Music Events in Castlemaine

California indie band, Rainbow Girls, is known for their haunting harmonies, powerful songwriting, and unfiltered yet poised stage presence. Their live show is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience that will make you both laugh and cry. The band met in Southern California and formed at a weekly open mic night they hosted in their college house - known as Rainbow House. They spent their first few summers as a band, busking & couch-surfing across Europe on one-way plane tickets. In 2016, Erin Chapin, Caitlin Gowdey, & Vanessa May pivoted toward a raw, stripped-down acoustic sound, performing around a single condenser mic. This spotlighted their intricate harmonies and cemented their place in the roots music scene. Since then, their blend of provocative charm and musical precision has earned them a cult following across the US and Europe, thanks in part to a viral rise on social media.  Their latest album, HAUNTING (2024), is both a sonic evolution and a bold reclamation. As Chapin puts it:  “The concept for this album came about from the word ‘haunting’ itself, which is the most common adjective people use when describing female harmonies. But what is it about female harmonies that make people want to describe them as ‘haunting?’ It’s because they’re powerful. And if a woman is powerful, then she must be a witch. She must be otherworldly or special because a regular woman couldn’t possibly be powerful on her own. We are reclaiming the word ‘haunting’ to describe our power – the power we find in reckoning with our trauma, grief, loss, and fear.” The album dives deep into that reckoning - layered with grief and resilience, it’s an intimate yet expansive collection of songs that shine a light on the transformative nature of pain and the strength that grows from it. It’s Rainbow Girls at their most raw, most refined, and most powerful. Doors 8pm

Icelandic song-poet and raconteur Svavar Knútur returns to Australia, joining forces with Portuguese-Canadian Nico Paulo to play Castlemaine for the first time. Catch this Nordic troubadour at the Taproom and prepare for a night of raw emotion, laughter and unforgettable storytelling.

Castlemaine Idyll is Castlemaine's annual talent contest. Local singers. Live band. Famous judges. A family inclusive event. Food. Bar. Plus fun & talent for miles... Castlemaine Idyll 2026 will take place at Lot19. This year’s event will feature 30 live performances, an extended running time (after-show DJ's & dancing, anyone?!), guest judges, hot outfits, great catering and perfect weather (we have our fingers and toes crossed). We're also bringing back KIDS KARAOKE on the small stage from 1pm.

Join us for a wonderful evening where stories are sung, hearts are lifted, and music truly matters. This special concert brings together the unmistakable voice of Luke O’Shea and the warm, roots-soaked sounds of JC and the Tree for a performance that promises connection, emotion and pure musical magic.

Open to violin, viola, cello and double bass players with established beginner to Grade 2 AMEB standard; games, orchestra sessions, tutorials & mini performance

A unique blend of the traditional Maloya of Réunion Island with contemporary Australian sounds.

Six voices, Six instruments. The Human Instrument explores the voice as a complete musical instrument: percussive, fragile, amplified, humorous, and communal.

This intimate program explores Australian composers alongside some of the guitar's most important works. Tommaso Girotto is a young Australian guitarist who has dedicated himself to his passion for music since the age of 10, and continues to share this passion through performance and teaching.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of guitar talk with internationally recognised guitarist & songwriter Geoff Achison. In this friendly 2-Hour session, Geoff offers some fantastic tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your acoustic guitar. A master of creating big sounding arrangements without the aid of gadgets, Geoff delights in passing on his knowledge making it a lot of fun along the way. Geoff is one of the finest blues guitarists I know” JORMA KAUKONEN, JEFFERSON AIRPLANE

Join Artistic Director Jennifer Kirsner and Principal Music Director Donald Nicolson and friends for works by some of their all-time favourite composers. A wintery, warming, eclectic musical romp that showcases the trailblazing imagination of the baroque age. Wine and cheese served, and your invitation to stay to meet the musicians after the performance.