Last updated on 28/09/2026
Spring is a lovely time to be in Bright. The gardens fill with colour, the festival calendar starts filling up, and there’s something on almost every weekend. Whether you’re here for a photography weekend, a run through the valley, a long lunch with local producers or a wander through open gardens, you’ll find something to love.
Here’s what’s happening this spring, and where to stay so you can make the most of it. A quick tip: spring weekends book out fast, so it’s worth locking in your stay early.
Spring 2026 at a glance
| Event | Date | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Festival of Photography | 9th – 11th Oct | Bright and surrounds |
| Brighter Nights | 9th – 11th Oct | Bright Brewery |
| Harrietville Half Marathon | 11th Oct | Bright to Harrietville |
| Bright Twilight Tastings | 15th Oct | Bright |
| Myrtleford Agricultural & Pastoral Show | 24th Oct | Myrtleford Showground |
| Bright Spring Exhibition | 24th Sept – 2nd Nov | The Bright Art Gallery |
| Mount Beauty Oktoberfest and Dachshund Derby | 3rd Oct | Mount Beauty |
| Bright Brewery BierFest | 24th Oct | Bright Brewery |
| Bright Alpine Climb 4 Peaks | 31st Oct | Bright and surrounds |
| Bright Rotary Spring Market | 2nd Nov | Local Markets |
| Mountaingrass | 13th Nov | Bright |
Bright Festival of Photography
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just keen to get more out of your camera, this festival has you covered. The three-day program includes guided photowalks, workshops, demos, competitions and talks, and you’ll get to meet some of the industry’s leading names. It all happens against the backdrop of Bright and the Victorian High Country.
We’re proud to be the festival’s official accommodation partner this year, so if you’re coming for the photography, we’d love to help you find the right place to stay.
When: 9th – 11th Oct
Where: Bright & Surrounds
Tickets and program: bfopaustralia.com
Brighter Nights
If you like your long weekends with a soundtrack, this one’s for you. Brighter Nights is a free, family-friendly celebration of house music over three days at Bright Brewery, and this year the drawcard is the Melbourne-based, globally known Anjunafamily crew, the label founded by Above & Beyond. Expect deep, melodic and progressive house from a lineup of local and Melbourne club DJs, all in a relaxed brewery setting with cold beer and mountain air.
It’s a popular weekend in town, so if you’re travelling in for it, we’d love to help you find somewhere to stay.
When: 9th – 11th Oct
Where: Bright Brewery
Info: brighternights.com.au
Harrietville Half Marathon
Run through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country. The half marathon (21.1 km) starts in Bright and finishes in the alpine village of Harrietville. If that sounds like a lot, there’s a 10 km course starting in Smoko, and 5 km and 2 km courses that are great for a family day out. There are pre and post events too, and plenty of prizes.
It’s a great cause as well: entries have raised money for Harrietville Primary School. We’re happy to support this one.
When: 11th Oct
Where: Bright to Harrietville
Info: harrietvillehalfmarathon.com
Bright Twilight Tastings
A lovely, low-key evening on Bright’s main street, and completely free to wander through. From 5pm, Ireland Street fills with local food, wine, craft gin, beer and cider, all available by the taste or the glass, so you can graze and sip your way along at your own pace. There’s live music, a dedicated kids’ zone and activities for all ages, which makes it an easy one for families and groups alike.
When: 15th Oct, from 5pm
Where: Ireland Street, Bright
Info: brighttwilight.com.au
Myrtleford Agricultural & Pastoral Show
A proper old-fashioned country show, and a great day out for the whole family. The kids will love the animal nursery, show bags and rides, while the grown-ups can take in the wood chopping, cattle and horse events, dog jumping and chainsaw demonstrations. It’s now in its 79th year. There’s food and drink on site, so you can easily make a day of it.
When: Saturday October 2026
Where: Myrtleford Showground, about 30 km from Bright
Tickets: Available at the gate
Bright Spring Exhibition
The Bright Art Gallery’s Spring Exhibition runs for six weeks and is well worth ducking in for. It brings together several shows at once, including new work from the gallery’s own Alpine Artists across painting, photography and 3D pieces, alongside guest and feature exhibitions. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 4pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), so there’s plenty of time to catch it over your stay.
