The Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival is a delightful celebration of community, fresh produce, and the vibrant culture of this charming town. Held annually in the heart of Bacchus Marsh, this festival draws visitors from near and far, offering a unique blend of local flavours, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The event has become a highlight on the regional calendar, and for good reason.
If driving from Melbourne CBD even the initial drive into Bacchus Marsh along the Avenue of Honour is quite spectacular and very pretty and that's even before you enjoy the Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival proper.
From the moment you arrive, the cheerful atmosphere of the festival is contagious. The streets are adorned with vibrant decorations, and the tantalizing aroma of strawberries and cherries fills the air.
Local farmers and artisans proudly display their goods, offering everything from freshly picked fruit to homemade jams and baked goods. It's a paradise for food lovers and a great way to support local producers.
Impressive Scale: The scale of the Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival is impressive and you would be forgiven that you are at a festival in a much bigger town or city. The festival seems to be super well publicised and gets busy very quickly. We arrived before 9AM when stalls were being set up but even at the time of the morning the crowds were building up.
Live Entertainment: The live entertainment is another highlight of the festival. Talented local musicians and performers take to the stage, creating a lively and festive ambiance. Whether it's a toe-tapping band or a soulful soloist, the music adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the event. The mix of genres ensures there's something for everyone to appreciate.
Quality of the live entertainment does vary and we do love that the festival provides opportunity for local talent. Your mileage may vary and that's fair enough. Personally we were a bit disappointed but even so, being able to chow down with local entertainment in the background and all for FREE is still great!
One of the festival's standout features is the variety of activities available for attendees of all ages. Children can enjoy face painting, carnival rides, and interactive games, while adults can enjoy wandering the stalls, picnicing on the lawns and enjoy the live entertainment.
Okay, I'm not the youngest these days but I can imagine to the young kids who come here each year they must really look forward to the festival and enjoying the carnival rides. That is one of my fond memories growing up.
Food: The food options are nothing short of spectacular. Beyond the fresh fruit, visitors can indulge in a range of strawberry and cherry-themed dishes, from decadent desserts to creative savory options.
The variety and quality of food ensure that even the pickiest eater will find something to savor. Pairing these delights with a glass of local wine or cider makes for an unforgettable culinary experience.
In tune with the strawberry theme the candied strawberries are a great option for the kids. The tang hulu is a traditional northen Chinese snack consisting of several rock sugar coated fruits. Something certain to please the kids!
It's a K world after all: It's great being able to try food from all over the world. The Korean corn dogs make for something a bit different if you've never tried them before. With the rise of K-Pop and K-drama it's nice to also see some Korean food out of Melbourne.
Strawberries and Cherries - The Headline Act: If you aren't too keen on picking your own fruit you'll be able to purchase cherries, strawberries and other fruits at a number of market stalls. Maybe not quite in the spirit of the festival but certainly EASY!
Fruit picking: If you are really into it we suggest do some fruit picking to really get into the vibe of the festival. This will make the festival stand out from just another festival and if you have younger children they really love it.
It's just a nice almost spiritual feeling picking your own fruit and it's so pleasant being outdoors soaking up the sun (note: of course weather dependent).
Go fruiting picking at:
- Payne's Orchards
- Naturipe
Location
From Melbourne: Bacchus Marsh is a 50 minute drive from Melbourne CBD.
In A Nutshell
The Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival is a vibrant and heartwarming celebration that showcases the best of the region. It’s a perfect day out for families, couples, and friends looking to enjoy fresh produce, engaging entertainment, and a warm, vibrant, busy community atmosphere.
Highly Recommended: Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular attendee, this festival is sure to leave you with wonderful memories and a longing to return next year.
This is definitely one of the best regional festivals outside of Melbourne and is highly recommended (Note: weather dependent).
Other Things To Do Around Bacchus Marsh
While you are at The Courthouse Hotel why not consider:
- Blacksmiths Cottage
- Courthouse Hotel
- Forge Bookbarn
- Darley Market
- Falcon's Lookout Walk
- Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk
- MacKenzies Flat and Grahams Dam for a picnic
- Fruit picking at Payne's Orchards
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