue.

Cost to view the exhibition is included in general admission ticket.

For more information, phone 5442 4513 or click here.

Where: Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum, Pall Mall, Bendigo.

When: From Friday, October 18 to Sunday, February 2, 10am to 4pm.

BALENCIAGA: SHAPING FASHION

World-class couture has come back to town, with Bendigo Art Gallery's newest exhibition, Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion.

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.

OPEN GARDENS

Open Gardens Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 2015 to continue the long tradition of opening private gardens throughout Victoria following the closure of Open Gardens Australia.

Garden lovers have flocked to almost 100 gardens throughout the state since its opening in 2015.

Each season there are special events and diverse gardens, allowing for attendees to see the small, big, quirky, rural and much more, all in garden form.

Coming up at the beginning of November are two gardens, Verdicus and Duneira.

Verdicus is retired landscape designer Bruce Honey's garden.

Located in the Macedon Ranges, the property is on nine acres. It was originally farmland covered in blackberries.

Bruce created the garden with formal design styles, avenues of trees, hedges and much more.

Read more about Verdicus here.

The second garden, historic Duneira, features a lot of spring colour.

The garden was established in 1872 with ancient trees and an English style and miraculously remained intact after surviving bushfires in the region in 1983.

The garden comprises 16 acres of bluebells, dogwoods, azaleas and much more.

Read more about Duneira here.

Entry into the gardens is $10 each, children under 18 free. The gardens will also feature coffee, cakes and something for everyone.

For more information on all the gardens in Open Gardens Victoria, click here.

Where: Mount Macedon

When: Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and 3, 10am to 4pm.

Do you have a community event that you think should be featured in our What's On section? Email us at: addynews@bendigoadvertiser.com.au or phone us on: 5434 4470.

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