Supporting our community to deliver much-loved events

Published on 06 February 2026

Holi festival

Three much-loved community events, proudly supported by the City of Whittlesea, are set to take place this February, providing residents and visitors with free, family-friendly events to enjoy.

On Saturday 7 February, the Whittlesea Country Music Festival is back for another year, bringing the music vibes to AF Walker Reserve in Laurel Street, Whittlesea.

Kicking off at 3.30pm, the twilight concert will feature live music from a great line up of country music artists, while the carnival corner will provide the thrills with a range of rides. Food stalls will also be available, or you can bring your own picnic and enjoy the entertainment under the night sky.

Now into its 25th year, the volunteer-run Whittlesea Country Music Festival is as popular as ever, drawing large crowds from the City of Whittlesea and beyond.

On Saturday 28 February, Mission Smile’s 10th annual Whittlesea Colour Carnival will delight crowds with a vibrant burst of colour, music and food.

Celebrating the traditional Hindu festival of colour, Holi, the event will be held on the lawns of the Civic Centre in South Morang, and will feature colour play, foam fun, rain dance, henna tattoos, face painting, multicultural performances, market stalls and the traditional Holika Dahan, celebrating the true spirit of Holi. Local community groups and emergency services representatives will also be at the event.

Nishtha Goel from Mission Smile said the Colour Carnival was a wonderful opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together for a day of fun.

“Holi symbolises the victory of triumph over evil. A new addition to the carnival this year is a musical depiction of the story of Holi which will be performed in the evening. This festival is a true reflection of the City of Whittlesea’s cultural diversity.”

Also on Saturday 28 February is the Whittlesea Chinese Association’s Chinese New Year celebrations.

Celebrating the Year of the Horse, the event will be held at the Epping Memorial Hall and will feature a range of wonderful cultural performances to bring in the new year.

These events are proudly supported by the City of Whittlesea through the Community Grants Program.

Event details

Whittlesea Country Music Festival

Saturday 7 February, 3.30pm-9.30pm

AF Walker Reserve, Laurel Street, Whittlesea

More information: whittleseacountrymusicfestival.com.au

Whittlesea Colour Carnival

Saturday 28 February, 12noon – 8pm

Civic Centre lawns, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DILWK

2026 Chinese New Year celebrations

Saturday 28 February, 1pm-4pm

Epping Memorial Hall

For more information on the Community Grants Program, visit the Community grants page.

Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Lawrie Cox

“We are so proud to be able to support such wonderful and diverse community events through our Community Grants Program.

“These free events provide people with an opportunity to come together, celebrate and support local groups and performers, while having fun.

“We have a vibrant and diverse community here in the City of Whittlesea, and these community run events are an example of the different cultures we have the pleasure of sharing with each other."

Tagged as: