Art in the Vines – The Renaissance | Until 30 April

Renowned Exhibition Curator, Malcolm Thomson – who for the third consecutive year has been engaged to deliver Art in the Vines, has worked with 25 artists on the exhibition. These are predominantly highly acclaimed artists – leaders in their field, a strong contingent of which reside in the Macedon Ranges and Central Victoria.

More information: hangingrock.com.au

Chillout Festival | 5 March to 8 March 

ChillOut Festival is one of the most beloved and longest running LGBTIQA+ festivals in Australia. In 2021, the festival will run for two weeks with festival organisers offering a distinctly different festival with diverse curation of events. Highlights include the much-lauded Mo’ju who will be bringing her multi-genre live musical set to the majesty of the Hepburn Pavilion Amphitheatre, guest talks with popular Australian journalist Patricia Karvelas, the ChillOut debut of the iconic Queerstories, an outdoor Drag Queen Jamboree, visual arts and exhibitions, tours, family events, workshops, DJ sets and more.

Tickets are available on the ChillOut Festival website: chilloutfestival.com.au

Harcourt Applefest | 6 March 

Harcourt has long been known for its delicious apples and is regarded as mainland Australia’s apple epicentre. Applefest celebrates harvest time, showcasing produce from the surrounding area. Taste the fruit of the land at the Harcourt Fruit Growers Tent. Join the apple pie baking and eating competition. Enjoy fresh baked apple pies, apple cake and apple juice. Local wine, beer and cider all available for tasting and purchase. Features include kids’ carnival, art show, all day entertainment, classic cars and miniature train display, a market plus more. It’s a great day out for the entire family.

Find out more at applefest.harcourt.vic.au

Macedon Ranges Music Festival | 13 March

Live music is back in the Macedon Ranges! Headlined by Aussie favourites The Black Sorrows, Emma Donovan & the Putbacks and Nick Barker, the festival brings together some of the best local vendors and finest Australian musicians. It’s family friendly, with plenty of kids activities in the ‘Youth Zone’. A full bar will showcase local drinks from Hanging Rock Winery, Harcourt Cider, Quiet Deeds Brewery and festive cocktails made by Macedon-based Mountain Distilling. This one-day event keeps the feel-good vibes going. The event donates all profits to the Cambodian Kids Foundation to support their work in providing education to a rural community in Cambodia.

Tickets are strictly limited and sold online only, book today via macedonrangesmusicfestival.org

Daylesford Polo | 20 March

For those looking for the polo experience with a little bit more, the Daylesford Polo is a feast for the senses.  Discover a breathtaking backdrop, an abundance of local produce and a world class standard of polo.  Unlike any other polo event, the Daylesford Polo is all about community.  Profits from this year’s event will go to the Mirabel Foundation, because every child deserves a childhood.

Tickets and information: daylesfordpolo.com.au

Castlemaine State Festival | 19 March – 4 April

The Castlemaine State Festival takes place in the creative capital of Central Victoria from 19 March to 4 April. Adventure and exploration will provoke curious minds with a bright and colourful program of visual arts, performance, classical and contemporary music, talks, workshops and a variety of outdoor events which will shine a light on the diversity and culture of the region. The Castlemaine State Festival is for everyone from the young to the young at heart.

Tickets are limited and available from castlemainefestival.com.au

The Gathering of the Goddesses | 26-28 March

Enjoy Workshops, Presentation, Healing, Psychic Readings, Health & Fitness, Drumming, Women’s Circles, Chanting, Market & Food Stalls, Arts & Crafts, Buskers & Performances, Children’s Village and so much more! Celebrating the ways of the old by gathering with your kindred spirits and re-joining your tribe. Nestled on 183 acres of natural forest, The Gathering of the Goddesses Festival takes place at the bottom of the Macedon Ranges.

Ticketing and information: thegatheringofthegoddesses.com.au

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival Throughout Autumn

This year the Macedon Ranges is shining a spotlight on autumn offerings in the region with an inaugural Autumn Festival from late March, right through to the end of April. The festival will be serving up a series of events and creative workshops, a line-up of delicious autumn-inspired winery events, cooking classes with a focus on fresh, local autumn produce, as well as autumn-infused menus at pubs, distilleries and restaurants right across the region. Villages will come alive with everything from autumn produce and craft markets, live music and art installations. You will be able to tap into your inner-creative with poetry, photography, drama and garden workshops. Or ground yourself with wellness retreats and workshops in nature.

Go to visitmacedonranges.com to find out more.

Clunes Booktown Festival | 1-2 May

The quaint historic township of Clunes in country Victoria will once again become a booklovers paradise when a fascinating line-up of authors come to the annual Booktown Festival held on the first weekend in May. Enticing weekend explorers to the town and delving into the local community, the popular festival now in its 13th year (after a year’s break due to COVID), will venture into a range of topics, through a series of panel discussions and talks with some of the nation’s favourite authors.

Further information available at clunesbooktown.com.au