Castlemaine State Festival 2026

Castlemaine located on Djaara Country in the central highlands of Victoria is home to more creative industries residents than any other local government region in Australia.

For nearly 50 years the Castlemaine State Festival inspired by the distinctive places and landscapes of the region has harnessed this creative energy to present adventurous art in its historic and intimate spaces.

A Festival like no other in Australia its multi-arts program brings together authentic cultural experiences where audiences are enchanted by the craft imagination and depth of the work presented.

Established in 1976 the Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 - and is planning a party like no other!

Friday 20th March 2026 - Sunday 29th March 2026

CASTLEMAINE

Castlemaine is just 120km north west of Melbourne and 110 km from the Melbourne International Airport. Castlemaine is a sophisticated central Victorian community nestled between Bendigo and Ballarat. Map

Home to the richest shallow alluvial goldfield the world has ever seen and now renowned for the arts Castlemaine today is a relaxed 21st century city in a stately 19th century setting.

The Festival is held in autumn a particularly beautiful season in the region and has become synonymous with the intimacy relaxed sophistication vitality and open creative spirit which so quintessentially defines the town and the Goldfields region. Broad avenues and mature European gardens fit hand in glove with the primarily Victorian and Edwardian architecture a haven for artists tourists and locals.

This richness and diversity is evidenced by the variety of private studios and galleries that display locally produced art works. Around 500 practising artists have made the region their home.

GETTING AROUND

BY FOOT
A range of walking maps including natural and cultural heritage walks in Castlemaine and surrounding areas are available from the Visitor Information Centre in the Castlemaine Market Building Mostyn Street. For downloadable walking maps visit maldoncastlemaine.com.au or visit the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre.

BY BIKE
A fleet of bicycles with helmets are available for hire from $25/half-day and $35/full-day from the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre.

BY BUS
There are local buses servicing Castlemaine Chewton Campbells Creek Maldon and Bendigo. For service schedules visit pvt.vic.gov.au

BY TAXI
Castlemaine Taxis service all areas in the region and can be contacted on 131 008.

Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre

Market Building 44 Mostyn Street Castlemaine
Telephone: 03 5471 1795




Geelong
→ www.castlemainefestival.com.au

→ Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre

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