Kinglake

Annual events in and around Kinglake, Victoria, Australia

Kinglake is a small town located in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range approx. 40km north-east of Melbourne. It is known for its natural beauty and proximity to the Yarra Valley and the Kinglake National Park. The town may be small, but it hosts a range of annual events that draw crowds from all over the country. Below are some of the nationally or globally recognised annual events that people might observe in and around the town of Kinglake in Victoria, Australia.

1. The Kinglake Rodeo

The Kinglake Rodeo is an annual event held on the Labour Day long weekend in March, which attracts visitors from all over Australia. This event, which started in 1945, is held at the Kinglake Showgrounds and is a showcase of rodeo skills and events, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, and bareback riding. The Kinglake Rodeo is known for its energetic and exciting atmosphere, with a range of food and drink stalls providing refreshments for the spectators.

2. The Kinglake Produce and Artisan Market Day

The Kinglake Produce and Artisan Market Day is a monthly event held on the second Sunday of each month, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to buy locally produced goods and artisanal products. The market is set up at the Kinglake Community Centre, and vendors sell a range of locally grown and handmade produce, such as fruits and vegetables, honey, jams, and baked goods. It's a perfect chance to meet local farmers and artisans and support small businesses in Kinglake.

3. The Kinglake Winter Festival

The Kinglake Winter Festival is an annual event held in July, which celebrates the winter season with various activities, entertainment, and markets. This festival includes a range of events, such as the Winter Feast, where locals and visitors can enjoy delicious food and drink, and the Kinglake Art Show, where local artists showcase their works. The main event of the festival is the Winter Solstice bonfire, where locals and visitors gather around a huge bonfire to celebrate the longest night of the year.

4. The Kinglake Forest Adventures Trail Run

The Kinglake Forest Adventures Trail Run is an annual event held in August, which attracts runners from all over Australia. This event takes place in the stunning Kinglake National Park, where runners have the opportunity to explore the park's beautiful trails and scenery. The event includes four different distances, from 6km to 24km, allowing runners of all abilities to participate.

5. The Kinglake Pumpkin Festival

The Kinglake Pumpkin Festival is an annual event held in May, which celebrates all things pumpkin. The festival takes place at the Kinglake Pub and includes a range of activities, such as pumpkin rolling, pumpkin carving, and pumpkin cooking competitions. There are also food stalls selling pumpkin-inspired dishes and drinks and local vendors selling pumpkin-related products.

6. The Kinglake Christmas Carol Night

The Kinglake Christmas Carol Night is an annual event held in December, which brings the community together to celebrate the Christmas season. The event takes place at the Kinglake Memorial Oval and includes a range of activities, including singing carols, Santa Claus's appearance, and food and drink stalls. It's a chance for locals and visitors to share in the joy of the holiday season and celebrate the end of the year.

Kinglake may be a small town, but it hosts a range of annual events that draw crowds from all over the country. With events celebrating everything from rodeo skills and the winter solstice to pumpkins and Christmas, there is something for everyone in Kinglake. These events, along with its natural beauty, make Kinglake a town worth visiting.