Make the most of the 2026 Bendigo Easter Festival from April 3-6 with traditional cultural activities, entertainment, family fun, community events and special celebrations to mark the Bendigo Easter Fair Society’s 100th anniversary.
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said the final preparations were underway for the spectacular homegrown event.
“The unique festival is a major highlight in the calendar for both residents and visitors with something for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Myatt said.
“I encourage you to start planning your visit to the festival as the online program has many cultural performances along with plenty of fun activities for all ages.
“This year will be extra special with the 100-year celebrations for the Bendigo Easter Fair Society.”
The Society began in 1926 as a volunteer-led organisation to oversee the event each year. The City took over operations in 2003 and the Society continues to play an important advisory role.
Special attractions for the 100th anniversary:
- A six-metre fibreglass Kewpie doll named Violet will return to the festival after 24 years and will be on display in the piazza in Rosalind Park. She was one of 12 figures created for the 2000 Olympic Games closing ceremony
- A multimedia exhibition, 100 Years of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society – Custodians of the Grand Fair, will be shown at the Living Arts Space, Bendigo Visitor Centre, from April 2 to May 2
- Queen Rhapsody Concert, 5pm–7pm, Rosalind Park is a tribute to Queen’s greatest hits
- Wadaiko Rindo Japanese Drummers will bring a spectacular display of stamina, strength and humour on Good Friday in Rosalind Park
Festival highlights
What's on:
- Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt from 9am–4pm in Rosalind Park with over 100,000 Easter eggs to find
- The Way of the Cross, 8pm, Fosterville Gold Main Stage, Rosalind Park
- Rotary Market from 9am to 4pm Pall Mall and Easter Fair Way
- Bull Street Music Festival featuring the very best of local and regional talent from 12 noon to 11pm (free event)
- Carnival Central, Mundy Street with rides and sideshow alley for family fun from 10am to 11pm
- CFA Kids Amusement Rides 10am to 5pm
What's on:
- Awakening of the Dragon from 11am to 4pm featuring lion and dragon dances from the Bendigo Chinese Association and visiting groups in a tradition celebration to wake imperial dragon Dai Gum Loong for his only appearance at the Gala Parade on Easter Sunday
- Moonlight Market on Saturday (10am–4pm) in Hargreaves Mall
- Queen Rhapsody Concert, 5pm–7pm, Rosalind Park. A tribute to Queen’s greatest hits
- La Trobe University Torchlight Procession from 7:30pm to 9pm (daylight saving)with a fireworks finale over Rosalind Park
- Bull Street Music Festival from 12 noon to 11pm (free event) including SOS Abba Tribute Show (9.30pm to 11pm)
- Carnival Central, Mundy Street with rides and sideshow alley for family fun from 10am to 11pm
- CFA Kids Amusement Rides at William Vahland Place from 10am to 9.30pm
What's on:
- Sherridon Homes Gala Parade from 12.30pm to 3pm is the festival’s biggest cultural event, featuring bands, school groups, cultural groups, colourful Chinese lions and the Imperial Dragon Dai Gum Loong in his only public appearance. The parade route follows View St, Pall Mall, McCrae St, and Bridge Street
- Rotary Market is at Easter Fair Way from 9am - 4pm
- Bull Street Music Festival from 12pm to 5pm (free event)
- Carnival Central, Mundy Street with rides and sideshow alley for family fun from 10am to 6pm
- CFA Kids Amusement Rides at William Vahland Place from 10am to 5pm
What's on:
- From Good Friday to Easter Sunday Rosalind Park will have live music, entertainers, food stalls and a wide range of family-fun activities
- Hargreaves Mall will have an Imaginary Jungle augmented reality experience from Good Friday (until April 19) with animals and plants to be spotted
- Violet, the Kewpie Doll will be on display at the piazza in Rosalind Park
- A free multimedia exhibition, 100 Years of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society – Custodians of the Grand Fair, is at the Living Arts Space, Bendigo Visitor Centre from April 2 to May 2, 2026
- Many community-run events will take place from Good Friday to Easter Monday (no City-run events are held on the Monday public holiday)