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Set in the heart of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, beside the historic Mill complex, the Garden Party is one of the Festival’s most beloved traditions. For our 1976–2026 golden anniversary, we invite you to spend a full day immersed in music, dance, performance, food and community — an open-air celebration shaped by the creativity of the region and the people who gather here.
The Botanical Gardens hold a special place in Castlemaine’s story: a place for picnic afternoons, wandering under old trees, and sharing time with family and friends. The Garden Party builds on this local character, bringing together the town’s makers, musicians, performers, radio hosts and circus artists in a setting that feels relaxed, welcoming and full of possibility. Whether you’re discovering a new act, joining a workshop, listening to a band on the lawn, or simply settling under the canopy with something delicious to eat, the day invites you to experience the Festival at your own pace.
This golden-year edition honours the people and artistic energies that make Castlemaine unique. The program unfolds across the grounds with an expansive lineup: Super Mandé Percussion, Belly Savalas, Gusto Gusto, World Kitchen, Uncle Ron Murray, Dandyman, Castlemaine Hot Rods, Main FM, and Castlemaine Circus. Each brings a different rhythm, flavour or story — creating an evolving soundtrack that invites you to wander, dance, listen, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Pack a picnic rug, browse the Artist Market, meet the community, and settle in for a wonderful day beneath the trees. The Garden Party remains exactly what it has always been: a celebration of place, people and the joy of coming together.
This performance of Thompson’s Foundry Band is being sponsored by the family of the late Yiu Kwong Mak in his memory. During Mak’s time studying engineering at Castlemaine Technical College in the early 1960s, Mak developed a lifelong admiration for the Band.
