Festivals & Culture

Since kicking off in 1954, the Myrtleford Golden Spurs Rodeo has gone on to become one of the oldest rodeos in Australia – a testament to the town's ongoing connection to livestock and horse riding. Run by the local Lion's Club on Boxing Day each year, the rodeo is the first event of the summer circuit. Funds raised from the event go back into supporting the community.

The Myrtleford Festival is one of the longest running community festivals in Victoria, dating back to 1961 when it started as the Tobacco & Hops Festival, reflecting the central role the tobacco-growing industry once played in our community. By 1981, the festival was known as the Tobacco, Hops and Timber Festival, reflecting the growing importance of the forestry industry to our economy – a tradition that remains strong today. By 2008, following the collapse of the tobacco-growing industry, the festival evolved into its current incarnation, the Myrtleford Festival, incorporating all that makes us who we are. This is one big community party, full of music, markets, art prizes, bike rides, footy games, and of course, the festival ball, gala parade and fireworks.

One of the most anticipated festivals on the annual calendar is the La Fiera Italian Festival – a lively three-day celebration of Myrtleford's Italian immigrant heritage, with food stalls of authentic Italian home cooking, Italian donuts, fresh produce, coffee, wine, wine, and... did we say wine? There's music, the parade and entertainment, like giant chess with human players, as well as event dinners, cooking classes and kids' workshops. Never a dull moment.