What’s on in the Wimmera Mallee this March
Charlton Film Festival
Friday 3 – Saturday 4 March
The Charlton Film Festival is an event that brings together movie lovers and fans of the art of filmmaking. The festival is held at the historic Rex Theatre, an art-deco cinema that has been beautifully restored to its original splendour. With its classic design and vintage charm, the Rex Theatre is the perfect venue for a memorable film festival experience.
The festival features five carefully curated films, including Phantom of the Open, The Lake of Scars and Seriously Red, each one offering its own unique story and style across a range of genres.
Settle into the magic of the big screen, immerse yourself in a world of stories, and be part of this exciting celebration of film.
Wide Open Spaces Festival
Beulah
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 March
This dynamic festival is a celebration of the town and the wider region and is sure to be an experience you won’t forget!
On Saturday, take a stroll through the creekside market and enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of the region. Later in the day, music takes centre stage and will run until midnight.
On Sunday, start your day with a delicious breakfast, and then let the fun begin! With pony rides, a jumping castle, face painting, and a fishing competition, there’s something for everyone. Kids will love the remote-control vehicles and adults can admire the classic cars on display. And, of course, live music acts will hit the stage again, running all day and into the evening!
Join the bonza Beulah community for a weekend of food, coffee, cold drinks, and more. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this festival is the perfect way to get to know the authentic side of the Wimmera Mallee region.
Mali Heart Street Art Festival
Birchip and Watchem
Friday 10 – Saturday 11 March
Cumming Avenue, Birchip
Head to Birchip on Labour Day weekend to soak up the vibrant colours and urban-meets-rural vibe of Birchip’s Mali Heart Street Art Festival! This visual art injection transforms Cumming Avenue into a lively outdoor gallery, showcasing stunning new street art from talented artists. With the closing of the street, you can freely roam and admire the unique murals and installations come to life before your eyes.
In addition to the awe-inspiring art, the festival offers a range of food and family activities that are sure to please everyone. So, bring your loved ones and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and creativity of Birchip at the Mali Heart Street Art Festival, to see the town spring alive with colour, beauty, and energy!
Donald Tennis Tournament
Saturday 11 – Monday 13 March 2023
Get ready to serve up some intense action at the Donald Tennis Tournament! This annual event hosted by the Donald Lawn Tennis Club brings together talented players from across the region to compete in women’s and men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions, with $2000 in cash prizes on the line.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking for a fun day out, this tournament offers a chance to showcase your skills and be a part of the vibrant world of country tennis. Grab your racket and don your Pat Cash sweat bands ready to step onto the court.
Esoteric Festival
Donald
Friday 10 – Tuesday 14 March 2023
Esoteric Festival is an electrifying underground electronic music and arts festival held in Donald. This festival is a unique experience that brings together a diverse community of music lovers, artists, and free-spirited individuals. With its line-up of talented musicians, captivating art installations, vibrant market stalls, interactive workshops, and mesmerizing visuals, the Esoteric Festival is like a wild and bohemian Australian version of Burning Man. Immerse yourself in the thriving and eclectic atmosphere of the Esoteric Festival, filled with nothing but love and smiles.
Harrow National Bush Billycart Championship
Harrow
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 March
Hold onto your hats, it’s time for the ultimate test of speed and skill! The Harrow National Bush Billycart Championships have been the talk of the town for 33 years, attracting fearless drivers from all corners of the country. The 1.2-kilometer racetrack winds through the town, with heart-pumping descents and hair-raising turns, making this a race not to be missed! The stakes are high as the competition reaches its climax, with the winner taking home the grand prize of $1000.
Spectators, get ready to be on the edge of your seat as you watch the action unfold from the elevated viewing area. The energy is palpable as the town, both locals and visitors alike, come together to cheer on the fearless racers.
After all the excitement, head over to the historic Hermitage Hotel for a delicious meal. Savour the warm hospitality and discover why this charming town is more than just the host of the Harrow National Bush Billycart Championships.
Pacing and racing cups
Find a roundup of all the horse racing activity in the Wimmera Mallee this March. From the Edenhope Cup, the Charlton Pacing cup and the Mallee Bull Pacing Cup, the Wimmera Mallee is the place to be for lovers of horse racing.
Edenhope Cup
Saturday 11 March
11AM – 6PM
311 Wimmera Highway, Edenhope
Get ready for the heart-pounding excitement of the Edenhope Cup! This annual horse racing event has become a highly anticipated race meet, drawing spectators from near and far to witness the thrilling competition over the 2000m course. With a generous prize pool of 50k, the competition is fierce, and the energy is high as the horses and jockeys give it their all.
But the Edenhope Cup is more than just a horse race – it’s one of the highlights of the West Wimmera social calendar that appeals to both adults and kids alike. So, bring the whole fam and get ready for a day filled with joy, as you cheer on your favourite horses and soak in the electric atmosphere.
Pacing Cups
The Charlton Pacing Cup and the Mallee Bull Pacing and Trotting Cup are highly anticipated events in the world of harness horse racing. If you’re dressed to the nine’s, the Fashions on the Field event is the perfect chance to showcase your style and win fabulous prizes. For those who are feeling lucky, the famous Charlton Punt Off offers a chance to test your betting skills and win big.
Charlton Pacing Cup
Sunday 19 March
The event takes place at the new and state-of-the-art Charlton Park complex, which provides a stunning backdrop for the day’s festivities. Along with thrilling racing action, attendees can also participate in a range of fun and exciting activities.
Mallee Bull Pacing and Trotting Cup
Sunday 12 March
The much anticipated Mallee Bull Pacing and Trotting Cup draws horses, jockeys and spectators from all over the country. With high stakes, this cup day will have you on the edge of your seat.
Live Concert Series
This series of live concerts takes place in the charming towns of Nhill, Rainbow, and Japarit, and offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Admission to these concerts is free, so grab a drink, bring a chair, or picnic blanket, and settle in for an evening of music and relaxation. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Wimmera Mallee region, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of talented musicians.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the area, the Live Concert Series is the perfect way to experience the laid-back atmosphere and relaxed vibe of the Wimmera Mallee region. So come on down, kick back, and let the music carry you away!
Nhill Concert
Saturday 18 March, 6PM – 9PM
Jeff Woodward and Darryn Wardle
Jaypex Park Soundshell
40 Lloyd Street, Nhill
Rainbow Concert
Sunday 19 March, 3PM – 6PM
Jeff Woodward and Darryn Wardle
The Oasis
Cnr King Street and Bow Street, Rainbow
Japarit Concert
Friday 24 March, 6PM – 9PM
Aaron Murray Music
Markets:
Dimboola Tower Park Market
Tower Park
Saturday 11 March
9AM – 10AM
Nhill Lions Community Market
Jaypex Park
Sunday 19 March
9AM – 1:30PM
Jung Market
Jung Recreation Reserve
Saturday 25 March
9AM – 1:00PM
