With the long weekend only a few days away, these central Victorian events will have everyone entertained.
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FESTIVALS, FAIRS AND SHOWS
LOST TRADES FAIR
The Lost Trades Fair was originally established as an event that would host artisans and tradespeople to showcase their work.
Now, the fair celebrates these talents with about 150 makers, crafters, artisans and tradespeople openly sharing their skills and craftsmanship.
The fair is in Bendigo this year to allow for more attendees to visit.
Last year's fair in Kyneton was attended by about 22,000 people.
Where: Bendigo Racecourse, Heinz Street, White Hills.
When: Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, 10am to 4pm.
BENDIGO INTERNATIONAL MADISON
The Bendigo International Madison committee is excited to bring another entertaining event to Bendigo.
The Bendigo International Madison attracts world class athletes, participating in a cycling race of 200 laps of the Tom Flood Sports Centre.
For more information, click here.
Where: Tom Flood Sports Centre, Park Road, Bendigo.
When: Friday - Sunday, March 6 to 8.
YOGA FESTIVAL
This two day yoga festival is returning to Bendigo and will once again feature over yoga instructors from all over central Victoria.
The program offers numerous classes with participants able to embrace a variety of yoga styles.
The classes are suitable for everyone, from beginners through to seasoned yogis.
The festival will also include live music, mindfulness, essential oils, massage, stalls and much more.
Tickets start from $20. For more information and tickets, click here.
Where: Dudley House and The Engine Room, Bendigo.
When: Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, from 8am.
MINELAB DETECTOR JAMBOREE
The Wedderburn Minelab Detector Jamboree is a weekend of family activities that everyone can enjoy.
The weekend includes garage sales, detector demonstrations, token hunt, gold panning, a variety of stalls and evening entertainment on the Saturday.
This event will also include great prizes such as a Minelab GPX 5000, Minelab GO-FIND 60 Detector, Minelab GO-FIND 40 Detector and Minelab GO-FIND 20 Detector.
Adult tickets: $50 for a senior detector token hunt for the weekend (or $40 for a day). Senior gold panning $5.
Children tickets: $10 per child (eight years to 16 years), Junior gold panning $5.
For more information, email: loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5494 3489.
Where: Hard Hill Tourist Reserve, Hard Hill Court, Wedderburn.
When: Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8, 6.45am to 3pm.
STANHOPE SHOW AND SHINE
This family-friendly meet will feature cars, bikes, trucks and utes for a fun, show and shine event.
There will be children's entertainment, DJ Majik and a breakfast from 8am.
Entry by gold coin donation, gates open 7am, registrations close at 10am.
This year the committee have been lucky enough to secure the services of Guest Judge Road Hadfield.
Please contact for Vehicle Registration prices, email: stanhopeshowandshine@gmail.com
Where: Stanhope Recreation Reserve, Midland Highway, Stanhope.
When: Sunday, March 8, gates open 7am.
TOOBY BOOBY
Returning once again in support of the McGrath Foundation, the Tooborac Hotel and Brewery will turn pink with their beer festival, Tooby Booby.
Tooby Booby will raise money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses and increase breast health understanding.
This festival will be supported by local acts, children's activities and lots of different foods.
Where: Tooborac Hotel and Brewery, Northern Highway, Tooborac.
When: Saturday, March 7, noon to 5pm.
TARADALE MINERAL SPRINGS FESTIVAL
The Taradale Mineral Spring Festival is one of the most popular events in the region, allowing for attendees to soak up a relaxed atmosphere and to enjoy wine, food and all day entertainment.
This event includes handcrafted local wines, olives, preserves, plants and lots more.
The event will also include delicious foods with yum cha, pancakes, Thai curries, Indian curries and all the barbecue delights.
Entertainment this year will also feature whip cracking lessons, Indonesian dancers, musicians, face painting, classic cars and much more.
For event enquiries call 0417 547 270.
Where: Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve, Jackson Street, Taradale.
When: Sunday, March 8, 10am to 4pm.
HARCOURT APPLEFEST
The annual Harcourt Applefest is a celebration of harvest time in central Victoria's apple country.
There are opportunities to taste the fruit, join in apple pie baking and eating competitions, tasting apple cakes and juices.
The event includes lots of children's activities, an art show, all day entertainment and much more.
For further details and a copy of the program, click here.
Free entry.
Where: High Street, Harcourt.
When: Saturday, March 7, 9.30am to 4pm.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
MULTICULTURAL FEAST OF STORIES
Held on the second Friday of every month, the Multicultural Feast of Stories Community Dinner allows for anyone new to Bendigo to interact with their community.
Attendees can either bring a meal to share or donate $5 towards the dinner. Children are free to attend.
