Discover Community Within Castlemaine
With a rich history of gold mining, this convenient two-hour drive from Melbourne is a hot spot for year-long festivals. We can’t wait to reveal Victoria’s best-kept secret in Castlemaine and promote its strong reputation for creative expression. Within our list of the top 7 Castlemaine festivals, we’ve also included two bonus community events that might not even be on your radar.
Besides festivals, Castlemaine is a great weekend destination, packed with fantastic foodie spots, museums, and art exhibitions. Regardless of how you connect with the creative inside you, find the perfect festival weekend to explore in Castlemaine, Victoria!
The Top 7 Castlemaine Festivals
Castlemaine Fringe Festival
The younger sister to the state festival, the Castlemaine Fringe festival celebrated 30 years of expression based on pillars of inclusivity, accessibility, and community participation. We acknowledge our stages are built on the lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung People, and continue to pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land, the local elders, and emerging leaders.
This year, the festival took place from March 17 to April 2nd and featured various guests and performers like author Carmel Bird, and musical acts Luke Warm and Jadebyrd. The closing party was held at The Tappy beer garden, and the energy was vibrant with blues and beats from Oliver and the Elsewheres, Out of Abingdon, and visual artist Liminal Treats.
Castlemaine Jazz Festival
The annual Castlemaine Jazz Festival takes over downtown filling the streets with rhythmic melodies and brass. Taking place on the Kings Birthday Weekend, we recommend booking accommodation now to avoid disappointment. Completely organized and operated by volunteers, this Castlemaine festival started with a discussion among musicians in 2012. It took a few years to understand the collective vision, but this year marks the seventh Castlemaine Jazz Festival and the future only promises more growth.
Last year’s highlights included three separate stages with jazz musicians like Melba Big Band, Brooklyn ‘86’, and Jon Magill’s Groove Congress. This year, there will be performances on six stages with returning acts and first-comers. Early bird tickets are available until May 14th and more information is available online for scheduling.
Castlemaine Festival Of Gardens
The Castlemaine Festival of Gardens occurs every two years with the next scheduled festival taking place in 2024. Aligning with Melbourne Cup Week, private and historical gardens open their doors to the public for two days only. This Castlemaine festival has been running for twenty-six years and provides a running backlog of each garden featured on its website. After crossing the threshold to witness the natural beauty of each garden, guests will also learn the property’s history and facts about birds who frequent the bushes. From cozy cottage plots to expansive and breathtaking historical properties, every anthophilous in Australia will save the date!
Castlemaine Pride Festival
The Castlemaine Pride Festival began in 2018 when Martyn Shaddick, Sherene Clow, and Marion Yates organized a Pride Picnic to thank everyone who supported the queer community during the marriage equality debate. Mark the calendars this year for April 29th to May 6th, and connect while celebrating with your rainbow-chosen family. Come together and learn the history surrounding the art of drag or sign up to watch the Queer Film Festival. We believe in standing proud and supporting our community now more than ever. Volunteer opportunities are available.
Castlemaine Documentary Festival
Calling all brand-new or senior documentary enthusiasts! This Castlemaine festival is scheduled for June 16-19th and is a weekend dedicated to the love of film. In the past, the documentary festival has taken place in July, but these June dates provide a unique opportunity for festival-goers to experience art-based activities for the entire month of June! While the festival schedule is yet to be confirmed, we do know events will include eight feature documentaries, an augmented reality showcase, and a new family and youth-focused Yurt. The Castlemaine C-Doc Club is responsible for the annual festival, plus they organize workshops throughout the year to connect with the community. These workshops held throughout the year include learning new skills for video editing, and a Masterclass on Storytelling.
Castlemaine Agricultural Show
The VAS or Victorian Agriculure Shows promote the community and movement of Australia. Passed down through generations we are meeting the next generation interested in activities relevant to the Agricultural Show movement. Unlike the other festivals mentioned above, the VAS hosts a feature show in April and then the Main Show takes place November 3-4. At both shows, you can expect Victoria’s excellence and events in beef and dairy cattle, sheep, saddle horse championships, and much more! Besides livestock events, there will also be home crafts, photography, and fleece competitions.
Castlemaine State Festival
The first Castlemaine State Festival happened in 1976. Today, it’s recognized as Australia’s longest-running flagship regional arts festival. While the event has already taken place this year, highlights include performances from Jaguar Jonze, KIAN, The Bulletes, and Lizzy Welsh with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra. Visual and literary panels and experiences included a multichannel video installation titled Essays on Earth, and discussions with Alice Zaslasvsky and Jane Grylls.
The Castlemaine State Festival is always a fun and exciting experience perfect for friends or families. Taking over downtown Castlemaine with visual art exhibitions, guests are swept up in the joy and camaraderie of supporting artists in local venues.
Check Out These Honorable Mentions In Castlemaine Festivals
The Castlemaine Artists Market takes place on the fourth Sunday of every month from 10-3. Browse locally created artisanal goods and place unique orders to pick up the following month.
For guests not afraid of the dark, the annual Goldfields Gothic Festival of Dark Ideas takes place for three days in August 2023. As per the organisers, the festival is inspired by, “the dark undercurrent of the 1850s Victorian Goldfields and intriguing stories of the past.” Upcoming highlights include cemetery tours and workshops, and the dress-up encouraged Maldon Gothic and Victorian Picnic.
Lock In Castlemaine Festival Accommodation With Castlemaine Boutique Booking
Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation prides itself on aligning with properties that showcase a rich heritage to our guests while they explore Victorian manors and dive into the Castlemaine festival experience. From large to quaint, Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation continues to offer guests exclusive listings of properties in Castlemaine. Our team focuses on bespoke accommodation in Castlemaine that is carefully selected and double-checked for charm and luxury around every corner.
The Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation guarantee is to provide luxurious and comfortable options ranging in size for groups of solo travellers to 90 guests. Choose from restored Victorian manors to modern cosy apartments. With round-the-clock check-in available, free Wi-FI, complimentary parking, and modern amenities, your home away from home awaits to be unlocked.
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