2026
Red Gum Festival

After 3 amazing festivals we cannot wait to bring you number 4 in 2026!

Nestled on the banks of the Wannon River, in the heart of Red Gum Country, Cavendish is looking forward to bringing you the fourth Red Gum Festival.

Through a diverse range of activities visitors will enjoy, explore and learn about our unique local environment.

Join us to celebrate the magnificent and iconic Red Gum!

opening gala
Friday 17 th April

We look forward to welcoming you to the Red Gum Gallery as you help us celebrate the official opening of the 2026 Cavendish Red Gum Festival.
Cost: $35
Includes: Drink on arrival and canapes throughout the night.
Access to the Red Gum Gallery, Student Gallery & Photography Exhibition. 
Feature Artists: Britt Gow, Elise Coughlin, Julie Kent, Meagan Lonsdale, Ros MacArthur, Ricky Schembri

festival day EVENTS

MAIN FESTIVAL DAY – SATurday 18th APRIL

Yoga, Sculpture, Art & More – Sunday 19th

wonderful workshops

Browse and book tickets for a wonderful and varied selection of workshops being held throughout the day. Be quick - some of them book out very fast!

Sat 18th April

Strange Garden - Community Participatory workshop

Strange Garden is a participatory workshop that engages the community in building an installation out of cardboard, representing a fantastical, abstract garden. We repurpose flat, bland cardboard into something organic, intricate and beautiful. A magical garden is created for families to contribute to, to peer into, to explore and enjoy!

Sat 18th April

Andrew Skeoch - deep listening to nature

Acoustic ecologist, Andrew Skeoch, will guide you into hearing the communications of nature; developing your listening skills, identifying species by ear, recognising behaviours and repertoire, and finding empathy with the voices of other beings. 3pm at the Primary School

Sat 18th April

Red Gum Run & Ramble

A fabulous start to your festival journey. Join us for an energising run or a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Wannon.
Commencing 8am

sat 8AM

Fun for KIDS of all ages

The kids will be busy and inspired all day with so many things planned especially for them! Head to the Sweet Spot Cafe for some chill out time and something delicious to eat whilst supporting the Cavendish Primary School & Kinder All day fun! Kids wristband included with $10 Entry.

Sat 10-4pm

the red gum market

Artisan wares, local produce, art, books, jewellery and much more. The Red Gum Market will have something for everyone.

Sat 10am-4pm

Wood turning, Timber Milling & Blade Shearing DEMOS

Come along and check out some amazing artisans and experts at work. Details coming soon

Sat 10-4pm

Environmental Forum

The Environmental Forum will be held on Saturday 18 April centred on the theme The value and protection of isolated paddock trees. Moderated by Professor Andrew Campbell, the forum will bring together respected researchers and land management practitioners to examine the ecological importance of paddock red gums and practical approaches to protecting them.

Sat 9 am-12.30

live on the red gum stage

We have some fantastic musicians gracing our stage this year including young Warrnambool band, The Wild Ones

SAT 10am - 8pm

celebrating red gums through the arts

Visit our Red Gum Gallery, take a meander along the Sculpture Walk, check out the Student Gallery and our amazing Photography Exhibition. Launching at the Opening Gala, Fri 17th April (ticketed event) Open Sat 10-5 and Sun 9-12 Soliders Memorial Hall, Cavendish

sat 10-5
Sun 9-12

Blade shearing demos

Come along and see the art of blade shearing in action.
Near the CFA Shed, Main Street

Sat 10-4 on the hour

dog high jump

They say every dog has its day..... Well Sat 18th April could be it! Dogs of all shapes and sizes welcome!
CAVENDISH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Celebrating Red gums through the arts

Our Sculpture Walk, Red Gum Gallery, Photography & Student Exhibition will showcase a celebration of the mighty Red Gum and its environment.

Sponsors & Supporters

We work hard to keep our festival accessible & low cost. We would love to hear from you if you can offer sponsorship or support.

Our red gums

Join local experts for some fascinating videos about the history, future and struggles of the mighty red gum.

Address

Hours