THE FESTIVAL
VICTORIA’S PRE-EMINENT REGIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
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About the Castlemaine State Festival
Castlemaine, located on Djaara Country in the central highlands of Victoria, is home to more creative industries residents than any other local government region in Australia.
For nearly 50 years the Castlemaine State Festival, inspired by the distinctive places and landscapes of the region, has harnessed this creative energy to present adventurous art in its historic and intimate spaces.
A Festival like no other in Australia, its multi-arts program brings together authentic cultural experiences where audiences are enchanted by the craft, imagination and depth of the work presented.
Established in 1976, the Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 – and is planning a party like no other!
The 2026 Castlemaine State Festival will be held from 20-29 March 2026.
CASTLEMAINE
Castlemaine is just 120km north west of Melbourne and 110 km from the Melbourne International Airport. Castlemaine is a sophisticated central Victorian community nestled between Bendigo and Ballarat. Home to the richest shallow alluvial goldfield the world has ever seen and now renowned for the arts, Castlemaine today is a relaxed 21st century city in a stately 19th century setting.
The Festival is held in autumn, a particularly beautiful season in the region, and has become synonymous with the intimacy, relaxed sophistication, vitality, and open creative spirit which so quintessentially defines the town and the Goldfields region. Broad avenues and mature European gardens fit hand in glove with the primarily Victorian and Edwardian architecture, a haven for artists, tourists and locals. This richness and diversity is evidenced by the variety of private studios and galleries that display locally produced art works. Around 500 practising artists have made the region their home.
Visitor Information
Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre
Market Building, 44 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine
Telephone: 03 5471 1795
Email: visitors@mountalexander.vic.gov.au
Website: Click here