If the cool change has caught you off guard, we've got the perfect way to say goodbye to the winter blues and ignite your senses during the chilly months.
A tried and true mood-booster, this year's Ignite program is stacked with over 40 events and experiences, making Bendigo a must-visit this winter. Ignite embraces the cold darkness of winter by pairing it with the fiery intensity of amazing food and drink, passionate performers, and inspiring experiences designed to light up your senses and imagination. Featuring epic activities, pop-ups, and installations taking place at stand out local wineries, breweries, and art galleries, this program is all about bringing fire, warmth and taste to the chilly season.
Here are all the best events you won’t want to miss in Bendigo this winter.
Elvis Is In The Building
In case you missed it, the King is having a massive revival in the cultural zeitgeist right now and Bendigo has exclusive visiting rights to his iconic wardrobe this winter. Elvis: Direct From Graceland is an exclusive exhibition exploring the life and undeniable style of Elvis Presley. Feast your eyes on Elvis’ aesthetic through his most iconic jumpsuits, vintage memorabilia, and a selection of items treasured by the most iconic men’s fashion icon of our time. You can catch the exhibit from now up until the 17th of July at Bendigo Art Gallery for the first time in Australia. Head over here for more details.
Partake In An Unforgettable Sensory Experience
Head to the stunning Rosalind Park this winter to become immersed in the engaging sensory experience that is GLOW. From the 25th of June to the 17th of July, the park will come alive with a series of vibrant installations that tell the stories of Bendigo through light, sound, and colour. Ward off the winter blues by igniting your senses surrounded by 600 colourful lanterns, just one of 11 creative and historically significant installations. Find out more about the installation here.
Taste Indulgent Wines Straight From The Barrel
Take your mind off the brisk weather by indulging in some of the region’s best wines. Throughout the first weekend of July, Bendigo’s most iconic winemakers will team up to welcome wine lovers behind the scenes of the winemaking process. During the Barrel Wine Tasting Weekend, you’ll get the chance to tour the barrel rooms, usually closed to the public, and taste a series of vintages straight from the barrel as you learn more about the art of winemaking. Book your spot here.
Celebrate The Mighty Australian Sheep
Spend three days in the middle of July showing your appreciation for all things wool. The Australian Sheep and Wool Show will be setting up shop in Bendigo, bringing together our country’s top sheep breeders and fibre lovers. Showcasing the best fleeces in Australia, you can expect to see glorious wool in all of its forms, from historical fashion to wearable art.
Shepherd yourself toward the Festival of Lamb to sample some tasty morsels and catch a cooking class. Roam through the 250-plus stalls, enjoy the street eats, and pet a few baby lambs, alpacas, and goats along the way. The festival runs from Friday, 15 to Sunday, 17 July, and you can find more information over here.
Experience The Joy Of Locally Crafted Beer
For all your craft beer lovers, there’s no better way to explore Bendigo’s local flavours than at Bendigo On The Hop. Every winter on the last Saturday of August, Australia’s best, independent breweries team up with Bendigo’s finest watering holes to pay homage to the craft beer capital of regional Australia. Connect with Bendigo’s heritage as you stroll from venue to venue, tasting specially brewed beers at every stop. Prepare your palette with more information over here.
Immerse Yourself In Vibrant Art & Local Flavours
Mark the end of winter and welcome spring at Bendigo’s ever-iconic, annual White Night. This event is a love letter to Bendigo, showcasing the diverse and powerful voices that help this vibrant community thrive. Held throughout the city on the 3rd of September, you’ll find street eats, light displays, live performances, and more exciting events and installations hidden around every corner. Find out more here.
Ready to ignite your winter? Learn more about the fiery sensory experiences, indulgent food and drink, and unforgettable events of Bendigo’s Ignite Festival, here.
Image credit: supplied
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