Bendigo Easter Festival 2024

Get ready for an egg-citing extravaganza at the Bendigo Easter Festival, happening from Friday, March 29th to Monday, April 1st!

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as Bendigo's picturesque Rosalind Park and streets come alive with:

• Family-friendly entertainment
• An Easter Egg hunt with over 80,000 hidden treasures
• Thrilling rides and attractions at Carnival Central
• ️ A treasure trove of goods at the Rotary Market
• Live music performances
• ‍Engaging activities and shows for kids

Experience the mesmerizing Awakening of the Dragon, featuring dance, drums, Lion teams, and a burst of 100,000 crackers at the Dai Gum San Precinct, celebrating Bendigo's rich Chinese heritage.

As the sun sets on Easter Saturday, don't miss the spectacular O'Brien Electrical and AC Torchlight Procession! Cheer on illuminated floats as they parade through historic streets, culminating in a dazzling firework display over the city.

On Easter Sunday, join the iconic Sherridon Homes Gala Parade to witness the majestic Dai Gum Loong, the world's longest Imperial Dragon, weaving through Bendigo's streetscapes!

Don't forget to make the Bendigo Easter Festival your family's new tradition!

Note: Main festival activities operate from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Smaller community events will be held on Easter Monday at various locations within the City.

Festival History

The Bendigo Easter Festival has a rich heritage:

• ️ Originating in 1871, the first fair aimed to raise funds for the Sandhurst Benevolent Asylum and Hospital, establishing itself as one of Australia's oldest community festivals.
• The festival's growth led to its coordination by the City of Greater Bendigo, though the Bendigo Easter Fair Society remains involved.
• The Chinese community's involvement dates back to 1879, culminating in the acquisition of parade costumes and the introduction of iconic dragons like Loong and Dai Gum Loong.
• The festival continues to celebrate Bendigo's diverse culture through displays from community groups like the Bendigo Chinese Association.

In 2022, we celebrated the grand 150th Bendigo Easter Fair!

Event Schedule

Friday, March 29

• Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt (9:40am - 5pm, Rosalind Park, $15 per child)
• ️ Rotary Market (9am - 4pm, Pall Mall & Easter Fair Way)
• Carnival Central (10am - 11pm, Mundy Street)
• Bull Street Festival Live Music (12pm - 11pm, Bull Street)
• Children's Lantern Making Workshop (10am - 3pm, Yi Yuan Gardens)
• ‍Chinese Historical Walking Tour (10:30am & 2pm, bookings required)

Saturday, March 30

• Awakening of the Dragon (2pm - 4pm, Dai Gum San)
• O'Brien Electrical & AC Torchlight Procession (8pm, parade route)
• Octonauts Show (11:10am & 1:05pm, Rosalind Park Main Stage)
• Roller Coaster Rides (10am - 9pm, Albert Terrace)
• Artisan Market (9am - 5pm, Bull Street)
• Street Performances (All day, Various locations)

Sunday, March 31

• Sherridon Homes Gala Parade (12:30pm, parade route)
• Carnival Central (10am - 6pm, Mundy Street)
• Classical Music Concert (3pm - 5pm, Rosalind Park Bandstand)
• Circus Acts (11am - 4pm, Bendigo Showgrounds)
• Archery Competition (9am - 12pm, Rosalind Park)
• Jazz Festival (1pm - 9pm, Various venues)

Monday, April 1

• Children's Dragon Making Workshop (10am - 3pm, Yi Yuan Gardens)
• Painting Exhibition (9am - 5pm, Bendigo Art Gallery)
• Bike Tour of Bendigo (9am - 12pm, Departing from Pall Mall)
• Food Truck Festival (11am - 8pm, Rosalind Park)
• Theater Play: "The Dragon's Tale" (2pm - 4pm, Bendigo Performing Arts Center)
• Rock Concert (7pm - 11pm, Bendigo Stadium)

Other events across the weekend include live entertainment at Rosalind Park, the Golden Dragon Museum, sporting activities, markets, exhibitions, and more around Bendigo.