In the heart of Benalla, the 2023 Benalla Festival is more than just a series of events, it’s a tapestry of our shared identity, celebrating community and culture.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Spanning from November 3 to 12, the festival paints the town with the colours of the region.
Festival Committee Chair Justin King said this festival is a testament to community spirit, uniting Benalla through its diverse cultures.
“This year’s festival encapsulates the very essence of Benalla - its warmth, diversity, and creativity. From the vibrant celebrations to the open days, every event reflects the heart and soul of our community,” Cr king said.
“In the heart of Benalla, where the spirit of community beats in harmony with the rhythm of diverse cultures, the 2023 Benalla Festival unfolds as a testament to our shared identity.
“This year’s festival, spanning two vibrant weekends from November 3 to 12, is more than a series of events—it’s a tapestry of community spirit.”
Kicking off on November 3 at the Ceramic Mural on Mair St, Diwali’s vibrant colours, laughter, and melodies will mark the start of the festival.
Then, during the next two weeks, the festivities will cascade through Benalla and its rural towns, culminating in the lively ‘Benalla by the Lake’ event at the Fawckner Dve Precinct on November 11.
At this event live music, street food, and fireworks will light up the night.
During the day on November 12, the Benalla Botanical Gardens will host ‘A Day In The Gardens Market,’ offering unique treasures and delightful entertainment amidst blooming flowers.
Benalla’s vibrant community groups open their doors to the festival, inviting all to explore their history and meet their members.
The CWA Afternoon Tea and Craft Sales on November 4 will immerse visitors in Benalla’s past, while the RSL Rooms Open Day will share tales of bravery.
Marangan Masonic Centre will reveal its customs on November 11, while the Airport Precinct Open Day on November 12 will celebrate Benalla’s passion for aviation.
Meanwhile, the Open Gardens on November 4 will inspire garden enthusiasts, showcasing three distinctive private garden spaces.
The festival crescendos at the Benalla Racing Club on November 12 for the Yarrawonga Cup.
The thundering hooves, cheers, and children’s joy will signify the festival’s end, emphasising that the Benalla Festival is not just a series of events but a celebration of life’s diverse tapestry.
Then, after a massive couple of weekends, the Festival wraps up with the final event, the Benalla Short Film Festival.
This is a time to relax and unwind in the new Benalla Cinema, where the talents of up-and-coming local, national and international filmmakers will be presented.
While Benalla hosts these vibrant events, surrounding townships promise further explorations. Many events are family-friendly, free, and brimming with fun.
Join the community in weaving this tapestry of shared experiences and culture at the 2023 Benalla Festival, a celebration that welcomes all into the heart of our vibrant community.