Regional Victoria’s most beloved arts Festival turns 50 with a massive nine-day party for lovers of live music, art, design, dance and doofs.
Regional Victoria’s most beloved arts Festival returns 20-29 March 2026 with a huge lineup of events, marking the Festival’s golden milestone with ten days of street parties, creativity, community and connection. With over 55 events, there is something for everyone: art lovers, live music fans, and those who like to get down and party in some of Australia’s most unique spaces: sweeping churches, Castlemaine’s charming autumn streets and gardens, grungy underground car parks and even Australia’s tiniest art gallery.
Established in 1976 and located on Djaara Country in the central highlands of Victoria, Castlemaine (affectionately known as North Northcote) is home to more creative industries residents than any other local government region in Australia. For almost 50 years, The Castlemaine State Festival, inspired by the distinctive places and landscapes of the region, has harnessed this local creative energy to present a massive program of adventurous art in its historic and intimate spaces, and 2026 will be no different (Festival program highlights on page 2).
The Castlemaine State Festival is like no other in Australia, and the program also includes a significant number of free and low-cost events that are selling out fast, explains Castlemaine State Festival Artistic Director Linda Sproul.
“We are a multi-arts program that brings together authentic cultural experiences for the ultimate weekend getaway for Melburnians. We want to enchant audiences with the craft, imagination and depth of the work presented by the local community and visiting artists. Spanning an incredible number of cultural genres of music, art, and design events both in Castlemaine and across the region, including the huge Opening Night Street Party and closing Garden Party,” said Sproul.
“We are the festival that understands the cost of living crisis. Our most expensive ticket is $50. The 2026 Castlemaine State Festival is all about returning art to where it should be in terms of accessibility and engagement: close up, intimate and inspiring.”
“Castlemaine State Festival understands it is a forum for artists and creatives across the state, home to sublime spaces we can imbue with creative works. Art and cultural experiences are part of a well-lived life that should be accessible and affordable. Our program truly is an opportunity to choose your own adventure – if you can’t find something that appeals to you, you don’t have a heart beat!”
Castlemaine State Festival Director Martin Paten explained the Festival’s recent evolution further and how the 50th year will differ from past Festivals.
“When you’re turning 50, you should know who you are – your mistakes – your strengths. This is a festival program deeply connected to its community and the music and arts scene. After the 2023 festival, Linda and I were brought on board and conducted an in-depth outreach program to seek community feedback to evolve programming in a positive direction. After a period of repair and reflection, the Festival is taking flight again; lighter, more open-hearted and deeply connected to community and place,” said Martin.
The Castlemaine State Festival is the ultimate regional arts festival and is not to be missed. With more big, bold program highlights to be announced, visit here for more information.
