Gothic goldfields to dogs on screens, regional Victoria has an eclectic mix of festivals on this month

As well as being International Cat Day on 8 August, regional Victoria is throwing a bunch of festivals to keep things purring.

Let’s not curl up and sleep the day away like our feline friends – the state is alive with festivals, events, and activations. Pounce in!

Goldfields Gothic

Maldon – August 1-3 

I fell and rolled in the hungry grass, that tells the tale of a terrible past

The streets of Maldon have stories to tell, but best be warned this is no ordinary weekend getaway. Goldfields Gothic is a festival of dark ideas that revels in those terrible tales told around campfires of spiritualists, secret societies, bushrangers, ghost-hoaxers and murderers. It embraces the eerie. It devours the macabre. It’s gloriously gory. Do you have the mettle to take a walk on the wild side?  

More through https://goldfieldsgothic.com/ 

Ballarat’s Best Pie

Ballarat – August 1-31

How pleased I’ll be if you bring to me an Australian hot meat pie

You may be left with flakes down your shirt. You may burn your tongue with an overzealous bite. You may be judged by the amount of sauce used or utensils employed. From the footy to a road trip, there is nothing quite as comforting as the mighty meat pie.   

Ballarat’s Best Pie is back for a crusty good time, with more than 35 savoury and sweet pies on offer at some of the city’s top cafes, restaurants and bakeries. Categories include Best Savoury Pie, Best Sweet Pie, Best Bakery Pie, Brilliantly Unexpected Pie, Pie with Purpose and People’s Choice, along with the granddaddy of them all, Ballarat’s Best Pie. 

More through https://www.visitballarat.com.au/ballarats-best-pie/ 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Visit Ballarat (@visitballarat)

The Big Bike Film Night

Village Cinemas, Sunshine – August 3 & Village Cinemas, Geelong – August 4 

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like 

Saddle up for the best cycling shorts from around the world. And when I say shorts, I don’t mean Lycra. I mean films that will have you dusting off old Betsy and pedalling your way to adventure. This is an all bikes are welcome zone – we’re talking road cycling, single-speed, mountain biking, downhill, BMX, uni-cycling, cargo bikes, bike touring, recumbent, bike-packing, commuter, cruiser, cycle-cross, penne farthing, tri-cycle and tandem. If it has pedals, you’ll find its passion.   

More through https://bigbikefilmnight.nz  

Melbourne International Film Festival

Melbourne – August 7-24 

I’m gonna cancel all my plans just to watch a film or two  

If life is starting to feel a little stiff, dress on up and get down to MIFF. A place where popcorn meets prestige, genius meets madness, the long-running Melbourne International Film Festival is a place where you can take in a Persian sci-fi, New Zealand dramedy and French documentary all in one day. It’s a kaleidoscope of stories. 

Explore categories including Africa & Middle East, Animation, Asia Pacific, Australian, The Body is a Battlefield, Bright Horizons, Chantal Akerman, Crime & Punishment, Critical Condition, Doc Visions, Documentaries, Europe & UK, Experimentation, Family Films, Headliners, Latin America, MIFF Shorts, MIFF Talks, MIFF XR, Music on Film, Night Shift, North America, Restorations and Tales of Cinema.    

More through https://miff.com.au 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Madman (@madmanfilms)

Winter Sounds

Daylesford & surrounds – August 14-17

Hear that sound. There’s a voice to be found 

Taking place in venues including Peter’s Church (Daylesford), Glenlyon and Clunes Town Halls, The Old Schoolhouse at Kooroocheang and Bullarto Hall via the Spa Country Railway, Winter Sounds is as warm and inviting as a hot water bottle and a big fluffy blanket. 

Your line-up is Bad//Dreems, Caitlin Harnett & the Pony Boys, Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, Charm of Finches, Daisy Kilbourne, Grace Cummings, Maple Glider, Quality Used Cars, Sarah Blasko, Sweet Talk, Tim Rogers, Vika & Linda and Watty Thompson.  

More through https://www.wintersounds.com.au/ 

Bendigo Writers Festival

Bendigo – August 15-17

Read and let read, write and let write

What’s the good word? Well, I’m going to tell you. The Bendigo Writers Festival is a new read from your favourite author. It’s a book under the blankets on a cold day. It’s the ultimate festival for word nerds. Held since 2012, readers, writers and creative thinkers are welcomed to a program of panel discussions, keynote talks, workshops, performances, book launches and more. 

