Leisure
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Simply the best at Budburst
Discover the cool wines and warm hearts of the Macedon Ranges winemakers at Budburst, the much-anticipated annual wine festival, returning over the weekend of November 16 – 17. Budburst offers a unique, once-a-year opportunity to venture behind the vines and meet the passionate family-owned and small-batch winemakers of mainland Australia’s coolest wine region. Over two…
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The wonders of nature
Spring is in the air. The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and the scent of roses is everywhere. Yes, it is time to be out and about, enjoying the wonders of nature, the beauty of garden, the delights of art and good food; all available at the Mica Grange Open Garden Sculpture Exhibition.…
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Diverse landscapes
Spirit of the Highlands is an exhibition by local artists Nadia Kliendanze and Pam Gleeson on now at The Old Auction House in Kyneton. The two artists present two starkly contrasting perspectives of the diverse landscapes of Victoria’s Central Highlands. From the rugged majesty of the Macedon Ranges to sprawling tranquil farmlands, through cloud-shrouded winters…
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Mandolin Memories
Since it first formed in 1967 the Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra has performed hundreds of concerts in Melbourne, in regional Victoria including many concerts in Bendigo and Castlemaine as well as performances at several Castlemaine State Festivals, and interstate. It has also toured overseas on several occasions performing concerts in Japan and Europe and has recorded…
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Something Lost, Something Found
Something Lost, Something Found is a solo retrospective exhibition of artworks by Maxine McKee. The title of this exhibition sets up the framework for this body of work as it tells a personal story that begins with questions around abandonment, grief and neglect, and ends with works that have presented celebrative answers for the artist…
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Prestigious pianist to perform
Breathtaking Canadian pianist Kevin Chen will grace the stage at the Phee Broadway Theatre in Castlemaine for a remarkable performance on Thursday November 14. Presented by Castlemaine State Festival in partnership with Live At Yours, this performance offers an opportunity for audience members to witness one of the most exciting talents in classical music today.…
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An afternoon with Damian Callinan
A series of conversations with Australia’s music and comedy superstars at Lyonville’s Radio Springs Hotel has proven hugely popular, with the first two Sunday afternoon sessions sold out. So far the afternoons have featured songbird royalty Marina Prior and her husband, renowned actor Grant Piro, followed by comedy legend Tony Martin. Next up will be…
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Show turns 170!
Castlemaine and District Agricultural Society is gearing up to celebrate its annual show on the evening of Friday November 1 and Saturday November 2. The beloved local institution celebrates its 170th anniversary in 2024 – an incredible feat for the hardworking team behind the annual spectacle. The Friday evening Carnival Night is always a highlight…
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Tea with Miss Poppy
Join Parkside Winery and Farm’s Sparkling Rosé ambassador, Miss Poppy, as she launches her new La Coquelicot Rosé sparkling to coincide with THAT big horse event on November 5. Enjoy a full glass of rosé bubbles plus a treat of five savoury and sweet goodies to match the bubbles, all prepared and home-cooked at Parkside.…
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The art of gardening at the Festival of Gardens
The bright banners are flying and the region is bursting with colour as we count down to the 17th biennial Castlemaine and District Festival of Gardens. For nine days during Melbourne Cup week, from Saturday November 2 until Sunday November 10, the festival will showcase stunning private gardens located in the Mount Alexander Shire. There’s…
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Mount Players present A Bunch of Amateurs
The Mount Players’ final production for the year opens Friday November 1 – A Bunch of Amateurs by Ian Hislop and Nick Newham. In a desperate plight to save their theatre from developers, a washed-up Hollywood star is flown in to play the title role in King Lear at ‘Stratford’ believing he will be appearing…
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Learn glass art
Hoppers Glass Studio and Gallery in Maldon is offering glassblowing workshops during the Melbourne Cup long weekend. Hoppers Glass is a privately owned studio, founded in 2017, with the aim is to promote all aspects of glass art, including lampworking (glass blowing), stained glass, kiln work (fuse, cast and slump), cold working, glass mosaics and…
