Frequently Asked Questions

About the Bendigo Easter Festival

What is the Bendigo Easter Festival?

Over the Easter long weekend, Bendigo’s beautiful Rosalind Park and surrounding streets will be transformed into a vibrant precinct bursting with family-friendly entertainment.

An extensive program of activities and attractions offers something for all ages. Be in the hunt for 80,000 Easter Eggs on Good Friday, experience the thrills of Carnival Central, find a treasure at the Rotary Market, rock along to live music or keep the kids busy in a park filled with hands-on activities and performances.

Dance, drums, Lion teams and 100,000 crackers are all part of Awakening of the Dragon, as Bendigo celebrates its Chinese heritage at the Dai Gum San Precinct.

As the sun sets on Easter Saturday, cheer on the convoy of illuminated floats in the Torchlight Procession, concluding with a spectacular firework display over the city.

Don’t miss the iconic Gala Parade on Easter Sunday where you’ll experience the excitement of Dai Gum Loong, the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, weaving his way through the historic streetscapes of Bendigo.

The Bendigo Easter Festival is filled with fun and excitement the whole family will enjoy, and after visiting this annual event it is sure to become your family’s Easter tradition!

When is the Bendigo Easter Festival?

The Bendigo Easter Festival is held annually over the Easter Long Weekend.

In 2024 the Bendigo Easter Festival will be held Good Friday March 29 – Easter Monday April 1.
The official program of events will take place from Good Friday to Easter Sunday in the main festival precinct surrounding Rosalind Park.

Some smaller events run by local community groups (held in various locations) will continue into Easter Monday.

Where will the Festival be held, exactly?

Is the Bendigo Easter Festival free?

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About the program

Is there an official program guide?

When and where are the parades?

When and where are the fireworks?

A fireworks display will follow the conclusion of the Torchlight procession on Saturday March 30, 2024.

The display will be set off the Poppet Head in Rosalind Park.

The best viewing locations are Rosalind Park (near the Rotunda), Dai Gum San precinct, the Alexander Fountain, View Street, Queen Elizabeth Oval and Barnard Street.

All livestock and pet owners are recommended to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and comfort of their animals during this time.

Does Dai Gum Loong appear at the Awakening of the Dragon event?

The Awakening of the Dragon is held on Saturday March 30, 2024. It is a traditional Chinese ceremony used to wake Dai Gum Loong from his year long slumber in preparation for his performance in the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade on Easter Sunday. He doesn’t come out of the museum for this performance. The event features a celebration filled with traditional lion and dragon dance, and concludes with 100,000 firecrackers used to wake Dai Gum Loong.