Guests include Randa Abdel-Fattah, Aunty Munya Andrews, Rachel Ang, Evelyn Araluen, Felice Arena, Katherine Biber, Jonathan Butler, Tara Calaby, Bernard Caleo, Neane Carter, Rodney Carter, Bonny Cassidy, Andrea Carson, Pip Harry, Juno Harvey, Daniel James, Jennifer Alden, Dennis Altman, Beverley Amy, Julie Gibbs, Thomas Mayo, Grace Yee, Prof Clare Wright, Fiona Stanley, Cher Tan, Solli Raphael, Ryan McPartlane, Jess Hill, Madison Griffiths, Tara Muscatello and Toby Walsh. 

More through https://www.bendigowritersfestival.com.au/ 

St Kilda Spirits Festival

St Kilda Town Hall, St Kilda – August 15-17 

Have a drink on me 

It’s time for a most spirited affair. Whether you’re philosophising with whisky, dancing barefoot with gin or playing it cool with vodka, the St Kilda Spirits Festival is a clink of glasses to this trio of spirited delights. Choose your flavour and enjoy tasting sessions and masterclasses as some thirty Australian and international distillers showcase new ranges and established brands. 

More through https://ginevents.com.au/st-kilda-spirits-festival-2025/ 

Top Dog Film Festival

Village Cinemas, Geelong – August 20 & The Astor Theatre, St Kilda – August 26

Everything reminds me of my dog 

Hey there fella, there’s a good boy. Welcome to the warm and fluffy festival where every tail has a tale. Touring annually, the Top Dog Film Festival is a two-hour celebration honouring the relationship between dogs and their people. Watch the canine charisma unfold.  

More through https://topdogfilmfestival.com.au 

Ballarat Blues Festival

Ballarat – August 22-24

You get a shot of rhythm and blues 

Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh, here comes a festival. Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh, that’s all about the blues. Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh, if you want to shake it. Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh, then put on those dancin’ shoes. Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh, come on now and shake it. Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh, you ain’t got nothin’ to lose. One and all, the Ballarat Blues Festival is back to showcase the very best in Australia blues. 

The Main Event takes place on August 24 at WCPA with a line-up of 19-Twenty, Lloyd Spiegel Trio, Triple Fret (Geoff Achison, Jimi Hocking & Kathleen Halloran), Checkerboard Lounge, The McNaMarr Project, Natt Allison, Steve Plater, Shane Gilbert and more.   

More through https://www.ballaratbluesfestival.com/ 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 19twenty (@19twenty)

Words in Winter

Daylesford & surrounds – August 22-24 

You took the words right out of my mouth 

There is a Danish concept, hygge (pronounced hooga), that means, according to denmark.dk, “taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about – or even by yourself – to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures”. Let the spirit of hygge warm the fire of your belly at Words in Winter and its weekend of readings, poetry, theatre, music, talks, workshops and exhibitions. 

More through https://wordsinwinter.com/ 

Bendigo Militia and Collectables Show

Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo – August 23 & 24 

A tinker, a tailor, a soldier’s things 

From the serious collector to those who want something special for the mantelpiece, the Bendigo Militia and Collectables Show is a treasure trove for enthusiasts. Step back in history as you wander the tables for timeless pieces as you soak in knowledge from the best in the business. Items include books, medals, military uniforms, sporting goods, hunting/fishing/shooting items, custom-made knives, battlefield relics, 3D battle art and antique and modern firearms.  

More through https://www.collectorsbendigo.com.au/ 

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Ballarat – August 23 through October 19

I love to take a photograph. So mama, don’t take my Kodachrome away  

If a picture paints a thousand words, you’re about to lose count as the Ballarat International Foto Biennale shapes up for 2025. Founded twenty years ago, BIFO is Australia’s premier photographic exhibition. Embraced by local businesses, venues, laneways and historic venues, the city becomes a living exhibition. This year’s theme is Lifeforce and just what it means to endure, question, create and connect – in other words, what it means to be alive.     

More through https://ballaratfoto.org/ 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BIFB | Ballarat Foto (@ballaratfoto)

Bendigo on the Hop

Bendigo – August 30

I think I’ll have myself a beer

From 16th century monk and theologian Martin Luther who reportedly mused ‘those who do not drink beer, have nothing to drink’ to Homer Simpson and ‘mmm, beer’, beer has been rejoiced for centuries. In the popular Bendigo on the Hop, brewers from around the country converge upon the city to show their wares in indie-beer bars, cafes, pubs and restaurants throughout the CBD. 

More through https://www.bendigobeer.com/both-2025

Its a purrfect lineup of events and festivals to finish off winter.

Words by Chester Ogilvie