Seniors Festival 2025!
The Victorian Seniors Festival is a major state-wide festival for and involving seniors.
The festival runs from 1–31 October every year, with free and low-cost events right across Victoria. This year the theme is Connect. Create. Celebrate.
A series of live events are planned throughout October 2025 across Victoria, including:
- The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards 2025, including the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards (date to be determined)
- Eight days of free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card holders between 5-12 October 2025
- Live, local, and online events as delivered by COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria, alongside local councils, community groups, and clubs
- Celebration Day, to be held at Federation Square on 5 October 2025 between 12-7pm
- The ACMI Seniors Film Festival, between 6-12 October 2025
- Other flagship events including a Melbourne Town Hall Dance, a country concert tour, a Songs of Judy Garland event for LGBTIQA+, and an aged care tour that runs over October-December 2025
What's on
Bendigo Talking Tram and Art Gallery Tour (1 October)
Wednesday 1 October, 9am - 4:30pm
This event involves getting on and off a tram and moving around the museum. If you have mobility difficulties, please let us know when booking so we can discuss whether this event will be suitable for you.
Lunch menu
You will need to pre-select your lunch meal when booking. View the $15 lunch menu options(PDF, 174KB).
Day itinerary
- 11am: Arriving at Bendigo Talking Tram, Central Deborah Gold Mine
- 12pm: Lunch at the Bridge Hotel (at own cost), 49 Bridge St, Bendigo
- 2pm: Art Gallery Walking Masterpiece Tour, 42 View St, Bendigo
- 2:45pm: Departing Bendigo Art Gallery
Book your spot
Bookings are essential.
To book, email VillageConnect@mrsc.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5422 0333
Castlemaine Concert (9 October)
Thursday 9 October, 10:15am - 5:30pm
This event involves walking from lunch to the concert venue. If you have mobility difficulties, please let us know when booking so we can discuss if this event will be suitable for you.
Day Itinerary
- 12pm: Arriving at Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre, Moystyn Street Bus Bay, Castlemaine
- 12pm: Lunch in Castlemaine town at own leisure (at own cost)
- 2pm: Concert, Castlemaine Town Hall - 25 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine
- 4pm: Departing from Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre
Book your spot
Bookings are essential.
To book, email VillageConnect@mrsc.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5422 0333
Dromkeen Gallery High Tea (17 October)
- When: Friday 17 October, 10am - 12pm
- Where: 1012 Kilmore Rd, Riddells Creek
Itinerary
- 10am: High tea
- 11am: Entertainment by Jarrod Shaw
- 12pm: Finish
Book your spot
Bookings are essential.
To book, email VillageConnect@mrsc.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5422 0333
MCG Tour and Sports Museum (27 October)
Monday 27 October, 9am - 5:15pm
You will need to preselect your lunch meal when booking. Lunch venue is card only (they will not accept cash). View your lunch menu options(PDF, 379KB)
This event involves moving around for the tour and museum visit. If you have mobility difficulties, please let us know when booking so we can discuss whether this event will be suitable for you.
Day Itinerary
- 10:45am: Arriving at Melbourne Cricket Ground
- 11am: MCG Tour
- 12pm: Sports Museum walkthrough
- 1pm: Lunch at Trumble Bar and Cafe (at own cost)
- 3:15pm: Departing Melbourne Cricket Ground
Book your spot
Bookings are essential.
To book, email VillageConnect@mrsc.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5422 0333
Bookings are essential.
Most events offer pick-up and drop off services across the Shire. Please discuss your options when booking your spot.
Book now by emailing VillageConnect@mrsc.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5422 0333
Bookings close two weeks prior to the event dates or when spaces fill to capacity. One event per person, you may be eligible to join a waitlist for multiple events by contacting Council through the booking details above.
Looking for more local events?
Want to know other local events happening in October in the shire? Visit What's on around the shire.
Have you organised your own event during Seniors Month and want to promote on our website? Register your event.