Enjoy the vibrancy of Autumn in Victoria’s High Country
While the staggeringly beautiful colours of Autumn are a prime reason to visit Bright in the coming months, there’s a diverse array of local celebrations and events that are also worth your attention.
Whether it’s the adrenalin-inducing thrill of watching skilled mountain bikers plunge vertically down a mountain; the inspiring open gardens of the Bright Autumn Festival; the sheer comic genius of Ginger and Tonic at the Bright Cabaret Festival; or the delicious foods and generous hospitality of the LaFiera Italian Festival in Myrtleford, Bright and surrounds is the best place to holiday this Autumn.
What’s more, you’ll also get to revel in fresh, crisp mornings followed by warm days, a relaxed and easy-going vibe, plus access to some of Australia’s best mountain scenery. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to your dining options, much of it sourced from fresh, local produce and paired with fine cool climate wines, craft beers and artisan spirits.
Here are eight fun events to be held in Bright and surrounds this autumn:
2020 Mountain Bike Australia National Championships – March 12-15
Get up close to some of the most exciting and exhilarating mountain biking you’ll ever see. Held at the renowned Mystic Park in Bright, you’ll get to watch the country’s top mountain bikers as they take on fast and steep downhills, pulsating cross-country trails, and the thrills and tricks of the pump track.
Mix with elite men, women and juniors as they aim to beat the course – and the clock – at this family-friendly event.
Entry is free! Or volunteers are also welcome. More information is available at https://www.mtba.org.au/
Bright Rotary Markets – April 11
Held on the Easter long weekend, this popular market takes over the main street of Bright and includes a huge range of stands.
You’ll find food, homemade items, craft, skincare, clothing, and plenty more – something for everyone.
The market runs from 9:00am until 2:00pm and is free for all to attend.
Harrietville Easter Bush Market and Primary School Duck Race – April 12
This popular annual market is set in the picturesque Tavare Park in Harrietville, on the banks of the Ovens River. Shop from a great selection of local artisans, produce suppliers and other stores, or enjoy a bite to eat from one of the hot food stands.
Or watch the Primary School Duck Race to see which of the 500 ‘ducks’ gets down the river and under the foot bridge first – a great event for children!
This event is the perfect reason to visit this beautiful historic small town, which is located just 20 minutes from Bright.
Mount Beauty Music Festival – April 24-26
This friendly and fun town-wide weekend music festival, run by a non-profit organisation, aims to support live music.
This year’s festival features a wide selection of acts, including Elk, a five-piece band from Albury; Georgie Curry, formerly with The Northern Folk and another Albury native; The Weeping Willow Duo, with their folk and ballad styles; and alt-country performer and one-time support act to Chris Isaak, Matt Joe Gow.
With more acts to be added, it’s a great opportunity to visit this beautifully located town and take in a wide range of music genres.
There’s also a local market featuring food and drink stalls.
Weekend passes are available for $60, and are available to book online now.
Bright Autumn Festival – April 24 to May 3
The premier event of the season, the Bright Autumn Festival 2020 is an extravaganza of colour, activities and festivities. The backdrop to this week-long event are the stunning hues of autumn; the oranges, yellows and reds of trees readying for winter; of the soft beds of leaves that cover the ground; and of crisp, fresh mornings followed by warm days.
Key events include the Wandiligong Nut Festival (see separate information about this), the fourteen open gardens showcasing a range of local landscapes and flora, and Bright Gala Day which includes a local market and parade through the main streets of town.
The full Festival program should be available from late March.
For more information head to the Bright Autumn Festival website.
Wandiligong Nut Festival – April 26
This event, which has been operating since 2001, celebrates the region’s strong links with the humble yet nutritious nut! Whether it’s walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios, or many others…this festival allows you to eat them, crunch them, cook them, roast them – go nuts!
Set in the picturesque Alpine Park, you’ll get to enjoy locally grown chestnuts, freshly roasted in front of you; or a delicious cup of rich, creamy chestnut soup. Or savour a range of fresh local produce from the market, including pumpkins, apples and olives, to name a few, along with a range of other businesses promoting their wares including arts and crafts.
You can enjoy a beverage while listening to live music, which features throughout the day, as does regular cooking classes focusing on getting the most from local produce. There’s also a petting zoo and face painting for your children to enjoy!
You can learn more at the Wandiligong Festival website.
Bright Cabaret Festival – May 7-9
Bring your laughing gear to this three-day comedy event in Bright, which is fast becoming one of the town’s most popular annual events!
Described as fabulous, flamboyant, irreverent and clever, you’ll get to enjoy some of the sharpest and wittiest comedy at these shows.
The Festival includes Melbourne’s acclaimed Ginger and Tonic, a capella girl band, who will feature their new show – Gays of Our Lives. Other artists to appear will include Dolly Diamond – An Evening with Dolly Diamond; Louisa Fitzhardinge – Comma Sutra; and Mark Jones and Melissa Langton – Still Living in the 70’s.
For the full program or to buy tickets, head to the Bright Cabaret Festival website.
La Fiera Italian Festival Myrtleford – May 15-17
Celebrating the region’s strong Italian links, this three-day event is an all-encompassing experience involving food, wine, song, dance, sport, fun activities, family – all the good things in life!
You can participate in local cooking Masterclasses with experts including noted Patrizia Simone, or head out into the nearby hills and mountains to forage for wild mushrooms. There’s also live music, the annual barista race, grape stomping competition and cultural and historical displays of Italian migration.
Saturday’s Food and Wine Festa is an opportune time to try local wines and traditional dishes, or to just sit back and relax with family and friends – La Dolce Vita. Your children will be entertained as well, with free face painting, balloon creations, comedian and photo booth.
There’s also bocce and the annual LaFiera Cup soccer tournament to keep you entertained.
Enjoy all things Italian at this friendly and fun Festival in Myrtleford.
To book your Bright accommodation, visit the Alpine Valley Getaways website for a great selection of beautiful and welcoming holiday homes. We can find a property to suit your specific needs, whether that’s accommodation in Bright, near Bright, a romantic hideaway tucked at the mountain foothills, or one that welcomes your beloved pet. Just ask.