The best of the fests

Visitors can sample the finest local produce as they embrace experiences capturing sport, live performance, the theatre and the arts – even ballooning!

Castlemaine Jazz Festival - 7-10 June 2019The Castlemaine Jazz Festival returns for a sixth time this Queen’s Birthday long weekend, with more than 50 bands and 300 musicians set to take to the stage across four days of programming. The festival will celebrate a broad range of jazz styles and performers from across Melbourne, Victoria and the world, as five unique venues in the region act as host. Castlemaine, Victoria

Black Truffle Hunting - 8, 15, 29 June 2019Truffle hunters are set to descend on Red Hill across the month of June as the thrill of finding black gold entertains those brave enough to embrace the cold air. Under the guidance of Jenny McAuley and her dog, Thomas, visitors will be given the opportunity to hunt for truffle under the oak and hazelnut trees that thrive in the rich volcanic soil. Discover their intoxicating aroma and hear about the unique difference that truffle can bring to culinary adventures. Red Hill, Victoria

Opening Weekend, Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Falls Creek - 8-10 June 2019The snow has begun to fall, the chairlifts are once again on the move and conditions are approaching outstanding as Victoria’s ski fields open for 2019. Discover the magic and excitement of Victoria’s resorts, cutting up the slopes on skis, snowboards and toboggans across a range of spectacular trails that cover beginner through cross-country expert. Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Falls Creek, Victoria

Winter Wine Festival - 8 June 2019The official launch of a series of wine weekend programming across winter, Winter Wine Festival in Red Hill provides lovers of all varieties the chance to sample more than 200 premium vines from 50 wineries across the Mornington Peninsula. Tickets include all tastings, a Riedel wine glass and two entrées.  Red Hill, Victoria

Australian Kelpie Muster - 7-10 June 2019The Australian Kelpie Muster celebrates Casterton’s claim as the birthplace of the Australian working dog, with the original ‘Kelpie’ documented as being born at Warrock Station more than a century ago. The festival celebrates and demonstrates the many skills of the Kelpie, including the Kelpie Dash, the Kelpie High Jump, the Kelpie Hill Climb and the Stockman’s Challenge.  Casterton, Victoria

Woodend Winter Arts Festival - 7-10 June 2019Now in its 15th year, Woodend Winter Arts Festival brings together Australian and international artists, performers, authors and commentators for the Macedon Ranges premier arts festival. Performers in 2019 include Piers Lane from London, Concilium musicum Wien from Vienna, Joseph Tawadros and Simon Tedeschi, as well as a stellar line-up of authors and speakers, including George Megalogenis, Clare Wright, Kelly Gardiner and Toni Jordan.  Woodend, Victoria