EVENTS CALENDAR
Bright loves to celebrate. Whether you’re interested in food, wine and beer, cycling, seasons, music, nature, cars, sport, films, snow, harvest time, art or the great outdoors – there will be an event to celebrate it!
Please check with the respective websites regarding event dates, they may change.
SUMMER
Tour of Bright
DECEMBER
An annual road cycling event, the Tour of Bright takes in the stunning Alpine scenery of Bright and its surround areas, as well as views that rival the Tour de France. This event is a must-do on the cycle enthusiast’s calendar.
Myrtleford Golden Spurs Rodeo
DECEMBER
This is one of Australia’s oldest rodeos, the Myrtleford Golden Spurs Rodeo takes place on Boxing Day each year on the scenic grounds of the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve. It is a must-do family event at Christmas time for visitors and locals alike.
Bright Mountain Film Tour
DECEMBER
A celebration of mountain culture and those who embrace it, Bright Mountain Film Tour features adventure films from around the world over several nights and locations.
Alpine Classic | Bonjour Bright
JANUARY
Alpine Classic sees around 2000 riders tackle nine courses ranging from moderate to seriously challenging. The Alpine Classic is not a race, it’s a chance to challenge yourself.
Myrtleford Bush Market
JANUARY
Come along to the annual Bush Market! It has been a fixture on Myrtleford’s calendar for over 30 years. The market takes over the CBD for the day, featuring a huge selection of stalls selling clothing, craft, food, wine and local produce. There is also live entertainment and activities for the whole family!
Adventure Travel Film Festival
FEBRUARY
adventuretravelfilmfestival.com
Get inspired to go on an adventure! Watch the world’s greatest travel films and speakers in the company of adventurers and fellow travellers.
Because, it doesn’t matter whether you drive, cycle, walk, swim, ride a horse, motorcycle, sail or fly; the Adventure Travel Film Festival in Bright has you covered!
AUTUMN
Dederang Picnic Races
MARCH
They’re off and racing! Have a punt at the Dederang Picnic Races. They’ve have been held annually since 1865, raising money for local charities and community organisations.
Frock or suit up for one of the premier race meets in country Victoria featuring a six-race program, live music, fashions on the field, the famous Madman’s Mile, and tug-o-war challenge.
The Myrtleford Festival
MARCH
Celebrate everything that makes life in Myrtleford great at the annual Myrtleford Festival. Because there’s a jam-packed program across the Labour Day long weekend including parades, market stalls, live entertainment, food and wine events and much more!
Brighter Days Festival
MARCH
Prepare yourselves for three days of cars, motorcycles, live music and family fun in beautiful Bright! Don’t miss the entertainment on the main stage featuring some legendary Australian performers. Afterwards take part in the markets, kid’s entertainment, the Poker Run and show’n’shine.
Bright Autumn Festival
APRIL
Bright Autumn Festival is a ten-day celebration of the magnificent autumn colours and seasonal produce found in Bright and surrounds.
Events include the Wandi Nut Festival, Bright Brewery Bush Dance, Autumn Instameet, Wandi Hall Markets, Bright Art Gallery Autumn Exhibition and open gardens. The main highlight of the festival, Gala Day, featuring a huge Rotary Market, live music in the streets and the grand parade.
Wandi Nut Festival
APRIL
Are you nuts about nuts? Wandi Nut Festival celebrates the end of harvest and showcases the incredible varieties of nuts and other fresh produce available in Bright and surrounds during Autumn.
Come and enjoy local stallholders, cooking demonstrations, roasted chestnuts, food and wine, music and activities for the kids.
Mount Beauty Music Festival
APRIL
Featuring an amazing line up of music, dance and spoken word acts, the Mount Beauty Music Festival is a three-day celebration that lights up the town.
Soak up live performances across multiple genres and venues. The event also includes a free outdoor stage, markets, workshops, kid’s activities, art installations and lots more. This festival is about more than just music!
Bright Autumn Festival Gala Day
MAY
Bright Autumn Festival is a ten-day celebration of the magnificent autumn colours and seasonal produce found in Bright and surrounds.
The main highlight of the festival is Gala Day, featuring a huge Rotary Market, live music in the streets and the grand parade.
High Country Harvest
MAY
Appreciate a feast of events as the High Country celebrates local food, wine and beer. It includes a calendar of awesome events as part of the High Country Harvest Festival.
La Fiera Italian Festival
MAY
Join the Myrtleford community for a special celebration of Italian heritage, culture, food, wine and fun!
Enjoy locally produced, authentic food and wine through cooking demonstrations, boutique winery tours and mushroom forages.
Celebrate Italian culture through religious ceremonies, heritage displays, live music, dancing, soccer matches and bocce competitions. Bring the family for a full day of fun the Italian way in the Myrtleford Piazza.
