The 2026 Benalla Festival has wrapped up after nine days of celebration, showcasing the very best of Benalla Rural City's community, culture and creativity.

With more than 25 events and three exhibitions, from community markets and open gardens to music, film, history and flight, there was something for everyone.

Benalla Festival Advisory Committee chair Justin King said the 2026 program captured what the festival was all about.

“The Benalla Festival is a celebration for the people, by the people,” he said.

“It brings together local talent, creativity and community pride in a way that’s uniquely Benalla.

“I’d like to thank the Benalla Festival Advisory Committee members for their passion and hard work in planning this year’s festival.

“A big thank you also goes to the many community groups, clubs, event organisers, performers and volunteers who brought the program to life.

“Whether it was music, art, food, history or fun with family and friends, our community showed once again what it means to come together and celebrate.”

The festival kicked off on Saturday, October 31 with a free, family-friendly Halloween Party at Benalla Golf Club.

Kids and adults dressed up in their favourite costumes for face painting, trick or treating and prizes for the best dressed.

Visitors also enjoyed an early taste of the festival in October, when Stone House, one of Benalla's oldest homes, opened its garden gates as a sneak peek ahead of the official festival program.

The opening weekend placed a spotlight on the beauty and character of the region.

At Samaria Rose Farm at Moorngag, visitors wandered among 2000 Damask rose bushes, enjoyed homemade scones with tea or coffee, and joined rosewater steam distilling workshops.

The Migrant Camp open day shared stories of life at Benalla’s post-war migrant accommodation centre through a photographic exhibition and museum display.

It also hosted a special afternoon tea.

Local residents opened their private gardens to the public, raising funds for the Tomorrow Today Foundation.

In Devenish, the country market buzzed with families as costumed competitors raced for line honours in the second annual Inflatable Animal Race.

Meanwhile, the Swanpool Community Cinema welcomed moviegoers for a screening of The Sheep Detectives, followed by scones with jam and cream.

Cr King said the opening weekend showed just how much our communities had to offer.

“It was great to see so many people out exploring our gardens, markets and villages,” he said.

“Each event had its own local flavour, and that’s what makes this festival special. It set the tone for a fantastic week ahead.”

On Monday, November 2, inclement weather forced Diwali @ the Mural indoors to the Town Hall, where the community gathered to celebrate in a vibrant display of colour, culture and connection.

Presented by the Benalla Migrants Association, the Festival of Lights celebration returned for its fourth year in a row and drew a big crowd despite the last-minute changes.

On the Melbourne Cup public holiday, Room at the Table hosted a free barbecue and board games session.

During the week, torches lit the way for the Twilight Cemetery Historical Walks, where guests heard stories about the famous and infamous people buried in the Benalla Cemetery.

Friday, November 6 offered something for every taste.

The Ray White November Golf Classic teed off for three days of golf, friendly competition and social events.

Couples unleashed their inner artists at Paint Your Partner at the Northo, enjoying a three-course meal along with plenty of laughs.

At the Glasshouse overlooking Lake Benalla, Goldhammer presented the Gold Digger RnB Night — an evening of smooth beats, canapés and handcrafted cocktails.

At Swanpool Cinema, award-winning production Bonegilla: The Migrants’ Journey moved audiences with interviews, photos and home movies from local post-war migrants who left everything behind to start a new life in Australia.

Saturday, November 7 was the festival's busiest day.

For the Good of Devenish hosted a Remembrance Day service at the town’s silos.

Benalla Soars, a Festival of Flight, invited families and curious minds to the Gliding Club of Victoria, where visitors tried a virtual flight simulator, met real glider pilots and instructors, and entered competitions for prizes.

Nearby, at BARC Hut 64, beginners picked up basic ukulele skills with Steve Winkler over Devonshire tea, while Broken River Painters hosted a drop-in collage workshop, turning recycled books and magazines into unique visual stories.

The Garage Sale Trail ran all weekend, with locals selling from home, joining local markets and teaming up with neighbours — and thanks to council's support, it was free to take part.

From 3.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday, the Lake Benalla Foreshore came alive for Benalla by the Lake, the festival’s signature event.

Families spread out picnic rugs and enjoyed street food, drinks and a vibrant mix of live music.

Tomorrow Today’s Full Impact Squad hosted sideshow alley games, with gold coin donations going to the Benalla Homelessness Response Group.

Little ones aged five and under joined Mini Monets, painting portraits of someone special on their own mini canvas.

The night ended in style with a spectacular fireworks display over the lake.

The festival wrapped up on Sunday, November 8 with a full day of events.

A Day in the Gardens Market filled the Benalla Botanic Gardens with local artisans, food vendors and community groups.

The Preloved Market at Benalla Town Hall gave clothes and accessories a second life, while the Australian Welsh Male Choir filled Swanpool Hall with song.

The 12th National and International Benalla Short Film Festival closed the program at Benalla Cinema, showcasing talented filmmakers from Australia and around the world, with Krista Vendy and Bruce Hunt-Hughes judging and announcing the winners.

Three exhibitions added colour to the festival throughout the fortnight.

The Broken River Painters Art Show saw local artists show and sell recent works in a variety of media at the Scout Hall.

The Broken River Potters open days and sale gave visitors the chance to meet the makers and buy unique functional and sculptural ceramics.

Kathy Watt’s Saluting Service, Courage and Resilience photography exhibition at the Benalla Visitor Information Centre shared the stories of military veterans from World War II to today.

The exhibition remains on display until November 30

For more information, visit benalla.vic.gov.au or call 5760 2600.

Access this article online for more photos from the Festival.

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