The event has been the benchmark for Australian regional arts festivals for the last two decades.
Castlemaine State Festival, one of Australia’s most important regional arts festivals, has announced its return to the creative capital of central Victoria from 24 March to 9 April 2023, with an ever-expansive and uplifting program of performance, music, talks, visual arts and family-friendly events.
Entirely unique in its scope and diversity, the biennial event will draw thousands of visitors from across Australia and overseas to the regional centre to experience a family-friendly, fun, and accessible seventeen-day event.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Experience the classics and the contemporary in the Festival’s vibrant music program with live events, from energetic “big-top” main stage events at Western Reserve to intimate Salon sessions at Buda Historic House and Garden and an exciting classical/delicate/world music program at the Town Hall.
The Festival will feature free and ticketed programs, with a new Festival Precinct bringing the town alive; contemporary music, performance, cabaret, circus, comedy and DJs will entertain while audiences enjoy the best food and beverages from the region.
Festival favourites will also return for 2023 with the beloved Dialogues program back at Goods Shed Arts, featuring Australia’s best thinkers and authors telling stories from the heart. The region’s artists are busy creating works to show and discuss with visitors when they welcome them into their practices through the Festivals Open Studios program.
“With the celebrations taking place over Easter, it’s a great way for families to come and explore our remarkable, creative town and region,” says Festival Director Glyn Roberts.
“This is a Festival for everyone, with a program filled with heart and soul that will stir imaginations and create memories.”
The 2023 Castlemaine State Festival program will be announced on Saturday, 28 January, 2023. Bookings are essential for most events. Castlemaine is in central Victoria, approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne, by train or car. The Festival events will take place in both Castlemaine and Bendigo in 2023. A range of accommodation options are available.
Castlemaine State Festival runs from 24 March to 9 April 2023 in Castlemaine, Victoria. Find out more here.