When: 24th Sept – 2nd Nov
Where: The Bright Art Gallery, 28 Mountbatten Avenue
Info: brightartgallery.org.au
Mount Beauty Oktoberfest and Dachshund Derby
Possibly the most fun you’ll have all spring. Now in its third year, this Bavarian day out at Mountain Monk Brewers combines German beer and food, live music all day, a stein-holding competition and, of course, the famous Dachshund Derby, where dozens of very short, very determined dogs race for glory. It runs alongside the Mount Beauty Markets with 40-plus stalls, and there’s free kids’ entertainment too, so bring a picnic blanket and settle in. Racing dog entries go to Dachshund Rescue Australia.
Mount Beauty is about a 30-minute drive from Bright, so it makes for a great day trip if you’re staying with us.
When: 3rd Oct, 11am – 8pm
Where: Mountain Monk Brewers, Mount Beauty
Info: events.humanitix.com
Bright Brewery BierFest
Bright’s own slice of Bavaria, no long-haul flight required. BierFest takes over Bright Brewery for an afternoon and evening of German beer, pretzels and good-natured silliness, and entry is free. The brewery launches its annual Festbier, pours three guest German beers alongside its own favourites, and serves up German-inspired food with Gutsy Sourdough Pretzels. Souvenir steins are available to buy if you’d like a keepsake to take home.
Roaming band Squidjig gets things going from 3pm, followed by a stein-holding competition, a yodelling contest and Best Dressed awards, so it’s well worth dusting off the lederhosen or dirndl. DJ Zabi then takes you through to 9pm. Just note it’s strictly no BYO food or drink.
It falls on the same Saturday as the Myrtleford Show, so you could easily do the show by day and BierFest by night. The brewery is right in town, and we’d love to help you find a place to stay within an easy stroll of the fun.
When: 24th Oct, 2pm – 9pm
Where: Bright Brewery, 121 Great Alpine Road, Bright
Entries and info: brightbrewery.com.au
Bright Alpine Climb 4 Peaks
Bright’s original trail run, going strong since 1979. It’s a four-day event where walkers and runners take on a new peak each day, Mystic Hill, Mt Feathertop, Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo, with distances from around 10 to 15 km. The climbs aren’t easy, but they’re within reach of anyone reasonably fit, and the scenery is the real reward. It’s a wonderfully casual, welcoming event, with each day timed and added up for your overall result on the final day.
Held over the Melbourne Cup long weekend, it’s a busy time in Bright, so book your accommodation early and we’ll help you sort the rest.
When: 31st Oct
Where: Bright and surrounds
Entries and info: 4peaks.com.au
Mountaingrass
Australasia’s premier bluegrass and old-time music festival, held in Bright every November and presented by the Australasian Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association. Across the weekend you can catch concerts from regional, national and international acts, sit in on instrument workshops, join guided slow jams or just soak up the picking sessions happening around town. There’s a Sunday morning gospel concert and intimate acoustic performances too. The three venues sit within a stone’s throw of each other in the centre of Bright, so it’s an easy festival to get around.
When: 13th – 15th Nov
Where: Bright Community Centre and nearby venues
Info: events.humanitix.com
More to do in Bright this spring
If your trip isn’t built around an event, there’s plenty to fill the days:
- Ride the trails at Mystic Mountain Bike Park.
- Stretch your legs on one of the region’s walks.
- Eat and drink your way around the valley with our food and wine picks.
Where to stay this spring
We’re a local team based right here in Bright, and we manage holiday homes in Bright, Harrietville, Porepunkah and Wandiligong. Whatever the plan, there’s a place to suit:
- Couples retreats for a quiet spring escape
- Family homes with room for everyone
- Pet-friendly homes so the dog can join in
- Group accommodation for friends and extended family
Booking direct with us means no third-party booking fees, and you’ll have a real person to call if you need help.
Frequently asked questions
When is spring in Bright?
Spring runs from September to November. The events above run from 24th September to 15th November.
Should I book early for spring events?
Yes. Spring is a busy time in Bright, especially on festival weekends and the Melbourne Cup long weekend, so booking early gives you the best choice of homes.
Can I bring my dog to Bright this spring?
Yes. We have pet-friendly homes suitable for dogs. We can’t accommodate cats, and each listing spells out exactly what’s allowed.
What’s on for families?
The Myrtleford Show is a favourite, and the Harrietville Half Marathon has 2 km and 5 km courses that suit kids. Many of our family homes are close to rivers, walking tracks and the town centre.
Who can help me choose the right home?
Our team lives and works in Bright, so we’re happy to recommend a place based on your dates, group and plans. Call us on 03 5759 2555 or email book@alpinevalleygetaways.com.au.
Ready to plan your spring getaway?
Let the local team help you plan the perfect spring stay in Bright. Book your accommodation online or call us on 03 5759 2555 .