Leisure

  • Mandolin Memories

    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…

  • Something Lost, Something Found

    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…

  • Prestigious pianist to perform

    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.…

  • An afternoon with Damian Callinan

    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…

  • Show turns 170!

    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…

  • Tea with Miss Poppy

    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.…

  • The art of gardening at the Festival of Gardens

    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…

  • Mount Players present A Bunch of Amateurs

    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…

  • Learn glass art

    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…

  • Market birthday party

    Market birthday party

    The Castlemaine Farmers Market is putting on a special birthday party this Sunday November 3 and all are invited to attend! Established in November 2003, the market has ‘come of age’ and from a humble beginning of 25 stalls is now host to more than 70 stalls at the monthly market held the first Sunday…

  • Atmospheric festival transforms town

    Atmospheric festival transforms town

    Since its inception in 1974 the Maldon Folk Festival has grown from a small gathering where performers often played for free and, if lucky, received money from donations tossed into a blanket being passed around the crowd, to an event that attracts thousands of people to the historic gold mining town. The festival was established…

  • Country carnival returns!

    Country carnival returns!

    The Vaughan Springs Carnival is returning on Sunday November 10. This much-loved community celebration is held in the historic and picturesque Vaughan Springs Reserve along the banks of the Loddon River, situated on Djaara Country and within the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. The Springs are the perfect setting for this relaxed and fun picnic-style…