From opera among antiques to digital art and underwater soundscapes, the festival promises something for everyone.
The festival runs from April 4 to 13, offering 42 events across music, theatre, visual arts, and comedy — many of them free or low-cost to keep it accessible to all.
“Whether you want to experience an underwater soundscape, try your hand at art or craft, or are a birdwatcher with a writing twitch to itch, there will be events and exhibitions across Shepparton just for you!” newly appointed festival chair Tim Winkler said.
Highlights of the program include:
• An Item of Connection — A portrait series by Cam Matheson, capturing personal stories of resilience from the 2022 floods through objects of deep significance.
• Saturate — An immersive underwater sound experience by Sara Retallick, where participants swim through a floating sonic installation at Aquamoves, engaging with sound in a whole new way.
• Shepparton Festival Workshop Series — Keep the creativity flowing these holidays with hands-on fun. Make your own pottery, design digital monsters and characters with Mimi Leung, dive into zine-making and collage, or team up with a loved one for a unique intergenerational art session with Shiro using recycled materials.
• River’s Palette: A Watercolour Workshop In Nature — Join Yorta Yorta artist Chris Walker for a guided watercolour workshop by the river, blending art with a deeper connection to Country. Use natural materials or paintbrushes to create your own piece inspired by the local landscape.
• Poet’s Breakfast — Enjoy a delicious breakfast while immersing yourself in poetry with the Goulburn Valley Writers’ Group. Whether you want to share your own work at the open mic or simply listen, it’s a morning of words and community.
The list is just a glimpse. Explore the full lineup here.
“Every year, thousands of visitors attend arts events run by Shepparton Festival and we are expecting this year’s program to be really popular,” festival director Kristen Retallick said.
“We are incredibly grateful to the crowds of people who keep coming back to see what is new at the festival each year, and of course to the amazing volunteers and artists who make the event possible.
“It’s exciting to see so many passionate artists who are lining up to share their work — and at the same time have so many people willing to experience or have a go at making art themselves.
“Bringing art and artists together with people across the Greater Shepparton area has become a great April tradition, and we are encouraging people to secure their tickets early this year, as we are expecting lots of interest in the events that will be on offer.”
For tickets, volunteer opportunities and event details head to: sheppartonfestival.org.au
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