Major events
Mildura has a busy calendar of arts, gourmet, sporting and musical events. Find out about some annual events you can't afford to miss:
Sunraysia Tenpin Cup
18-19 May
This tournament will have a first prize of $10,000 making it the 2nd largest bowling event in Australia. Given this the best bowlers in the country and a number of top internationals will show the public the very best of tenpin bowling outside of America. Qualifying Day 1 & Day 2 7.30am-11pm Finals Day 9.30am-afternoon.
Location: Sunraysia Tenpin Bowl, 1 King Avenue
Mildura Field Days
24-25 May
Come and experience how community shows should be- an event put on by locals for locals. There'll be something for everyone at the 2013 Mildura Field Days. From sheds to sandpits, harvesters to quad bikes, local produce to tempting treats. It's all here for a great family day out. The Mildura Field Days... Where agriculture and community unite. Times: Friday, 10am-5pm and Saturday 9am-4pm. Tickets: Adults $5.00 and children free.
Location: Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, Benetook Avenue
Festival of Olives
25 May
The Festival celebrates the contribution of the early Greek settlers and the planting of the olive trees at the Old Mildura Homestead, circa 1890s by Greek settlers and recognises their major contribution to the dried fruit industry. It is a way for the Greek community to share their traditional music, food and culture with the broader Sunraysia community. It also promotes the local olive and olive oil products and their benefits. This is a great day out to try Greek coffee, cakes, foods and of course olives.
Location: Old Mildura Homestead, Cureton Avenue
Underbool Farmers Music Festival
8-10 June
Underbool will be rockin’ this weekend. Head out to Underbool and enjoy a weekend of music, market stalls, a great country footy match where Underbool vs Hopetoun and take a yarn at the pub. A special appearance by Courtney Conway is sure to be a highlight. She has been described as “… original, superbly talented and just gorgeous. She’s made a big impact in a short time!” – Amber Lawrence. While you’re at Underbool go for a drive to the Pink Lakes; at their best this time of year, or check out the Murray-Sunset National Park.Location: Cotter Street
Hattah Desert Race
5-7 July
It is a Junior and Senior Desert Race held annually. It is now classed as the second largest off-road Desert Race next to the Finke. It attracts the best enduro and motorcross riders in Australia. It also attracts overseas riders. The race is fought over eight laps of a gruelling 35km loop through unique Mallee scrub land which includes everything from tight, technical sections winding through trees to wide open blasts through open paddocks and sand hills. On Friday night Langtree Avenue will be closed between 7th & 8th Streets where you can meet and greet the riders and check out their bikes. The night will include live bands, displays, a massive big screen TV, alfresco dining and interviews with the top ten riders from last year's event.
Location: Boonoonar Rd, Colignan
Mildura Writers' Festival
18-21 July
The Mildura Writers’ Festival brings together some of Australia’s best writers in an intimate, winter program of workshops, lectures and discussion forums. Beginning in 1994 in Stefano de Pieri’s cellar restaurant, this event has evolved to be acclaimed to be among the finest literary festivals in the country, not only because of its literary pleasures, but also because of the talent it attracts and its atmosphere of conviviality - building upon the provincial Victorian winter, with late night discussions around wood fires, showcasing the local and regional gourmet food and wine. 2013 Writers: Pulitzer Prize winning American Author Jane Smiley, New Zealand Poet Laureate Michele Leggott, Writers Festival patron Les Murray, acclaimed Australian authors Frank Moorhouse, Don Watson, Chloe Hooper, Craig Sherborne, Lisa Jacobson, Tony Birch and Chris Wallace-Crabbe
Location: Various Venues
The Merbein Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph
17 August
The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph will take place in Merbein’s main street. It will be a fun day and include the judging and announcement of the winners of the Vanilla Slice and the ‘new’ dried fruit baking competitions. During the day there will be numerous ‘no cost’ activities for the youngsters including a rock climbing wall, jumping castle, merry go-round, face painting and squishy balloon art. There will also be a variety of ‘foodies’ stalls, live entertainment, art, quilting, photo displays and lots more. Latest News: Well known celebrity chef and TV personality, Poh Ling Yoew, has accepted the role of ambassador at the 2013 Merbein Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph.
