The 8 best things to do in Bendigo right now

Lego fans will want to get around Curiosity: Building Breakthroughs in Lego Bricks, an interactive exhibition that explores groundbreaking ideas in science, tech, engineering and maths through Lego installations. Running from March 2 until November 29, see designs from one of the world's leading Lego brick artists Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught and his team. Best recognised as one of the co-judges on Lego Masters Australia, McNaught is also known as the only Lego Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Brought to you by Bendigo Art Gallery, this one-of-a-kind exhibit brings serious wow-factor. Catch it at Bendigo’s Discovery Science and Technology Centre, with tickets starting from $22 for adults and $18 for kids. 

Autumn in the Bendigo region means harvest season and the region’s annual Heathcote Harvest Festival returns on March 8 to kick off the celebrations. Barrack Recreation Reserve is set to come alive from 4-8pm with a pop-up twilight market, bringing together local and regional market stalls, food trucks and plenty of vintage from local vineyards, alongside craft beers and spirits so you can raise a glass. Once you’ve secured a beverage, settle in for sunset and a series of performances on the main stage. With dog-friendly areas and roving kids entertainment, it’s set to be a fun family-friendly night out. 

Get ready to feast as the Flavours of Loddon Food Truck Festival returns, serving a stellar line-up of bites, local wines and beer. Set against the stunning Bridgewater on Loddon Foreshore, enjoy riverside dining at this all-ages event from 4-8pm on March 8. Expect live entertainment and sparkling river views for a relaxing autumn outing that will be nothing short of memorable. 

Send off summer with one last hurrah as the Red Hot Summer Tour turns up the heat on March 14. This epic music festival is back in 2026 with another scorching line-up of all-Aussie talent. From 1-9.30pm, catch performances from Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, Jess Hitchcock and headliner Paul Kelly, whose poetic and masterful tunes like ‘From St Kilda to Kings Cross’ and ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’ have long told the story of Australia. 

Mark your calendars! The Bendigo Easter Festival is set to take over the city across four action-packed days, with parades, performances and, of course, an Easter egg hunt. From April 3-6, this wholesome shindig marks its 100th year with an unbeatable program of fun. We’re talking carnival rides, handmade creations at a rotary market, a Minions meet-and-greet, gold mine panning, an epic parade featuring the world’s longest imperial dragon (Dai Gum Loong), and an Easter egg hunt with more than 100,000 eggs to find. While it’s completely free to attend there are some ticketed events on offer.

The Bendigo region is gearing up to celebrate the region’s top winegrowers at Grape Day Out on May 2 – and everyone’s invited. Spend the day with local winemakers sampling drops while you enjoy live music from Baker Boys Band and snacks from local restaurants including The Woodhouse, The Dispensary and Le Foyer. Upgrade your ticket with flexible add-ons for the chance to join in on The Bubbles Club or the Grape Stomp. 

While a visit to Bendigo’s iconic stupa – a sacred Buddhist temple that’s the largest in the Western world – is reason enough to stop by, here’s another incentive. On May 2, see it come alive with an animated light show and fireworks in a celebration of peace and harmony. For one day only, Illumin8 returns to Peace Park, transforming the leafy space with stunning light installations and sculptures. Take a stroll through the area and enjoy cultural performances and ceremonies, snap a photo with the five-tonne jade Buddha, sample tasty vegetarian bites from food stalls, and let go of negative energy in the Burning the Bad ritual.

Heathcote is putting on a show this King’s Birthday long weekend, with gourmet food, live music and wine tastings galore. With more than 20 local cellar doors taking part, you can explore the region’s most interesting producers at your own pace. Develop your palate across the three-day festival, or if wine’s not your thing, there’s no shortage of brewers and distillers to sample. While live entertainment runs all weekend, you can also upgrade your experience with special ticketed events, featuring everything from three-course meals to comedy shows. 

Turn your visit to the Bendigo Region into a weekend getaway and start planning your trip now.