News

Rochester festival week — art, music and community celebrations

By Jaci Hicken

Jan 30, 2026

Watch the artist paint at the Rochester Mural Festival. Kerry Nicholson working on his piece Our Song in 2025. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Rochester is set to burst into colour and creativity as three festivals combine for one of the biggest weeks on the local calendar.

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The Rochester Mural Festival and Creative Seeds Exhibition will run from Friday, March 21 until the Sips & Sounds Festival on Saturday, March 28.

“This is a very exciting week for Rochester and one we're incredibly proud of,” Rochester Business Network president Sanjay Ranchhod said.

“Events like the Mural Festival, Creative Seeds and Sips and Sounds bring many tourists to town, showcase our creativity and create an amazing buzz right through the CBD.

“These events wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, especially Bendigo Bank, who have generously funded the 2026 Rochester Mural Festival, and the North Central Catchment Management Authority, who have greatly supported Sips and Sounds.”

Festivities begin on Friday, March 21, with the meet-the-artist dinner, welcoming mural artists, guests and community members.

Painting officially begins on Saturday, March 22, with artists starting work in Mural Park, transforming the space into a live outdoor studio where visitors can watch murals come to life throughout the week.

Running alongside the mural painting is the Creative Seeds Exhibition, featuring works from local artists, with daily creative workshops encouraging people of all ages to get involved.

Guardian of Harmony by Kristina Greenwood at the 2025 Rochester Mural festival. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The town's arts program continues with an art exhibition at the Shire Hall, featuring selected works by mural artists.

A key highlight this year is the creation of a collaborative community mural, bringing locals together to contribute to a shared artwork that will be displayed at Bendigo Bank once complete.

The mural painting wraps up with brushes down on Thursday, March 27, followed by a weekend of live music and celebrations.

The energy lifts Thursday night with the Sips and Sounds warm-up event at the Rochester Bowls Club, featuring Probably Guilty.

Live music continues later at the Rochy Hotel with local Nigel Riordan and his band The $2 Dollar Bourbons.

The week culminates on Friday with the Sips and Sounds Festival delivering a vibrant mix of art, music, workshops and family-friendly fun.

The day kicks off with the Town Market from 9am to 1pm, while Mural Park comes alive from 10am with live music and celebrations.

The mega raffle will be drawn at 11am, followed by the announcement of the winning artist and mural.

From 11am, music rolls through town with performances at Platypus Park, alongside workshops and exhibitions across town, including the Shire Hall display.

Visitors can enjoy Sip n Shop, where local businesses across the CBD host tastings from regional wineries, distilleries and breweries.

From noon, families can enjoy children’s activities including a bubble workshop, face painting and karaoke, while live music continues throughout the day.