Swiss Italian Festa 2026 in Hepburn Springs and Daylesford

Name: Swiss Italian Festa 2026
Start: 2026-10-22
End: 2026-10-25
Location: Hepburn Springs, Daylesford and surrounds

Swiss Italian Festa 2026 is back in Hepburn Springs, Daylesford and surrounds, celebrating food, wine, music, art, sport, parades, heritage and the golden story of Swiss Italian migration in Victoria’s spa country.

Food, wine, heritage and spa country charm in Victoria

The Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa is one of those Victorian festivals that feels like a proper weekend gamechanger. Think traditional food, local wine, bocce, art shows, heritage walks, performances, lantern parade energy and the beautiful backdrop of Hepburn Springs mineral country. It is full bodied, a little bit romantic, and very easy to turn into a Daylesford weekend escape.

First staged in 1993, the Festa celebrates the Swiss Italian migrants who arrived in the Hepburn Springs and Daylesford region during the 1850s gold rush. They brought food traditions, wine, stone buildings, orchards, grapevines, olive trees and a love of mineral springs that still shapes the region today.

Swiss Italian Festa food wine and heritage in Hepburn Springs — *Traditional Swiss/Italian Bullboar by Spade to Blade Catering.*

Why visit the Swiss Italian Festa in 2026?

The 2026 program is still coming, but previous Swiss Italian Festa events have included parades, performances, art exhibitions, heritage tours, bocce tournaments, fireworks, special Festa menus and events at local icons including Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm and the Palais Hepburn theatre. It is a festival with substance, not just sparkle.

For a mid 40s mum who loves photography, hiking, food photography, K-Pop, wine and a good regional day trip, this is absolutely my type of event. I would bring the OM-5, wear comfy shoes, plan a meal, check the program carefully and leave time for a mineral spring wander. It feels like the festival version of an IVE “Eleven” moment, stylish, confident and ready for a big weekend.

Swiss Italian Festa Hepburn Springs parade and music — *Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm. Image: West Melbourne And Beyond.*

Make it a wine, food and wellness weekend

Swiss Italian Festa is perfect for turning into a mini holiday. Book accommodation early in Hepburn Springs or Daylesford, organise lunch or dinner ahead of time, and leave space for cellar doors, mineral bathing and scenic walks. Monetization hook: accommodation, restaurant bookings, spa packages and winery visits are worth locking in early for festival weekend.

Food lovers should keep an eye out for local menus celebrating Swiss Italian flavours. The region’s story is tied to salami, pasta, wine, mineral water, stone houses and orchards, so yes, this is a weekend where my weekday keto and low carb plan may gracefully leave the building. Weekend off keto? In spa country? Absolutely.

Swiss Italian Festa Daylesford and Hepburn Springs food wine art — *Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm. Image: West Melbourne And Beyond.*

Festival tips for families and couples

Families should check the final program for free events, lantern activities, parades, music and kid friendly performances. Couples and friends can build a beautiful itinerary around lunch, spa bathing, local wine, a heritage walk and an evening Festa event. It is one of those weekends where you can go relaxed, dress up a little, or do both.

For the best experience, book accommodation and meals early, check event times before you leave, and allow extra travel time. Hepburn Springs and Daylesford are popular for a reason. The scenery, food, wine and mineral waters are the GOAT combination for a Victorian weekend away.

Trivia: Swiss Italian migrants in the Hepburn Springs region helped establish Australia’s first pasta factory in 1859, and their advocacy helped protect the area’s mineral springs from gold prospecting.

Swiss Italian Festa 2026 poster placeholder

Image: Swiss Italian Festa Hepburn.

Getting there

Swiss Italian Festa takes place across Hepburn Springs, Daylesford and surrounds. The best starting point is Hepburn Springs village, then follow the official 2026 program for event locations including community venues, restaurants, heritage sites and local attractions.

Drive times (approx.): Flinders Street Station in Melbourne to Hepburn Springs is about 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Daylesford: A great base for accommodation, restaurants, Lake Daylesford, shopping, galleries and easy access to Festa events.
Hepburn Springs: The best base for mineral springs, spa stays, heritage atmosphere and staying close to the heart of the Festa.

When

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Cost

Many community festival activities are expected to be FREE, with selected ticketed events, meals, workshops or special experiences likely to have separate costs. Check the official program before booking.

Official Website

Check for event updates and more information here: Swiss Italian Festa.

Hepburn Springs Swiss Italian Festa 2026 — *Image: Swiss Italian Festa Hepburn.*

Nearby Tourist Destinations

While you are here why not visit these other great locations:

Daylesford Sunday Market: Popular market near Daylesford Station with local produce, plants, food and vintage finds.
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa: Historic mineral bathing experience in Hepburn Springs dating back to 1895.
Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve: Taste natural mineral waters, walk the reserve and enjoy one of the region’s signature experiences.
Lake Daylesford: Scenic lake for walking, photography, cafes and a relaxed break during festival weekend.
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm: Historic Swiss Italian farm with lavender gardens, food, animals and beautiful country atmosphere.
Mount Franklin Reserve: Volcanic crater reserve with picnic areas and nature walks a short drive from Hepburn Springs.
Passing Clouds Winery: Daylesford region cellar door and restaurant offering wine tastings and vineyard dining.
The Chocolate Mill: Handmade chocolate destination north of Hepburn Springs, great for a sweet festival side trip.
The Convent Daylesford: Gallery, gardens, cafe and historic building with views over Daylesford.
Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens: Lovely Daylesford gardens, walking paths and views from an extinct volcano.

Swiss Italian FestaFAQ

When is Swiss Italian Festa?

Swiss Italian Festa runs from Loading….

Where is Swiss Italian Festa held?

The Festa is held across Hepburn Springs, Daylesford and surrounds in Victoria’s spa country.

Is Swiss Italian Festa free?

Many community activities are expected to be free, while some events, meals, workshops or special experiences may require paid tickets. Always check the official program.

What happens at Swiss Italian Festa?

Expect a mix of food, wine, music, art, heritage tours, parades, bocce, performances and local celebrations of Swiss Italian culture.

Should I book accommodation early?

Yes. Hepburn Springs and Daylesford are popular weekend destinations, and festival dates can be busy. Booking early is strongly recommended.

Is the Festa family friendly?

Yes. Previous programs have included community events, parades, family activities and performances. Check the 2026 program when released for age suitability and timings.