It’s a well-known fact that Victoria’s capital of Melbourne is famous for loving a party, hosting so many major events each and every year, but what about some of the other major cities and towns in the state? Along with having a good time in Melbourne itself, are there any major events happening outside the capital?
The answer is, yes there are.
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria to have a great time, then here’s a list of what’s happening around the state.
The Great Australian Beer Festival – Geelong
Victoria’s second most populous city is almost as famous as Melbourne itself for its array of parties and festivals. One of the biggest events – and naturally one of the most popular – is the Great Australian Beer Festival.
It’s an event that only goes for one day, but it happens in the peak of summer, so the perfect time of the year to enjoy some ice-cold beer.
The festival is a little like wine tasting, except its beer. At the Great Australian Beer Festival, you can sample 100s of hand-crafted brews from across the country and all around the world.
“Beer heaven”, is how many describe the festival.
Along with drinking beer, there are workshops, games to get involved in, and live entertainment to enhance the party vibe.
Fringe Benefits – Ballarat
In late November Ballarat plays host to the Fringe Benefits Festival, which is essentially a 12-hour long party and non-stop fun for everyone.
The entire town gets involved, with many of the local pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants becoming venues for the festival.
Along with food and drinks galore, the festival is all about live music and performing arts, featuring some of the region’s very best talent, showcasing participants in environments they don’t normally have access to.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne
Although Victoria’s capital hosts many major events all throughout the year, there is none bigger than Melbourne Cup Week.
The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most illustrious horse race, and it’s a time of the year where everyone in the country gets involved.
Melbourne Cup 2019 looks set to be the biggest party ever in Melbourne, attracting people from right across the country and all around the world.
The Carnival is not all about just one horse race though. The event runs for a full week with 4 major race meets at the track, as well as street parades, live entertainment all throughout the city and a week-long party.
Bendigo Uncorked Week – Bendigo
This week-long event in the northern town of Bendigo is actually a combination of 10 wine and food events in one week.
One of the main attractions is the Bendigo Heritage Uncorked, a moveable wine feast, accompanied by live entertainment. Here you can stroll from vendor to vendor, sampling all sorts of local wines.
Other notable events during Uncorked Week include the Wine vs Beer degustation dinner, wine tasting on a tram, a wine-themed movie night and Heritage After Dark.
The entire event is focused on mostly wine and beer tasting, some great dining experiences, live entertainment, all set amidst the backdrop of gold mining architecture.
The Shepparton Show – Shepparton
The Shepparton Show is an annual event that’s been running for close to 150 years. It’s one of the longest-running and oldest shows in the country.
Along with all the usual thrill rides you expect to see at a show, and the ever-popular sideshow alley, there is a very distinct Aussie flavour at the Shepparton Show. There is a blacksmith display, working dogs display, wood chopping competition, ferret racing, and a chance to get up close and personal with a whole host of Australian animals, including the animal nursery.
The Shepparton Show is the biggest and most exciting event of the year in the Goulburn Valley region, and it’s a guaranteed fun time for locals and visitors alike.
The Wrap
While the city of Melbourne might be the happening hub of Victoria, as you can see, other cities and towns in the state also have their own parties, events and festivals to keep the locals and visitors entertained.