News

Last call to express interest in hosting a 2026 Benalla Festival event

By Benalla Ensign

Aug 4, 2026

Cr Jillian Merkel, Cr Justin King, Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn and Cr Peter Davis at the 2025 Benalla Festival Launch. Photo: James Bugg.

Benalla Rural City Council is encouraging community members to register their interest in hosting a Benalla Festival event before the formal expression of interest process closes.

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The Benalla Festival will return from October 31 to November 8, bringing two weekends of activities, performances and community-led experiences to town.

Council is calling on anyone with an idea for an event to submit their proposal before the deadline at 5pm on Friday, August 7.

Benalla Festival Advisory Committee chair Justin King said now was the time for anyone considering hosting an event to take the next step.

“Expressions of interest are closing soon, and if you've been thinking about hosting an event, now is the time to act,” Cr King said.

“The Benalla Festival is strengthened by the ideas and enthusiasm of our community.

“We’ve already seen some fantastic concepts, and we’d love to see even more.”

Event guidelines and submission forms are available at benallafestival.com.au

For more information about hosting an event or participating in the 2026 Benalla Festival, contact council’s events team on benalla.festival@benalla.vic.gov.au or by phoning 5760 2600.