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Free family fun and entertainment at Bendigo Easter Festival

Media release

With free public transport announced for V-Line trains and buses in Victoria, make the most of the 2026 Bendigo Easter Festival and enjoy a variety of events, live music, and entertainment over the long weekend – all for free.

City of Greater Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said the Bendigo Easter Festival was the perfect way to kickstart the school holidays for residents and visitors.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is proud to present a fantastic festival program with so many free activities available that appeal to people of all ages. Enjoy for free spectacular parades, vibrant cultural performances, family entertainment, live music, and popular community events.

“Leave your car at home and take advantage of free public transport that is operating over Easter weekend, including V/Line trains and buses, and head to the Bendigo Easter Festival for plenty of free entertainment.

“The City has received confirmation from Public Transport Victoria that more six-carriage train services are scheduled this weekend from Melbourne to Bendigo to cater for people travelling to the festival.

“Residents and visitors are encouraged to check out the Public Transport Victoria website so you can plan your trip.

For cyclists travelling to the festival, there’s bike parking in Rosalind Park at the View Street end from 10am to 5pm on Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

The Park ‘n’ Ride Tram Shuttle Service will run every 20 minutes from 9.30am to 5pm from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Tickets are valid all day, $5 per person, children aged 15 and under travel for free. The tram stops to and from the city: Central Deborah Gold Mine, Charring Cross, Tramways Depot and Café, Tramways Depot and Café, Lake Weeroona and The Joss House Temple.

V/Line website
Bendigo Tramways: Park 'n' Ride booking page

Free events

Awakening of the Dragon

Awakening of the Dragon at the Dai Gum San Precinct on Easter Saturday from 11am to 4pm is a popular traditional celebration of lion and dragon dance concluding with the lighting of 100,000 firecrackers used to wake Dai Gum Loong from his slumber (the imperial dragon does not make a public appearance until the Gala Parade on Easter Sunday).

La Trobe Torchlight Procession

The free La Trobe Torchlight Procession on Easter Saturday at 7.30pm has illuminated displays from emergency services, community groups, and the Bendigo Chinese Association with a fireworks finale over Rosalind Park.

Sherridon Homes Gala Parade

Sherridon Homes Gala Parade at 12.30pm on Easter Sunday is a beloved festival tradition with vibrant floats, cultural groups, dancers, and community organisations. Imperial Dragon, Dai Gum Loong will make his only public appearance weaving through the city.

Rosalind Park activities

Rosalind Park will have a wide variety of free activities: Fosterville Gold Mine panning for gold, The Mik Maks, the Easter Bunny Show, Bendigo Bricks Easter Festival mosaic, Connected Circus, Discovery Centre activities, roving entertainers, Minions Meet-and-Greet, plaster painting, Kelly Sports fun zone and much more.

100 Years of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society multimedia exhibition

To mark the 100th anniversary of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society, a free special multimedia exhibition, 100 Years of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society - Custodians of the Grand Fair, will be on display at the Living Arts Space, Bendigo Visitor Centre, from Thursday April 2 to Saturday May 2.

Violet, the six-metre tall Kewpie Doll

As part of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society’s centenary celebrations, a six-metre-tall fibreglass Kewpie doll called Violet will be at Rosalind Park’s piazza. Violet was one of 12 figures created for the 2000 Olympic Games closing ceremony and last appeared at the festival 24 years ago.

Queen Rhapsody performance

Queen Rhapsody will bring the iconic energy of Queen’s greatest hits to life on Easter Saturday, 5pm to 7pm in Rosalind Park. This is a free event proudly presented by the Bendigo Easter fair Society Inc.

Imaginary Jungle augmented reality experience

Hargreaves Mall will have a free Imaginary Jungle Augmented Reality Experience throughout the festival.

Bull Street Music Festival

The free Bull Street Music Festival from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, organised by The Sporting Globe Bendigo, has a great lineup of local and regional music talent, with SOS – The Australian ABBA Tribute Show headlining Saturday night.

Community events

A range of popular community-run events are on during the festival including the Bendigo Foodshare Easter Book Fair and the Easter Art Show, and Bendigo Treasures: Brick by Brick exhibition at MacKenzie Quarters.

Full program

Bendigo Easter Festival website
Locations:
Greater Bendigo