The annual events season has started with a burst of green, white and red as the 2025 Swiss Italian Festa took over Hepburn Springs and surrounds last weekend.
The three-day community festival, held from 24–26 October, celebrated the rich cultural legacy of the Swiss Italian migrants who settled the region during the 1850s gold rush, bringing with them traditions of fine food, wine and distinctive stone architecture.
A condensed but lively program featured Carnevale Day on Saturday, including the popular Grand Parade, live music, food vans, children’s activities, and fireworks at the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. Other highlights included open days at Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, historical walking tours of Hepburn’s architecture, tours of the iconic Yandoit stone houses, art exhibitions, and a festive Festa Finale Aperitivo.
The event marks the start of Hepburn’s busy spring and summer events season, which brings thousands of visitors to the region each year.
The weekend’s other community events, included the Lyonville Bake-off and the Emergency Services Expo, which drew large crowds and plenty of local pride. See other stories in this weeks issue of The Wombat Post for more on those events.
The Festa’s success sets the tone for a packed calendar of local events across the Hepburn Shire. Over the next two months, residents and visitors can look forward to:
Daylesford Rotary Art Show – 30 October – 4 November, Stanbridge Hall, Daylesford
Daylesford Collectables Fair – 1–2 November
Rocky Trail Academy & Fox Superflow® (Djuwang Baring) – 7–9 November
Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend – 8–9 November
162nd Clunes Spring Show – 15 November
151st Daylesford Agricultural Show – 22 November
156th Kingston Agricultural Show – 6–7 December
Daylesford Highland Gathering – 6 December
Daylesford New Year’s Eve Parade and Gala – 31 December
And there’s much more to come in the new year — from music festivals and heritage events to food and wine weekends.
For a full list of upcoming activities, visit the What’s On page on the Visit Hepburn Shire website.
This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.
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