Easter Fair ready to be remembered as best ever

February 12, 2026 BY Adam Carswell

Among friends: City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Thomas Prince said Easter is a special time and it's going to be exciting to see so much colour and vibrancy this year. Photos: ADAM CARSWELL

A BENDIGO Easter Festival like none that have come before is poised to wow the crowds in the first week of April, with the just-announced program featuring the cherished twin parades, cultural performances, family entertainment, and popular community-run activities.

This year’s festival will also coincide with the Bendigo Easter Fair Society’s 100th anniversary.

The volunteer-led organisation was established in 1926 to guide the event, which remains one of Australia’s longest running large-scale community occasions.

A multimedia exhibition to mark the anniversary, 100 Years of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society – Custodians of the Grand Fair, will be on display at the Living Arts Space in Pall Mall from Thursday 2 April to Saturday 2 May.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Thomas Prince said Easter is a special time in town.

Lion dance performances have been a staple of the Easter Festival since the late 1880s.

“The festival is a homegrown treasure,” he said.

“It’s going to be exciting to see so much colour and vibrancy this year.

“The program features fantastic cultural performances celebrating Bendigo’s Chinese heritage, dazzling parades, bustling market days and an abundance of family entertainment.”

Cr Prince said the festival’s success is made possible thanks to the dedication of City of Greater Bendigo staff who deliver the event, the support of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society, volunteers, community groups and premium sponsor Agnico Eagle Fosterville Gold Mine, plus other sponsors.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone involved for their valued support, which enables us to deliver a welcoming and memorable Festival for all,” he said.

You can find the full program at bendigoeasterfestival.org.au