The Bendigo Easter Festival is the heartbeat of our city’s events calendar – and has been since 1871. That’s over 150 years of tradition, creativity, and connection brought to life in the heart of Bendigo.
It’s where locals and visitors come together to experience the city in full swing. Lanterns light up Rosalind Park. Chinese lion dancers stir the streets. Vintage trams roll past crowds enjoying live music, craft markets and multicultural food stalls. It’s vibrant. It’s authentic. And it brings Bendigo to life like few other events can.
This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to take part – a powerful reminder of just how much this festival means to the community and the region. It’s also a unique opportunity for homeowners and investors to see the city at its best. Bendigo’s lifestyle appeal? You’ll see it in full colour over Easter weekend.
From the iconic Torchlight Procession to the Awakening of the Dragon, the festival honours Bendigo’s rich cultural heritage – particularly its deep Chinese-Australian roots. You’ll witness one of the most significant and visually spectacular cultural displays in Australia, right in the centre of town.
Families are spoiled for choice – carnival rides, live shows, hands-on activities, roving entertainment, and the annual Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt make for a weekend packed with fun and discovery. For those chasing a slower pace, the Heritage Parade, music performances, local food and wine stalls, and artisan markets offer plenty to explore.
And yes – Sun Loong, the world’s longest imperial dragon, returns in a dazzling parade through the CBD. Towering and intricate, Sun Loong is not just a festival highlight – he’s a symbol of Bendigo’s multicultural identity and proud history.
For those of us who call Bendigo home, the Easter Festival is more than an event – it’s a reflection of everything we value. Community. Culture. Connection. For anyone considering making a move or investing in the region, this is your front-row seat to what life in Greater Bendigo is really like. So mark your calendar. Bring the family. Soak it all in. Bendigo puts on quite the show – and you’re invited.
Bendigo Easter Festival – Event Highlights
Parades & Live Entertainment
La Trobe University Torchlight Procession – Parade Route
• Saturday: 7pm
Sherridon Homes Gala Parade – Parade Route
• Sunday: 12.30pm
Bull Street Festival – Bull Street
• Friday & Saturday: 12noon – 11pm
• Sunday: 12noon – 5pm
Carnival & Markets
Carnival Central – Mundy Street
• Friday & Saturday: 10am – 11pm
• Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Rotary Market
• Friday: 9am – 4pm (Pall Mall and Easter Fair Way)
• Sunday: from 9am (Pall Mall and Easter Fair Way)
Family Fun
Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt – Rosalind Park
• Friday: 9.40am – 5pm
Sonic the Hedgehog Shows – Rosalind Park
• Saturday: 12noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
Click the link for more information at The Bendigo Easter Festival Website : https://bit.ly/BendigoEasterFest
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