As the bees start buzzing so does the regionals festival calendar. This September is blooming with events.
With Aerosmith having announced recently they are retiring from touring, it presents an opportunity for a couple of interesting titbits from their long history. While not one to glorify the destruction of property, the story goes the band, arguably in a stroke of genius, used to take extension cords with them when they toured. They did so as it would enable them to watch TV all the way until it hit the ground after throwing them from hotel rooms.
Another story is that back in the early ’70s, the band developed quite the taste for Japanese food. Founding member and guitarist Joe Perry in particular had a proclivity for wok-made cuisine and would hire a chef to whip up tasty treats, later attempting to replicate dishes when time proved kind. This came unstuck when, attempting a stir-fry following a gig, he set fire to the band’s tour bus. After regaling his usual chef with his mishap, Perry was given a helpful crash course in the do’s and don’ts of kitchen safety. And that’s the origin story of their song ‘Wok This Way’.
Backstroke lovers, here are your September festivals and events…
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Dean Kite Festival
Dean Recreation Reserve, Daylesford – September 1
Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest height
A simple pleasure can give way to a great delight. For eleven years now, the Dean Kite Festival has added splashes of colour to the sky. Jo Baker of Kites for Kids will bring along her entourage, teaching the skills of crafting your own kite and then letting them do their wonderful thing. Jo is a kite educator, kite flier and kite builder, not to mention the 2005 world kite flying champion. An all-day BBQ and homemade cakes will be available for purchase.
More through https://www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/dean-kite-festival/
The Big Bike Film Night
Star Cinemas, Eaglehawk – September 4
I’ve got a bike, you can ride it if you like
It doesn’t matter if you’re a BMX bandit or breaking away, the Big Bike Film Night has a short film for everyone that loves the feel of the wind on their back. From thrills and spills to humour and inspiration, it’s got it all – whether you’re a dedicated daily rider, or have an old two-wheeled warrior collecting dust in the garage. Jump on it.
More through https://www.starcinema.org.au/movie/the-big-bike-film-night-2024
The Feathery Festival
Castlemaine – September 5-11
’Cause I like birds
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Superman? Actually, it’s definitely a bird. The Feathery Festival is a celebration of our flappy friends. Events include a special fundraising screening of The Message of the Lyrebird featuring live music from Joel Bloom and Hilary Blackshaw, the guided walk and eats event Brunch with Birds and Birds and Beers, a conversation and drink with author Tanya Loos (Living with Wildlife: A Guide for Our Homes and Backyards).
More through https://birdlife.org.au/events/birdlife-castlemaine-district-feathery-festival-sept-2024/
Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival
Kyneton – September 5-15
My darlin’, darlin’, darlin’ daffodil
You’re in for a blooming good time at the Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival. A showcase of gorgeous landscapes, artistic talent and community spirit, the festival has a little bit of everything. There is ferret racing and a dog dash, a scarecrow competition and an antique fair, art shows, theatre performances, markets and food experiences. And, of course, flower shows. In the near words of Young MC, dressed in yellow, the festival says hello.
More through https://www.kynetondaffodilandartsfestival.com.au/
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Port Fairy Literary Weekend
Port Fairy – September 6-8
Nursery rhymes, fairy tales, picture books. Any kind of story will do
L’abbioccio is an Italian word that translates to that groggy, sleepy and happy feeing after consuming a large meal. Now it’s time to get your fill of words and celebrate Australian writers at the fourth annual Port Fairy Literary Weekend. Your author line-up includes Shane Howard, Jim Moginie, Anna Downes, Hillary Harper, Lloyd Jones, Katrina Kell, Meg Bignell, Susie Anderson, Lorena Carrington, David Owen Kelly, Jock Serong, Alice Skye, James Bradley, Robert Gott and Lia Hills.
More through https://www.portfairyliteraryweekend.com.au/
Ballarat Fishing Festival
Lake Wendouree, Ballarat – September 7
I think before my days are done, I want to be a fisherman
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish – there’s something fishy going on in Ballarat. Events at the Ballarat Fishing Festival include helping the Snobs Creek hatchery team stock the lake, kids fishing classes, fly fishing lessons, fish cooking demonstrations from Lillie Giang, prize draws and raffles and a BBQ provided by Lakeside Anglers Club and coffee from Bean Me Up.
