For details on over 20 exciting, annual events of the Greater Hamilton region, check out our Annual Event Guide. From Sheepvention Rural Expo to the Australian Pedal Car Grand Prix to a Festival of Lanterns, there will undoubtedly be an event that will spark your interest and make its way into your diary. Save these dates people because there is so much fun to be had.
JANUARY
Australia Day Celebrations @ Hamilton Botanic Gardens
Celebrate Australia Day with the Greater Hamilton community at the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Celebrations include flag-raising ceremony, award presentations, speeches by a well-known Ambassador and the local mayor, citizenship ceremony, free community BBQ and live musical entertainment.
FEBRUARY
Branxholme Community Rodeo @ Branxholme Recreation Reserve
Join in on a great family-friendly night with all the action of a rodeo plus a feast of foods and kids entertainment.
MARCH
Penshurst Art and Photography Exhibition @ Penshurst Memorial Hall
Get a glimpse and a gaze of the region’s most talented artists and their magnificent masterpieces at this colourful weekend-long exhibition.
Australian Shakespeare Company @ Hamilton Botanic Gardens
See a Shakespearean classic performed under the stars in a picturesque garden setting. Pack a picnic, some wine and have a magical time.
Dunkeld Polo Cup @ Dunkeld Racecourse
Amazing horsemanship with an incredible backdrop; The annual Dunkeld Polo takes place over two days with teams battling it out for the prestigious Dunkeld Polo Cup.
APRIL
Cavendish Red Gum Festival @ Cavendish
Celebrate the local towering beauties, Red Gums at this bi-annual festival. Through a diverse range of immersive activities, visitors are invited to enjoy, explore and learn about the mighty Red Gum Tree.
MAY
History in Action at the May Rally @ Hamilton Pastoral Museum
See past farming practices and lost trades in action amongst the museum’s streetscape of period buildings. Hop on the model railway and admire the vintage cars and interesting displays.
JUNE
City of Hamilton Eisteddfod @ Hamilton Performing Arts
Dancers, musicians and performers of speech and drama take to the stage to show you why they are regarded as some of the highest calibre performers in their respective fields.
AUGUST
Coleraine Art and Photography Show @ Coleraine Mechanics Hall
An event that attracts and showcases both entry-level artist and photographers as well the more experienced exhibitors.
Sheepvention Rural Expo @ Hamilton Showgrounds
Get set for the biggest farming event in Victoria. Sheepvention affords you the opportunity to take in all things sheep, wool and innovation plus meet producers, taste local produce, compete, admire, shop, enjoy the fashion show and heaps more!
SEPTEMBER
Coleraine Cup @ The Coleraine Racecourse
For over 150 years the spectacular annual Coleraine Cup has been run. Not only does the day feature all the action of the races but there is also fashions on the field, free activities for kids and live music.
OCTOBER
Australian Pedal Car Grand Prix @ Coleraine
It’s the best kind of traffic congestion when the Australian Pedal Car Grand Prix hits the streets of Coleraine. Teams are invited to not only build a signature pedal car but then race it!
3 Peaks Festival @ Dunkeld
Enjoy a cold beer or crisp wine at this sensational spring outdoor festival. Showcasing local brews, wines plus crafts, music and gourmet produce, along with great activities to keep the kiddies entertained.
Hamilton Cup @ Hamilton Racing Club
Frock up or suit up and have a flutter on the Hamilton Cup each Spring. Hamilton’s leading race day includes all the gripping action of horse racing plus fashions on the field, music and free kids activities.
NOVEMBER
Coleraine Show @ Coleraine Showgrounds
A fun, fantastic and family-friendly event that includes wood chopping competitions, sheep show, show jumping, carnival rides, show bags, fireworks, grand parade and so much more!
Hamilton Fiesta hosted by Koonara Wines @ Botanic Gardens, Hamilton
Wine, beer, cider, food, live music and kids entertainment all ready and waiting for you to enjoy under the stars at the Hamilton Fiesta.
Byaduk Spring Flower Show @ Byaduk Hall
An over 100-year-old tradition that showcases beautiful buds and blooms plus local photography, art and cooking.
Cavendish Fleece and Flower Show @ Cavendish Soldiers Memorial Hall
A community fair that presents the beauty of homegrown flowers and the cosiness of locally grown fleeces, along with art, craft, needlework, cookery and photography.
Show n Shine presented by The Balmoral Lions Club @ Balmoral Recreation Reserve
Collectable cars, bikes, trucks and four-wheeled drives. Are you a rev head? Then head to the annual car expo, Show n Shine.
LanternFest @ St Michael’s Lutheran Church, Tarrington
LanternFest is an opportunity to celebrate and revel in Tarrington’s rich heritage with traditional maypole dancing, German food and wine, stein-holding competitions, historic tours of the local Lutheran church and lantern making for the spectacular closing lantern parade.
DECEMBER
Nestles and Hamilton Rowing Regatta @ Lake Hamilton
Named 2018 Regatta of the Year, this weekend of water sport allows the local rowing community to show their skills on a state-wide stage.
Coleraine Carnival and Christmas Street Parade @ Whyte Street, Coleraine
Deck the streets with Christmas cheer at Coleraine’s merry festivities. You will be totally immersed in Christmas spirit with the street parade, stalls, shows, entertainment and food!
Hamilton Carols by Candlelight @ Hamilton Botanic Gardens
The much-loved tradition of carols by candlelight lights up the Botanic Gardens. Sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes and enjoy the festive performances by local choirs, soloists and groups.
Penshurst Cup @ Penshurst Racecourse
What better way to spend your boxing day than by settling into a relaxed day of horse racing and live music at Penshurst Racecourse’s sole race meet of the year.
NYE @ Melville Oval, Hamilton
Welcome the new year with a bang! Not only are there epic fireworks at Hamilton’s NYE festivities but there is also live music, children’s activities, amusement rides, food, drinks and it is all family friendly!
