That is one good thing about this world... there are always sure to be more springs – author Lucy Maud Montgomery
Soon enough, wardrobes will be getting reorganised. Soon enough, the slow, grumbly walk to frosted-up windshields will no longer be a concern for 2024. Soon enough, one should have, pardon the pun, a little more spring in their step. And weather wise, in the words of that obnoxious, trespassing and thieving scamp Goldilocks, it’s just right.
Welcome to Bloom and its celebration of spring. For three months, all sorts of goodies will take place around Bendigo and surrounds. Forget the spring cleaning – here are some other ways to pass the days:
Bloom in Bendigo
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Sonic Bloom
Rosalind Park Conservatory from September 8 through November 30
Designed by artistic producer Aimee Chapman and commissioned by the City of Greater Bendigo with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Sonic Bloom is an invitation to immersive soundscapes, audio stories and live music. Performers include Troy Firebrace, Aviva Endean and Nathan Curnow.
Regional Gin Gala
Mackenzie Quarters on September 14
Sip, savour and socialise as you enjoy the region’s finest gins. Two immersive, two-hour sessions will take place, with ticketholders going home with a tasting glass and goodies bag. A grazing table and nibbles will be provided by the Ms Batterhams team.
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Bendigo Annual Tulip Display
mid-September through mid-October
More than 40,000 of Bendigo’s famed tulips will brighten the historic streets along Pall Mall and Conservatory Garden. Bloom After Dark, meanwhile, will take place during the school holidays. Follow the trail and see the tulip beds illuminated.
Harvest Moon Festival
Dai Gum San Precinct (Golden Dragon Museum) on September 27
A cherished celebration observed in various forms across numerous Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, India, Thailand and China, Harvest Moon Festival expresses gratitude for the harvest and offers well-wishes for the well-being of loved ones.
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Heathcote Wine & Food Festival
Heathcote across October 5 & 6
An opportunity to sample the new season releases from the region, the Heathcote Wine & Food Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year. There will also be live music and enough to keep the little ones entertained as well.
Vegecarian Festival
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion on October 5
Food stalls, cooking demonstrations, animal blessings, live music, speakers and activities for the kids are all on show at the Vegecarian Festival. Learn how vegetarianism has developed and sample dishes from around the world.
Bendigo Comedy Festival
Various locations from October 15-20
The funny festival keeps getting bigger since its 2018 debut. More than 25 shows will take place this year, including those from Dave Hughes, Damian Callinan, Bron Lewis, Luke Heggie, Nath Valvo, Zoe Coombs Marr, Claire Hooper, Luke Morris and Kirsty Webeck
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Bendigo Agricultural Show
Bendigo Showgrounds across October 25 & 26
Come along and enjoy a fun-filled extravaganza featuring livestock displays, animal nursery, Lego displays, a two-day horse program, monster trucks and circus. Better still, there are new rides, all your favourite showbags and fireworks displays.
Castlemaine & Districts Festival of Gardens
November 2-10
Celebrating the theme ‘The Art of Gardening’, 24 private gardens will open their gates to the public. Grand country gardens, historic gardens, verge gardens and sculpture gardens will all feature, with the creators on hand to share their knowledge.
Town Folk Festival
Castlemaine on November 16
Come and boogie along to The Teskey Brothers, Marlon Williams, The Maes, Grace Cummings, Jess Ribeiro, Ngaiire, Queenie, M79, Felicity Cripps Band, Merryn Jeann, Harmony Byrne, A. Savage, Aplegate, Don’t Thank Me Spank Me!, Tek Tek Ensemble, Ruby & Loretta and Yirinda.
Bloom will take place in Bendigo and surrounds throughout spring. For further information, including the full program, visit here.
