Waaman Guided Tour – monthly. Join Uncle Rick Nelson on the first Saturday of each month for a memorable two-hour tour of Djaara Country, visiting significant sites selected by Uncle Rick. Learn about ancient traditions, hear rich stories and connect with the land and living culture. Tours depart via bus from the Castlemaine Market Building at 10 am.  Book through the Castlemaine, Maldon and Surrounds website (Bendigo Tourism) or via the official website: waamantours.com.au.

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.

Harmony in Harcourt Music Festival March 21. More celebrations of community and creativity at beautiful Harcourt. This festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm, with a special Neil Diamond tribute happening at 7 pm. Two stages, five bands, wine, cider, delicious food plus music, performances and experiences for all ages and tastes.  A ticketed event. 

Newstead Open Studios Art Trail March 21 – 22 and March 28 – 29. There will be a beautiful and diverse range of art (paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, jewellry and more) on display across 20 open studios in the lovely village of Newstead, just 10 minutes from Castlemaine.   Chat with the artists, be inspired and enjoy an autumn weekend out in the country. Studios will be open 10 am to 4 pm.

Peter Turner Show and Shine, March 29, Guildford. Historic and veteran cars and motorcycles, live music and good food – a fun family day out will be happening 8 am  - 3pm at Guildford’s John Powell Reserve, just 15 minutes from Castlemaine.

Maldon Easter Fair, April 3- 6. The Maldon Easter Fair and Parade began back in 1878, and it is the oldest in Australia. There is an Easter Market Day on Saturday followed by an evening dance party in the streets; a family fun day on Easter Sunday with an egg hunt, nail drive, wheelbarrow races, gumboot throw, tug-of-war, gold panning, face painting, food and drinks; and an eclectic Street Parade and Grand Procession on Easter Monday along with the Great Aussie Egg Toss.

Bendigo Easter Festival, April 3 to 6. This huge family-friendly festival takes over Bendigo’s beautiful Rosalind Park and surrounding streets. Be in the hunt for 100,000 Easter Eggs on Good Friday, find a treasure at the massive Rotary Market, enjoy hands-on activities and performances especially for kids, see the drums and Lion teams as part of the city’s Chinese heritage celebrations, and attend the huge Easter Sunday Gala Parade where Dai Gum Loong, the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, weaves his way through the historic streetscapes of Bendigo. A truly spectacular festival that dates back to the 1870s.

A Notable Day Out, May 10, Maldon. The beautiful town of Maldon will be celebrating 60 years as Australia’s first “Notable Town” with a major community event of May 10. Classified by the National Trust in 1966 for its well-preserved 19th-century gold rush architecture, the town will host heritage markets and music, steam train arrivals, bus tours, museum displays, and a twilight dinner on Main Street.

Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens October 24 – November 3. This popular biennial event attracts garden and nature lovers from around the State, and for good reason. Grand country gardens, historic gardens, verge gardens, town gardens, sculpture gardens – if you love plants, beautiful garden landscapes and the outdoors, this is for you. Watch this space for more details.  

Town Folk Festival, November 21, Castlemaine. The lineup is yet to be announced but we all know it will be stunning. Just book your stay now for this fabulous Castlemaine event – huge fun for all music lovers, young and old.  

For further details about events and happenings, visit the website and social pages of individual events or go to the Castlemaine Maldon & Surrounds website

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 Djaara country and culture, 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.

Swimming. 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 Chewton, Newstead and Harcourt. Public swimming pools usually close in early March.  

Live Music happens most weekends at venues across the To catch a great gig in Castlemaine, keep an eye on upcoming events at the Bridge Hotel and Shedshaker Brewery just across the road from us or at the iconic Theatre Royal in the heart of town