More through https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/events/trout-opening-festivals/ballarat-fishing-festival
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Wonder Children’s Festival
Geelong Art Centre – September 12-26
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Come with me, and you’ll be, in a world of pure imagination at the Wonder Children’s Festival. Following its successful inaugural event in 2023, wonder, joy and boundless curiosity will reach for the skies once again. The program includes Imagine Live, Little Blue Dot, The Teeny Tiny Stevies, The Gruffalo and I Wish.
More through https://geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/wonder-childrens-festival/
St Kilda Gin Festival
St Kilda Town Hall, St Kilda – September 13-15
Love is like a bottle of gin
Despite it being easy to see the doom and gloom in the world, it’s important to keep your gin up. Botanical alchemy combines with passion with 30 Australian craft distillers and more than 120 unique gins set to tickle the palate.
More through https://ginevents.com.au/st-kilda-gin-festival-2024/
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A Feast of Music
Daylesford – September 13-15
I get by with a little help from my friends
Referred to as “a conversation between friends” by American writer Catherine Drinker Bowen (1897-1973), chamber music is composed for small ensembles and intimate settings. Presented by the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, A Feast of Music will perform selections from Bach to Beach, Mozart to Piazzolla and Schubert to Cassomenos. Your players are violinists Sophie Rowell and Elizabeth Sellars, accordionist James Crabb, pianist Stefan Cassomenos, violist Merewyn Bramble, cellist Blair Harris and double bassist Emma Sullivan. *Includes a world premiere.
More through https://mco.org.au/whats-on/a-feast-of-music-2024/
Bloom
Bendigo – throughout spring
Don’t you like when the winter’s gone and all of a sudden it starts getting’ warm
As we shake off the winter chills and head for warmer days, a bustling program of events will celebrate spring in all its colourful splendour. Bloom will feature art exhibitions, the regional gin gala, Bloom after Dark (the school holiday period, September 20 – October 6), cultural tours, markets, the Vegecarian festival, Harvest Moon Festival, Bendigo wine week and much more. A highlight is the Bendigo Annual Tulips Display, with more than 40,000 tulips set to add a little red, yellow, white, orange, purple and pink to your life.
More through https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo/bloom
triple j’s One Night Stand
Friendly Societies Park, Warrnambool – September 14
Don’t you know that you’re nothin’ more than a one night stand?
They’ve spent the past five years getting themselves back in shape. They look good, feel even better and now triple j wants to spread the love. Yep, One Night Stand is back. Your line-up is G Flip, Ruel, What So Not, Thelma Plum, Sycco, Dice and a super special triple j Unearthed winner. Proceeds will be donated to the Australian music charity Support Act.
More through https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/one-night-stand-2024/104042284
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Barwon Club Blow Out
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong – September 21
When it’s time to party, we will party hard
You can blow dry your hair. You can blow your nose. You can blow out candles. You can blow a harmonica. Or you can attend Barwon Club’s Blow Out, where you don’t have to do any of those other things unless there is a need or want. Your line-up is Daddy Issues, Blowers, Program, Leatherman, Public House, Fly!, De Porsal, Gnome, Software Update, Blondehouse and Strawberry Lipstick.
More through https://www.barwonclub.com.au/whats-on/
Ballarat Zine Fair
TBH Studio, Ballarat – September 21
What’s your favourite idea? Mine is being creative
Forget about being in the zone and get yourself in the zine. Step inside a wonderful world of creativity as the Ballarat Zine Fair returns for its fourth year with stacks and stacks of zines.
More through https://www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/zine-fair/
Bendigo Flame Festival
Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo – September 28
I will be the flame
Do play with fire if you can handle the flame is not quite the expression, but we’re running with it. Bendigo’s Flame Festival is full of fire performers and thrilling stunts that will light up the night sky. Amusement rides, jumping castles, food trucks, merchandise and music will make this a hot, hot, hot evening out for the whole family. *This event was postponed from last month.
More through https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1242460
It’s all happening in Victoria this September! Stay up to date with more festivals and events in the region here.
