The Bright Autumn Festival is a ten-day celebration of the breathtaking colours and abundant produce found in the valleys of Victoria's Alpine High Country. Established in 1962 to mark the town's centenary, it remains one of Australia's oldest continuous running festivals, drawing visitors to celebrate community spirit amidst a spectacular natural transformation.

19 Jan 2026

Festival dates for 2026

While autumn colours typically peak from mid-April to early May, the festival dates are set annually to ensure visitors catch the best of the season.

2026 Dates: Friday, 24 April to Sunday, 3 May 2026.

Top festival highlights

The festival program is packed with events that cater to families, foodies, and art lovers alike.

The Alan Findlay Memorial gala day

The high point of the ten-day celebration is Gala Day, held on the final Saturday of the festival.

Bright Rotary Market: Starting at 9:00 am in Ireland Street, this massive market features over 200 stalls offering local produce, handmade crafts, and live music.
Grand Parade: Beginning at 1:45 pm, the parade is one of the region's last high-street parades. It features local schools, community groups, and vibrant floats.

Wandiligong Nut Festival

Held over the first weekend of the festival at Alpine Park in Wandiligong, this unique event showcases the region's famous nut and fruit orchards. Visitors can meet local growers of chestnuts, walnuts, and pistachios while enjoying live music and chestnut roasting.

Open gardens

Seventeen private and public gardens across Bright and the surrounding districts open their gates to the public. These gardens offer a rare chance to see established European trees, such as Oaks and Maples, in their full autumn glory.

Autumn art exhibition

The Bright Art Gallery hosts its premier annual event, the Autumn Art Show, featuring up to 1,000 quality artworks. It is one of Australia's largest art shows, providing a perfect opportunity to purchase a unique memento of your visit.

Planning your visit

Accommodation: Because the festival is highly popular, it is essential to book your stay well in advance. Basing yourself at a central hub like Tasman Holiday Parks - Bright allows you to walk to many town-centre events, including the Gala Day parade.
Accessibility: Many festival events are free or low-cost, making it an accessible experience for all travellers.
Programs: Printed copies of the festival program are typically available at the Alpine Visitor Information Centre in Bright as the event approaches.