The much-loved Castlemaine & District Festival of Gardens takes place every two years, around Melbourne Cup Week, attracting people from across the state as well as from interstate.

​For over 34 years the gardeners of Mount Alexander Shire have opened their front gates and welcomed visitors in to enjoy the fruits of their labours, thanks to the tireless efforts of a volunteer committee of garden enthusiasts.

In 2026 the dates will change slightly, with the gardens opening in the LEAD UP TO, and including, Melbourne Cup Day.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘The Solace of Gardening’. This recognises that gardens can offer pleasure and calm, a refuge from a busy life or from a noisy family.

The festival features grand country gardens, historic gardens, verge gardens, sculpture gardens, and town gardens of many varieties. This festival we showcase six new gardens and fourteen old friends – a total of twenty gardens.

The next Festival will be held from Saturday 24 October until Tuesday 3 November (Melbourne Cup Day) 2026 with all gardens closed on Wednesday 28 October.
10 fabulous days!

Bus/large groups are welcome at most properties.