All are welcome to this event.
Where: Feast Space of the Old Church on the Hill, Russell Street, Quarry Hill.
When: Friday, March 13, 6pm to 8pm.
BENDIGO FILIPINO NIGHT
Hosted by the Bendigo Filipino Fiesta committee, this fun event will celebrate all things Filipino.
The evening will include Filipino foods, a live cooking demo and there will be discussions about the 150th Bendigo Easter Parade.
Dinner cost is $20.
For more information, click here.
Where: Rotary Gateway Park, Kangaroo Flat.
When: Sunday, March 8, 7pm to 9pm.
FUNDRAISING FAMILY FILM
Join in with Holy Rosary Primary School for a fundraising movie night.
Held on the green of the school, attendees will be treated to an evening of fun, laughter and much more.
The movie shown will be Toy Story 4 and follows the adventures of Woody, Buzz and their friends.
Gates open at 5.30pm with a fun zone for children which will include a jumping castle, face painting, a toddler playground and more.
There will be the favourite movie treats available for purchase, such as popcorn, chocolate, fairy floss, a coffee van for adults and a sausage sizzle.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic, no glass please.
Tickets are available here or at the school office.
Where: Holy Rosary Primary School, Napier Street, White Hills.
When: Friday, March 13, from 5.30pm.
AUTUMN GALA DANCE
Head along to the Spring Gully Hall for an evening of entertainment and dancing fun.
This autumn gala dance will include music by Family Rhythm Dance Band, a good program and a delicious home cooked supper.
There will also be a raffle and prizes.
Admission $9. Everyone welcome. For more information contact Keith on 5444 2953.
Where: Spring Gully Hall, Spring Gully Road, Bendigo.
When: Saturday, March 7, 8pm to midnight.
SKILL SHED
Skill Shed is a workshop designed to teach deaf or hard of hearing participants a variety of useful skills for their every day life.
These sessions are signed by an interpreter and are in a safe and inclusive environment.
For bookings or enquiries, please email Grace at: grace.rourke@deafhub.aag.org.au
Cost $10 per person.
Where: PepperGreen Farm, Thunder Street, North Bendigo.
When: Every Thursday, commencing March 12, 1pm to 3pm.
EXHIBITIONS
CERAMICS GALLERY
Bendigo Pottery's Centre for Learning and Design Gallery is a space dedicated to the exhibition and sale of contemporary ceramics.
CLAD Gallery aims to showcase the work of ceramic artists with a program of exhibitions, workshops, floor talks and masterclasses.
Three internationally acclaimed ceramic artists, living and working in central Victoria, show refined technique in their cermaics at this exhibition.
Artists are, Garry Bish, Su Hanna and Prue Venables.
Where: CLAD Contemporary Ceramics Gallery, Bendigo Pottery, Midland Highway, Epsom.
When: Until Sunday, March 22.
STILL SCAPES
International photographer, Mike Rutherford, will exhibit more than 30 images portraying the local area in ways that move beyond usual tourist images into something darker.
Still Scapes is a free photographic exhibition that tackles everything from climate change to the erosion of rural life.
Mike Rutherford's images are from the local region and recent trips to remote India.
Mike is a former advertising photographer who has lived in Trentham for about 15 years.
Last year, Mike travelled to India twice for photography and many of those images are featured in the exhibition.
Mike will be exhibiting his works in Dehli and Mumbai in the coming years.
For more information, click here or phone 5424 1516.
Where: Cosmopolitan Hotel, High Street, Trentham.
When: Until Tuesday, March 31.
PLAN AHEAD
ZINDA FESTIVAL
Zinda festival is all about celebrating all things multicultural in the heart of Bendigo.
Zinda celebrates the region's growing diversity and means "alive" and "lively" in Dari, Bengali, Farsi, Hindi, Hazaraghi and Urdu.
Zinda Festival will kick off Cultural Diversity Week in Bendigo and will feature activities for children, great food, live music and much more.
For more information email: zinda@lcms.org.au or phone 5441 6644. Click here to see the website.
Where: Rosalind Park, 30 Gaol Road, Bendigo.
When: Saturday, March 14, 4pm to 9pm.
CRAFT BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL
Have fun in the sun sampling about 100 beers and ciders from various breweries and cideries.
This annual event boasts the country's best brewers and live entertainment.
Reserve a seat in the VIP tent and enjoy many luxuries on the day.
There are more than 100 unique beverages to tempt you alongside food trucks, live music, plenty of fun and festival games.
For all ticket prices and further information, click here.
Where: Tom Flood Sports Centre, Park Road, Bendigo.
When: Saturday, March 14, 11am to 7pm.
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