Bumper summer of fun coming to a park near you

THE 2025/2026 Greater Bendigo Summer in the Parks program is almost upon us with outdoor cinemas, live music, moonlight and artist markets, community activities, festivals and a whole lot more to continue throughout November, December, January, February and March.

City of Greater Bendigo healthy communities and environments director Jess Howard said the annual program offers a fantastic range of free or low-cost events and activities thanks to the City and local community groups and organisations.

“(It’s) the perfect excuse to pack up your family or get a group of friends together and have some fun in our great outdoors that won’t break the budget,” she said.

“There really is something for everyone as the weather warms up, so why not check out the program and enjoy a great long summer.”

Next month features a range of activities, markets and events including the Eaglehawk Children’s Festival and the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Rosalind Park Piazza on Friday 21 November.

Highlights in December include a range of Christmas Carol events in Bendigo, Epsom, Heathcote, Marong, Maiden Gully, Axedale and Eaglehawk along with two fireworks displays at the QEO on New Years’ Eve.

Meanwhile, January and February are all about outdoor cinema and music events in locations including Bendigo, Golden Square, Flora Hill, White Hills, Heathcote, Maiden Gully, Marong and Axedale.

There will also be free Australia Day celebrations taking place in Bendigo, Axedale, Eaglehawk, Elmore, Maiden Gully, Huntly, Heathcote, Mia Mia and Strathfieldsaye on 26 January.

To round things out, events taking place in March will include the Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival, the Bendigo Latin Festival, the Bendigo Sustainability Festival, and the Play in the Garden Day at the Garden for Future, Bendigo Botanic Gardens.

You’ll find the full program on the Summer in the Parks website.