Waaman Guided Tour – monthly. Join Uncle Rick Nelson on the first Saturday of each month for a memorable two-hour tour of Djaara Country, visiting significant sites selected by Uncle Rick. Learn about ancient traditions, hear rich stories and connect with the land and living culture. Tours depart via bus from the Castlemaine Market Building at 10 am.  Book through waamantours.com.au.

A Notable Day Out, May 10, Maldon. The beautiful town of Maldon will be celebrating 60 years as Australia’s first “Notable Town” with a major community event of May 10. Classified by the National Trust in 1966 for its well-preserved 19th-century gold rush architecture, the town will host heritage markets and music, steam train arrivals, bus tours, museum displays, and a twilight dinner on Main Street.

Castlemaine Jazz Festival, King’s Long Weekend June 5, 6, 7. This popular and well-established three-day festival returns, with the usual stellar line-up showcasing a wide variety of jazz styles from traditional and swing to modern and fusion. Performances are staged across multiple venues including historic pubs, theatres and some unique Castlemaine settings. More details coming soon but be sure to book your accommodation. It’s another big Castlemaine long weekend!  

Castlemaine Documentary Festival, June 26 – 28. This outstanding festival, happening as always at the iconic Theatre Royal, has been a Castlemaine winter highlight for over a decade. Featuring Australian and international non-fiction films, panels discussions and conversation, music and parties it’s a must do. The final programme is pending but the theme is Love – The Antidote.  Watch the Festival’s website and socials for more details.

Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens October 24 – November 3. This popular biennial event attracts garden and nature lovers from around the State, and for good reason. Grand country gardens, historic gardens, verge gardens, town gardens, sculpture gardens – if you love plants, beautiful garden landscapes and the outdoors, this is for you. Watch this space for more details.  

Town Folk Festival, November 21, Castlemaine. The lineup is yet to be announced but we all know it will be stunning. Just book in now for this fabulous Castlemaine event – huge fun for all music lovers, young and old.  

For further details about events and happenings, visit the website and social pages of individual events or go to the Castlemaine Maldon & Surrounds website

Other

Boorp Boorp Boondyil Exhibition (a permanent cultural exhibition). This fascinating and informative exhibition at the Market Building in the heart of Castlemaine is a must-do. Embark on a journey of interactive learning about Djaara country and culture, experience a virtual “Welcome to Country” ceremony and learn about bush foods, medicine, waterways and weavings.

Castlemaine Artists’ Market April 26, May 24, June 28 and July 26. More than 60 local and regional artists and makers showcase their work at this monthly event, held at Western Reserve, Forest Street, in the centre of Castlemaine from 10 am to 2 pm. Browse jewellery, ceramics, prints, designer clothing, leather goods, woodwork and more. Enjoy quality coffee and offerings from excellent food trucks. There is always fun for the kids as well.

Wesley Hill Community Market. Castlemaine’s popular Saturday morning community market has been running since 1975! It will be held every Saturday during the summer months, from 9 am to 1 pm. Stallholders vary, but locals show up in droves for great coffee, bread, fresh produce, preserves, plants and bric-a-brac. Stop in for a chat and pick up some food and snacks for your lunch back at BIG4 Castlemaine.

Live Music happens most weekends at venues across the To catch a great gig in Castlemaine, keep an eye on upcoming events at the Bridge Hotel and Shedshaker Brewery just across the road from us or at the iconic Theatre Royal in the heart of town