The hot summer months comes with a cool breeze of free or low-cost family-friendly activities throughout December, January and February with Bendigo’s popular Summer in the Parks.
The ever-popular Summer in the Parks Program will return for 2022/2023 and will feature free or low-cost events and activities during the months of December, January and February.
Thanks to City of Greater Bendigo, Agnico Eagle Australia and local community groups and organisations, Bendigo’s beautiful parks will come alive with outdoor cinema entertainment, live music from local acts, and community activities and events such as Australia Day celebrations.
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
Summer in the Parks is the perfect excuse to pack up your family or get a group of friends together and have some fun in our great outdoors.
We’ll give you a taste of what’s in store so far, but for updated information please refer to their socials here.
O Christmas Tree
Piazza at Rosalind Park – December 2 (6:30-9pm)
Where would Santa know where to place presents if not for the Christmas tree? The tradition of Christmas trees goes back to 1600s Germany, when families would place candles in live trees and sing carols. There will be carols here, with Sherri Parry leading the way for a jolly sing-along. Roving Christmas characters and Connected Circus performers will also be part of the festivities, followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree by Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf at approximately 8:45pm. Special star Jenna Strauch is your special guest.
Christmas Carols
Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Deck the Halls, O Holy Night and Joy to the World. Delightful sing-alongs indeed, but nothing quite tops the charm of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Here is a list of Christmas carols events throughout December.
Epsom Christmas carols
Garden for the Future – December 3 (4:30-7:30pm)
Heathcote Christmas carols
Barrack Reserve, Heathcote – December 3 (7-9pm)
Maiden Gully Christmas carols
Maiden Gully Oval – December 4 – 4:30-8:30pm
Borough Block Christmas Party
Catford Park, Eaglehawk – December 9 (5-10pm)
Axedale Christmas carols
Axedale Park – December 11 (5:30-8:30pm)
Rotary Club of Bendigo Community Christmas carols
Rosalind Park – December 18 (6:30-10:30pm)
NYE Fireworks
We hope you have had a most triumphant year. And if not, we hope a better one awaits in 2023. Either way, 2022 comes with two chances to witness the sky light up.
The first takes place from 9:15-9:30pm and is perfect for the little ones. The second takes place from 12-12:15am. Queen Elizabeth Oval is your best viewing spot.
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Outdoor Cinema
Round up the family and enjoy a free outdoor flick. All screenings will take place between 6-8pm. Bring along a low chair or picnic rug for extra comfort.
Barrack Reserve, Heathcote – January 6
Movie: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Cooinda Park, Golden Square – January 13
Movie: Sing 2
Axedale Park, Axedale – January 19
Movie: Minions: The Rise of Gru
Australia Day
Lake Weeroona – January 26 (10am-3pm)
There will be activities throughout the city, but a favourite for families is the celebrations that take place at Lake Weeroona.
Summer Music
A selection of free concerts will take place in the evening. Each event will take place between 6:30-8:30pm.
Garden for the Future – February 3
The ‘Kid’ James Trio will have you shaking to the rockabilly hits of the ’50s and ’60s.
Crook Street Park, Strathdale – February 10
Taylor Sheridan will perform a mixture of originals and covers.
Canterbury Park, Eaglehawk – February 17
Pick that tune when The John Grossman Project performs hits from the ’60s to day.
Garden for the Future – February 24
Alli and Andrew will perform a mixture of originals and covers.
Head to the website here for more.
