Castlemaine Jazz Festival King’s Birthday Long Weekend June 5 – 8.

It’s back, bigger and better than ever. This year’s festival will feature more than 30 performances by local and international musicians including traditional, big band, contemporary and Gypsy Jazz. One for the jazz lovers out there.

Maldon Winter Festival June 21 – July 20.

Plenty of school holiday family fun is on offer at this community festival in the historic town of Maldon, just 15 minutes from Castlemaine. You’ll find twilight markets, a winter fashion parade, music, the Lions Club community bonfire, fairy-lit shop windows, food and drink options and much more.

Castlemaine Documentary Festival July 4 - 6.

A curated programme of superb Australian and international nonfiction films at Castlemaine’s iconic Theatre Royal. There are also connections with film directors and contributors via live telecast Q&As. Always a fabulous weekend.

Electric Wonderland, Rosalind Park Bendigo, July 4 – 6.

The popular Electric Wonderland is back for the winter school holidays! Take the brief trip up to Bendigo one evening with the kids and enjoy immersive light installations, interactive pathways, magical projections, dance walls, illuminated sculptures, a mirror ball laser alley and musical stepping stones. It’s a spectacular experience for the whole family.

Goldfields Gothic: Festival of Dark Ideas. August 1 – 3.

Another big Maldon-based event, this is a festival for lovers of “alternative music, dark elegance and historic charm”. It explores the dark side of the Goldfields and its heritage and history.

Women of Wit, Castlemaine, August 30.

Produced by Comedy Victoria, Women of Wit at Castlemaine’s Phee Broadway Theatre showcases the best in new, emerging and established women in stand-up comedy. Great reason to enjoy a winter’s weekend in fabulous Castlemaine! Book your seat here!

Other:

Castlemaine Artists’ Market, June 22, July 27 and August 24.

Held at the Western Reserve in the heart of Castlemaine, this popular market features a huge range of quality design, arts and crafts including jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, woodwork and clothing from leading and emerging makers. There’s also great, coffee, music, food truck, a vibrant atmosphere and more.

Castlemaine Market Building Winter Art Exhibition.

More than 100 artists from around the Goldfields region display their paintings, textiles, sculptures, jewellery and more at this annual seasonal exhibition at the historic Castlemaine Market Building in the centre of town. The exhibition runs from around mid-June to mid-October and is open daily.

Boorp Boor Boondyil Exhibition (a permanent cultural exhibition).

Also at the Castlemaine Market Building, this 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.

Live Music.

The historic Theatre Royal has a number of notable live music gigs happening through the winter months. Check out the Theatre’s website for details. Also look at what’s on offer at The Bridge Hotel and Taproom at the Mill Complex – both a few minutes’ walk from BIG4 Castlemaine.

For more details, visit the website and social pages of individual events or go to the Castlemaine Maldon & Surrounds website.