WINTER
Dinner Plain Ski Season Opening Celebrations
JUNE
Kick off the start of the snow season in Dinner Plain during the King’s Birthday long weekend.
From tube slides to live music and start-of-season bargains at local ski retailers, there is plenty to keep you and the family busy.
Meet in the village centre to be dazzled by the annual season’s opening fireworks. It’s a great weekend day trip to celebrate the start of winter. Return to Bright Riverside Holiday Park, enjoy a fire pit, warm shower and a cosy bed, because you deserve it!
Wandi Cross
JUNE
Wandi Cross is a mountain running challenge set amidst the picturesque valley of Wandiligong, a few minutes from Bright, Victoria.
Suitable for anyone from the elite to the first time mountain enthusiast. Four distances are available:
- 48 kilometres (3850 m +/-)
- 21 kilometres (1860 m +/-)
- 5 kilometres (500 m +/-)
- Kids Run 2 km (60 m +/-)
Summiting the high points of both Mystic Mountain and Goldmine Ridge, this challenge requires participants to use a combination of endurance, strength and cross-trail abilities to ascend and descend across steep, raw, natural and technical ground. All profits are donated to Wandiligong Primary School.
MidWinter SnowBall
JULY
The MidWinter SnowBall is a black tie event with a difference held by the Champagne Club Kiewa Valley.
Enjoy live music, nibbles and drinks. No need to organise a table or partner – just put on your black tie finery, grab some friends, and come and dance the night away.
No dress? No suit? No bling? You can get your outfit sorted from the ‘Frocks of Shame’ op-shop rack and hire an ensemble for the night!
Dinner Plain Sled Dog Challenge
AUGUST
Australia’s original and most prestigious sled dog race will see sled dog teams from across Australia competing for victory on the stunning tree lined trails of Dinner Plain. More than 70 Mushers (dog team drivers), and in excess of 350 sled dogs are expected to compete across 5 classes.
The race provides a unique experience for competitors and spectators alike to experience the sport of sled dog racing in a pristine alpine environment.
Pub to Pub Ski Challenge
AUGUST
A cross country ski race for skiers of all ages and abilities. Starting at the General Store in Hotham Village, the race follows around 12km of cross country trails before finishing at the Dinner Plain Hotel.
This event has been running for almost 30 years. The Pub to Pub is a one-of-a-kind race where you’re likely to see first year skiers lining up with Australian champions for a great day of competitive fun!
Kangaroo Hoppet
AUGUST
Showcasing Australia’s alpine high plains to the world, the Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s only international XC skiing marathon and the biggest annual snowsports event in the southern hemisphere.
Event distances in 7km, 21km and 42km provide a great experience from beginners to elite international athletes.
Over 1,000 skiers from around 25 countries enjoy the best the high plains have to offer.
SPRING
5Zero
SEPTEMBER
5Zero is a social cycling event in Bright with zero footprint. Enjoy a fun ride from Bright Brewery to Clear Spot along a great course for a great cause – to help Alpine Community Plantation maintain recreation in our plantations.
Fifty kilometres is the distance / zero is the goal for environmental impact as a result of running the event.
Bright Spring Festival
OCTOBER
See gardens come to life and turn on their natural beauty. Experience the hospitality of enthusiasts from across the region and talk to experts to learn how they care for their gardens all year round.
Additionally, enjoy the beauty of Bright and surrounding towns in spring. Catch one of the exciting Spring Festival food and wine events, enjoy the monthly Make It, Bake It, Grow It market by the river. Also visit Rotary’s Monster Street Market, and have fun with the family at the Grand Spectacular Fireworks and concert.
Myrtleford Show’ n’ Shine & Swap Meet
OCTOBER
Annual Show’n’Shine and Swap Meet – this is a static display of classic and custom cars in conjunction with stalls selling motoring memorabilia, motoring merchandise and car spares.
All show cars, trucks, hot rods and rat rods are welcome. Afterwards enjoy the Food stalls, bar, live music, 50s and 60s-themed fashion shows and demonstrations by the Myrtleford Speedway Club will keep you entertained throughout the day.
Bright’s Iconic Rod Run
NOVEMBER
Bright turns into the Hot Rod capital for 3 action packed days as hundreds of street rods, classic and custom cars fill the streets.
Featuring a monster show’n’shine, classic pin-up competition, swap meet, poker run, cruises, live music and market. Also… the weekend will keep car enthusiasts of any age entertained!
Spartan Race Australia
NOVEMBER
This iconic Spartan event has become a highlight on the international Spartan calendar, attracting racers from around the world to take on Mystic Mountain.
Featuring the Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra and Hurricane Heat events, the Trifecta Weekend will challenge you mentally and physically.
The kids get to join in the action too, with a Junior Spartan course.
