In our beautiful city of Bendigo, the bold and brassy colours of the Pall Mall tulips burst forth and mix it with the golden dazzle of wattle, wild flowers bloom after the winter rains and every weather season appears to happen, in the one day!

While it's liberating to throw off the winter layers and step out to renew acquaintances with all that Bendigo has to offer, do keep the scarf and cardy handy - you just never know when you might need to spend the afternoon cosied up in a local cafe, or eatery.

It won't really be a hardship though, as we have some beauties here.

So rain, hail and shine, enjoy a latte, wine or a cuppa, shop in the gorgeous fashion boutiques with their bright new palette of colours in their windows, and ferret out all that Bendigo has to offer.

This edition of Out & About is packed with information about places to go, things to see and do. Read all about our region here

Enjoy your time with us and make a note of all the many places and events not to be missed. With the news on lockdown changing by the minute, do check first on who is open and what's required and allowed.

PS: Mica Grange has changed the opening date to October 30 and closing date to December 5.

The beautiful and world class Mica Grange gardens will be open for six weekends running from October 30, as well as the Monday and Tuesday of Melbourne Cup week.

Like the East meets west in SOUL Fury

This premier exhibition of contemporary Islamic art brings together the work of leading Australian and international artists who work across sculpture, photography, painting, installation, video and textiles. Gleaned from artists' studios and major national collections, the work of sixteen artists with diverse artistic practices, social perspectives and cultural traditions is delicately threaded to reflect on the essential nature of female agency in the current social and political climate.

And... Turn on the glitz from dark to light

When 60,000 people came out on to the streets of Bendigo to see this spectacular event, you can bet it lit up their night!

This year you too can experience all the sparkle and spectacle of this major event where public and private spaces will be transformed with stunning light displays, celestial oddities, music, street eats and powerful, diverse voices.

Join us for this joyful, democratic take-over of the night, and stay tuned for exciting program coming soon

Or... The flavours of our unique region (NOW CANCELLED)

Bendigo is a UNESCO Creative City of gastronomy, which recognises all the exciting things happening across our city and region in food and beverages, culture and sustainability.

Gastronomy is about the growth, production and consumption of quality foods - and is about celebrating the history and culture represented by foods from specific places. The City has a strong and diverse food and beverage scene with healthy, local, sustainable food sources, a focus to reduce food waste and tackle food inequality/ insecurity. We also get to celebrate the broader region - showcasing the many producers, farmers and hospitality and tourism operators across central Victoria.

Don't miss... Architectural tales at Open House Bendigo

This popular weekend showcases Bendigo's impressive architecture from the gold rush era to the present.

It's a celebration of architecture and the city, but also as a vehicle for people to think and speak about the future of their city through its built environment.

It's a hugely popular event and a chance to showcase some of the region's outstanding buildings from private homes to significant heritage redevelopments.

Open House is a great way to foster public appreciation for architecture and design, and foster partnerships with neighbouring areas including Heathcote and Castlemaine.