With so many annual events, festivals and community gatherings, the Southern Grampians region is set for another busy and memorable year.
Save The Date: Now is the perfect time to pencil in some of the region’s highlights.
Keep an eye on Visit Southern Grampians for the details and more events as they come to hand. For now, here is your guide to start planning.
Date: Monday, 26 January 2026
Location: Hamilton Botanic Gardens, French Street, Hamilton
Start your day with a welcoming community barbecue and the sounds of live music, as locals and visitors come together for our citizenship and awards ceremony. Enjoy good company and a warm atmosphere in a place where everyone feels at home.
Date: Saturday, 28 February – Sunday, 1 March 2026
Location: Lot 3, Bills Lane, Gazette
Watch skilled riders and their horses take on fast-paced cattle handling challenges, bringing together participants and spectators from across the region. The weekend is filled with lively competition and a shared sense of excitement.
Date: Saturday, 28 – Sunday, 29 March 2026
Location: Travelling through town
Teams pedal from the banks of the Murray to the Moyne, weaving through Hamilton’s streets in a spirit of camaraderie and determination. The town comes alive with the momentum of riders and the encouragement of their supporters – every cheer, every wheel turn, adding to a vibrant atmosphere that lingers long after the last team rolls through.
Balmoral Easter Market
Date: Sunday, 5 April 2026
Location: Glendinning Street, Balmoral
The market welcomes locals and visitors into a lively Easter morning filled with friendly faces, colourful stalls and laughter. Families wander together, discovering handmade treasures and sharing stories over freshly prepared food. The festive atmosphere encourages connections – old friends reunite, new friendships begin and everyone leaves with a sense of belonging and celebration.
Wannon River Campdraft
Date: Saturday, 11 – Sunday, 12 April 2026
Location: Wannon-Nigretta Falls Road
Riders and spectators gather along the Wannon River for a weekend that celebrates skill, tradition and community spirit. The event pulses with the energy of friendly competition and the shared pride of locals welcoming Campdraft enthusiasts from far and wide. It’s a cherished occasion where horsemanship shines and lifelong connections are forged on the riverbank.
Date: Saturday, 18 April 2026
Location: Barker Street and Surrounds, Cavendish
A weekend dedicated to honouring the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region’s redgum forests brings people together for conversations, creativity and celebration. Locals and visitors alike join in interactive workshops, lively markets and vibrant performances, sharing local food and stories in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the community and the enduring beauty of the redgums.
Good Shepherd May Market
Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026
Location: Hamilton Showgrounds, Shakespeare Street, Hamilton
This beloved local event brings the community together for a vibrant morning filled with diverse stalls, homemade treats and activities for all ages. Neighbours and families connect as they explore one-of-a-kind finds, share in laughter and enjoy the welcoming spirit that makes mornings like these memorable.
Date: Sunday, 10 May 2026
Location: Lakes Edge Playground, Lake Hamilton
Families, friends and individuals of all ages come together along the lakeside path, each step united by hope and determination to support breast cancer research. The community spirit shines as participants encourage one another, share stories and fill the morning with warmth and optimism. It’s a powerful show of support where every stride makes a difference.
Hamilton Pastoral Museum May Rally
Date: Saturday, 16 – Sunday, 17 May 2026
Location: Hamilton Pastoral Museum, Hiller Lane, Hamilton
A lively weekend brings together the sights and sounds of the region’s horticultural and agricultural heritage. Vintage machinery roars to life in hands-on demonstrations, while historical exhibits spark curiosity and conversation. Visitors of all ages connect with passionate collectors, discover stories from the past and share in a welcoming atmosphere filled with learning, laughter and family-friendly activities.
Serra Terror
Date: Saturday, 6 – Sunday, 7 June 2026
Location: Throughout the Grampians, Dunkeld
Teams from near and far come together in the Grampians for an endurance event that tests determination and teamwork across wild, breathtaking landscapes. Navigating bush tracks and steep climbs, participants encourage each other through every challenge. The spirit of adventure draws supporters and competitors alike, creating lasting memories and a sense of achievement that echoes long after the finish line.
King’s Birthday Car Rally
Date: Friday, 5 – Monday, 9 June 2026
Location: Various locations
Classic and contemporary vehicles roll out together for a scenic drive across the region’s picturesque roads. Enthusiasts and spectators gather to admire the motoring displays, share stories and celebrate a shared passion. The day is filled with community connection, memorable sights and the joy of experiencing the region from behind the wheel.
