Bendigo's winter arts scene heats up with local exhibitions, live music and theatre

Bendigo's arts and entertainment calendar is packed this July, with exhibitions, live music and theatre productions drawing crowds across the city. The Bendigo Art Gallery, a cornerstone of the local cultural scene, continues its winter program with two major shows that opened in late June and run through August.

The gallery's current feature exhibition, "Colour and Movement," explores abstract Australian painting from the 1960s to the present, while a concurrent show, "New Light: Contemporary Photography," highlights works by emerging photographers. Both exhibitions are open Tuesday to Sunday, with entry at $20 for adults and $12 for concessions.

Live music and theatre

At the Ulumbarra Theatre, the Bendigo Theatre Company is staging a revival of the Australian play "The Removalists" by David Williamson, running from July 16 to 25. Tickets are $35 for adults and $28 for seniors and students, with a preview night on July 15 at $25.

Over at The BENDIGO Hotel on Mitchell Street, the local live music lineup features folk-rock act The Stray Birds on July 18, followed by indie pop duo Lunar Waves on July 25. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with $15 tickets at the door. The venue has been running its weekly Open Mic Night on Wednesdays, drawing emerging local talent.

The Bendigo Writers Festival, held annually in August, has announced its 2026 program will run from August 20 to 23 at the Bendigo Library and the Capital Theatre. Early bird weekend passes go on sale July 20 for $120.

Practical advice for attendees

For those planning to catch multiple events, the Bendigo Art Gallery offers a $25 double-exhibition ticket that covers both "Colour and Movement" and "New Light: Contemporary Photography." The gallery is located at 42 View Street, with parking available at the Bendigo Marketplace carpark on Mitchell Street.

For theatregoers, the Ulumbarra Theatre advises booking online in advance as shows often sell out. The BENDIGO Hotel's shows are mostly walk-in, but arrive early to secure a seat near the stage. The writers festival early bird passes are expected to sell quickly, with full-price weekend passes at $160 after the early bird period.

Bendigo's winter arts calendar shows no signs of slowing down. With gallery exhibitions, live music and theatre all running through July and into August, there's something for every taste.