Christmas Carols, December 19. Castlemaine’s much loved Rotary Carols in the Park are happening at Victory Park in the town centre 6.30 – 9.30 pm on December 19. Enjoy an outstanding line-up of local musicians and choirs, a traditional barbecue and possibly a visit from Santa. BYO picnic rug and chairs!

Carols in Bendigo, December 21. Rotary Community Carols will be held in Rosalind Park on December 21 from 6.30 – 10.30 pm. Food and drink available for purchase, byo chairs and picnic rugs. 

Castlemaine Twilight Artists’ Market, Friday December 12, 3 – 7 pm. This popular event at the Castlemaine Western Reserve will feature more than 80 stalls showcasing the best local and regional art and design talent. You’ll find handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, designer clothing, ceramics, timber homeware, garden art and more, including perfect Christmas gifts. There will also be great coffee and food, live music and fun for the kids

Elf Academy Bendigo, December 13 - 21. The Elf Academy happens again and this year it’s at the heritage-listed Beehive Building in the heart of Bendigo’s CBD. Give the kids some beautiful Christmas memories while they learn all the skills needed to be a certified Santa elf, including stacking gifts, creating Christmas tree decorations and helping Santa get ready for his around-the world trip.  There are several two-hour sessions daily and bookings are essential. Note: this one is super special and sells out fast!

New Year’s Eve, December 31. Why stop at one party? Shedshaker Taproom, The Bridge Hotel and Boomtown – all just a few minutes’ walk from BIG4 Castlemaine – are once again throwing their Hot Variety New Year’s Eve celebrations. One ticket, three parties, great entertainment. 8 pm onwards – it will be the best party in town!  For something quieter head to the Recreation Centre at nearby Harcourt for family-friendly celebrations - live DJ disco, a band, BBQ and food trucks. Free for the kids.   

Campbells Creek Collectables Fair, January 17 – 18. People come from far and wide for this annual fair at Campbells Creek, on the outskirts of Castlemaine. Browse (and buy!) antiques, vintage, collectables and retro at more than 100 indoor and outdoor stalls, plus music and food. Tickets are sold at the gate but can be pre-booked online.

Newstead Live January 23-26. Running for over 20 years, this family-friendly folk-roots festival is held at venues across the picturesque village of Newstead just 15 minutes from Castlemaine. It features outstanding international and national artists with music for all ages, interactive workshops, a pool party, food vendors and market stalls.

Lightning & Rhinestones January 25, 3 – 9pm. It’s being billed as the hottest alt-country festival in the land! Honky-tonk goldfields good times are firmly on the agenda with a great line-up of performers plus dance lessons, cowboy karaoke and market stalls. Family-inclusive with youth tickets available.

Bendigo Chamber Music Festival February 4 -8. Morning, afternoon, and evening performances at some of Bendigo’s’ most beautiful venues including Ulumbarra Theatre, Beehive Building and Uniting Church. Head to this major regional city, just half an hour or so from Castlemaine, for a day of memorable music and sightseeing.

And Looking Ahead…

Castlemaine State Festival March 20 - 29. One of Victoria pre-eminent regional arts festivals returns in 2026 with a fabulous line up of music, conversation, performance, art installations, an opening street party and much, much more. The festival harnesses the extraordinary creative energy of Castlemaine - home to more creative industries residents that any other area in Australia - in a way that is unique and true to the landscapes and places of the region. Don’t miss it.

Other

Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition (a permanent cultural exhibition). This fascinating and informative exhibition at the Market Building in the heart of Castlemaine is a must-do. Embark on a journey of interactive learning about Jaara, culture stories and teaching, experience a virtual “Welcome to Country” ceremony and learn about bush foods, medicine, waterways and weavings.

 Wesley Hill Community Market. Castlemaine’s popular Saturday morning community market has been running since 1975! It will be held every Saturday during the summer months, from 9 am to 1 pm. Stallholders vary, but locals show up in droves for great coffee, bread, fresh produce, preserves, plants and bric-a-brac. Stop in for a chat and pick up some food and snacks for your lunch back at BIG4 Castlemaine.

And on a hot day. Remember, Castlemaine’s main public swimming pool is located next to our entrance, offering a convenient refreshing dip after sightseeing. There are also pools at nearby Chewton, Newstead and Harcourt and beautiful bush swimming holes at the Res on Golden Point Road and at Vaughan Springs, 10 minutes from Castlemaine. For some cool indoor fun, you can also visit the Summer Art Exhibition at the Market Building in town and the fascinating historical display and art collection at the Castlemaine Art Museum.

Live Music happens most weekends at venues across the region (although some take a break between Christmas and early January). To catch a great gig in Castlemaine, keep an eye on the events schedules at the Bridge Hotel and Shedshaker Brewery just across the road from us or at the iconic Theatre Royal in the heart of town.