Hamilton Eisteddfod
Date: Monday, 1 – Sunday, 14 June 2026
Location: Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, 113 Brown Street, Hamilton
Each year, the stage comes alive with music, dance and performance as participants of all ages gather from across the state. Talented individuals and groups share their skills in an atmosphere filled with encouragement and joy. The event sparks creativity, builds confidence and creates a sense of pride that resonates throughout the community.
Sheepvention
Date: Sunday, 2 – Monday, 3 August 2026
Location: Hamilton Showgrounds, Shakespeare Street, Hamilton
This major agricultural event brings together visitors, exhibitors and competitors from all corners of Australia. The showgrounds come alive with the excitement of livestock competitions, vibrant trade displays, fresh local food, fashion and activities for all ages. It’s a proud celebration of rural life and innovation – an annual highlight where the community gathers, connections grow and memories are made.
Peaks & Trails
Date: Saturday, 8 – Sunday, 9 August 2026
Location: Throughout the Grampians, Dunkeld
Each year, runners of all abilities gather to take on courses that weave through the remarkable landscapes of the Southern Grampians. The event is shaped by strong organisation and the heartfelt encouragement of the local community, creating an uplifting atmosphere where every participant feels supported and inspired by the scenery, the challenge and the camaraderie along the way.
Dunkeld Writers Festival
Date: Friday, 28 – Sunday, 30 August 2026
Location: Various locations, Dunkeld
Authors, readers and storytellers gather for a weekend filled with lively talks, hands-on workshops and memorable literary moments. Framed by the beauty of the Grampians, the festival invites people of all ages to share ideas, spark creativity and connect through a shared love of stories. The welcoming atmosphere encourages conversation and community, making each gathering a celebration of imagination and inspiration.
Hamilton Racing Cup
Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Location: Hamilton Racing Club, Henty Highway, Hamilton
A much-anticipated day on the local racing calendar brings the community together to share the excitement of thoroughbred racing. Crowds gather trackside to cheer on the action, connect with friends and enjoy lively hospitality. The event’s spirited atmosphere and sense of celebration make it a memorable occasion for racegoers and the wider community alike.
3 Peaks Festival
Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
Location: Dunkeld Memorial Park, Parker Street, Dunkeld
Locals and visitors come together beneath the striking Grampians to celebrate the region’s landscape and strong sense of community. The day is filled with lively market stalls, music and activities for all ages. Shared laughter, the aromas of local food and the sounds of live entertainment create a joyful atmosphere where connections are made, and the spirit of the region truly shines.
Hamilton Pastoral Museum October Rally
Date: Saturday, 17 – Sunday, 18 October 2026
Location: Hamilton Pastoral Museum, Hiller Lane, Hamilton
The town comes alive as traditional trades and artisan crafts take centre stage, celebrating the skills and creativity that shaped the region’s history. Visitors are invited to watch live demonstrations, connect with passionate craftspeople and experience firsthand the artistry and heritage woven into each technique. The fair fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation for timeless craftsmanship, bringing the community together in a vibrant tribute to the past.
GPT100 Miler
Date: Thursday, 5 – Sunday, 9 November 2026
Location: Grampians Peaks Trail, finishing at Dunkeld Visitor Information Centre
Runners take on the ultimate test of endurance, covering 100 miles along the remote, rugged tracks of the Grampians Peaks Trail. With every step through breathtaking scenery, participants are lifted by the encouragement of dedicated volunteers and the unwavering camaraderie of fellow runners. The event is a powerful journey of determination and shared achievement, where every finish is celebrated as a triumph of spirit.
Dunkeld Racing Cup
Date: Saturday, 14 November 2026
Location: Dunkeld Racing Club
This standout race day brings together families, visitors and racing fans from across the region for an experience defined by energy and genuine country hospitality. Against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains, crowds gather to share in the excitement of thoroughbred racing and vibrant trackside moments. Organisers and volunteers create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels part of the celebration, making it a cherished occasion on the local calendar.
Penshurst Racing Cup
Date: Saturday, 22 November 2026
Location: Penshurst Racing Club
Locals and visitors gather for a much-loved race day set against the rolling backdrop of Mount Rouse. The excitement of country racing fills the air, matched by a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Thanks to the commitment of volunteers and organisers, the day runs smoothly and reflects the strong community spirit that makes this event a highlight year after year.
These events are just the beginning. More dates and details will be confirmed over the coming months, so check back for updates – especially on Visit Southern Grampians events page and social media channels.
If you’re hosting an event in 2026 and would like it listed on the calendar, please register it at – Submit Event – Visit Southern Grampians
Start planning now to be part of these special moments in 2026 across the Southern Grampians.
For updated information and the full calendar as it’s released, visit What’s On – Visit Southern Grampians
