What's On in the Macedon Ranges — October 2026
Garden fairs, bluebells, bugs and plenty more: here's what's happening across the Ranges this October.
October is one of the busiest months on the Macedon Ranges calendar. Spring is in full swing, the gardens are opening their gates, and there's a genuine mix of big regional drawcards and small local happenings across Woodend, Macedon, Mount Macedon and Gisborne. Here's what's on.
National Insect Expo in Woodend, 2 to 4 October
Now in its fifth year, the National Insect Expo is recognised as Australia's largest insect exhibition, running Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October at the Buffalo Sports Stadium on Forest Street, Woodend, from 10am to 5pm each day. Over 100 exhibitors from across Australia and New Zealand take part, including entomologists, insect researchers, breeders, and spider and scorpion keepers, alongside live insect displays, children's workshops and insect-themed entertainment. Past years have drawn more than 7,000 visitors, some travelling from overseas.
Adult tickets are $25, with concession and family options available. Full details at visitmacedonranges.com.
Bolobek Garden Fair in Macedon, 3 and 4 October
Running the same weekend, the Bolobek Garden Fair is one of the largest and most popular garden fairs in Victoria. Held at Bolobek, 370 Mt Macedon Road, the fair brings together more than 50 specialist stallholders, guest speakers and garden tours across one of Victoria's most historically significant private gardens, from 10am to 4pm both days.
We'll have a Trading Post stall at the fair, full of our homemade goodies, so be sure to stop by and say hello.
Tickets are $20, with children under 16 free. Full details at bolobekgardenfair.com.au.
Watercolour, Wicker and Wire at The Gallery Mount Macedon, 6 to 31 October
Right behind the Trading Post, The Gallery Mount Macedon is hosting a joint exhibition from husband and wife artists Terry and Michelle Jarvis. Terry is one of Australia's celebrated watercolour artists, known internationally for his work and also an established art critic and judge. Michelle works in wicker and wire, creating handcrafted pieces from natural materials gathered near their home in the Wellsford Forest.
The exhibition runs from Tuesday 6 October through to Saturday 31 October, and the artists will be on hand for a Meet the Artists session at 2pm on Saturday 10 October. The Gallery is at 684 Mt Macedon Road, open Friday to Tuesday, 10am to 4pm.
First Nations Music Afternoon in Gisborne, 17 October
On Saturday 17 October at 2:30pm, the Gisborne Mechanics Institute Hall hosts a Welcome to Country followed by a performance from First Nations songstress LEO (Leonie Whyman), a proud Makwarra-Barkindji and Wiradjuri artist also known for her role in the Prime Video series Deadloch. Her music draws on her own spiritual journey and experience as a First Nations woman, and she's previously performed at The Gathering: WINTERFEAST, the Brunswick Music Festival, and Share The Spirit at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Tickets via Humanitix.
Macedon Village Farmers' Market and Duneira Estate Bluebell Festival, 31 October
The month closes out with two events on Saturday 31 October. The Macedon Village Farmers' Market runs 9am to 1pm at Macedon Primary School, 67 Smith Street, and is one of only four markets held in the village each year.
Just up the road, the Duneira Estate Bluebell Festival opens the historic homestead and heritage garden at 1 Officer Lane, Mount Macedon, where the iconic Dutch Elm Avenue is carpeted in bluebells. The festival includes guided garden tours, live music, a chance to view the Stuart Stoneman art collection inside the 1875 homestead, and local wine, gin and food stalls. It runs 10am to 4pm on both Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November.
The Mount Macedon Trading Post is open 7 days a week at 686 Mt Macedon Road, Mount Macedon. View the full menu and online shop at mtmacedontp.com.au.
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