Location: Commercial Street
Euston Club Resort Mildura Cup Carnival
30 August - 1 September
The Mildura Racing Club's Cup Carnival weekend is a great annual event for both visitors and locals. Our two day horseracing program creates a fun & friendly atmosphere at the Mildura Racecourse suitable to all people, while especiallyappealing to businesses, families and singles. Along with live horse racing action we offer live entertainment, numeroushospitality packages, free kids entertainment, fashions on the field and much more. We actively strive to promote CountryRacing Victoria's tag line of "It's A Great Day Out".
Location: Mildura Racecourse, Racecourse Rd (off Cowra Ave)
Mildura Country Music Festival
27 September-6 October
When Australian country music fans talk about the festival ‘biggies’ the Mildura Country Music Festival rates a mention alongside Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Gympie Muster as one of the big three. The major difference between the other two and the 26th annual Mildura Country Music Festival is Australia’s biggest showcase of Independent entertainers. What that means is a seemingly unending cast of highly talented professional country music artists who aren’t signed to major record label deals. The Independent factor gives Mildura a very different complexion, and it’s a successful formula that has worked admirably over the past 25 years. In 2012, more than 100 individual artists and groups will entertain over the 10-day period and the roster comprises many award winners including Golden Guitar finalists and Star Maker winners.
Location: Various Venues
Mildura Palimpsest #9
4-7 October
Mildura Palimpsest is a biennial visual arts event that invites artists to engage with the cultural and natural environment of the Mildura and Murray Darling region. Mildura Palimpsest is dedicated to high quality, critically engaged comtemporary art in all forms. We aim to provide opportunities for real dialogue between local, national and international artists, and across disciplines. Mildura is a powerful location with a formidable history of engagement with the arts.
Location: Various Venues
Pioneer Park Open Day
6 October
The day will begin with an Ecumenical Church service in the Historical Anglican Church of which we are custodians. Rope making, scones cooked in the original bakers oven and all day cuppas available. Shearing, old machinery and many more things to see in the 49 old buildings we have. The Sunraysia Spinners and Weavers will be in attendance as well as a display of vintage cars.The Pioneer Park is unique in the fact that it is a 'hands on' museum where visitors can touch and feel the objects that are on display. Why not have a game of jacks while you're there!
Location: Pioneer Park, Millewa Rd, Meringur
Merbein Community Rodeo
12 October
Riders risk life and limb in the ring for a chance at the thousands of dollars of prize money. Last year saw 66 cowboys and cowgirls competing in the barrel bull and bronco rides, and this year it is expected to have as many high quality cowboys and cowgirls vying for the prize money.Location: Kenny Park, Box St
Mildura Show
17-19 October
It's all here at the Show. Something for every member of your family and our community. Pat baby animals, whistle with the birds, get cosy with cute pets. Be delighted with the horses in jump, dressage and novelty events. Be inspired by the local talent in the ever popular exhibitions. See crafts, arts, hobbies, photography, cake decorating, preserves and cakes. Gardeners - start growing your flowers, fruits and vegetable for the beautiful displays. Tap your feet, clap your hands in time with musicians, singers and dancers. Laugh at clowns and magicians. Feast on all your gourmet and fast food favourites. Need some retail therapy? Browse the fashion, beauty, homeware and sporting sites. Ang get into the hurly burly of the show rides. There is so much to enjoy.
Location: Mildura Recreation Reserve, 11th & 12th Streets
Goanna Run
25-27 October
Goanna Run is a Rod Run / Kustom Kulture Festival , embracing hot rod and custom type vehicles and the lifestyle aspects associated with the same including fashion, hair and makeup, art, music, dance and automotive styling . In partnership with Mildura City Heart and Mildura Gateway Hotel . Restaurants and traders are joining in and styling up providing a unique experience for visitors and locals alike. Saturday night in Langtree Ave you will be amazed by the hot rods on display and you'll be rockin' to the music. On the Sunday afternoon take a leisurely stroll among the cars and talk to the owners.
Location: Langtree Ave & The Mildura Gateway Hotel
Mildura Jazz, Food & Wine Festival
1-4 November
The Mildura Jazz, Food and Wine Festival is a well established event that has been attracting locals and visitors to the Mildura district over the past 30 years. The Festival presents four days of round the clock jazz entertainment in popular clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, art galleries as well as street side and riverside venues - with feature events utilising unique Murray River settings and all events showcasing the regional food and wine. The Festival combines Traditional Jazz and Swing and more contemporary and quirky sounds and caters to hardcore jazz enthusiasts and music lovers.
Location: Various locations