October 19th, 2026Swiss Italian Festa brings Hepburn’s heritage to life

SIX DAYS OF FILM, FOOD, MUSIC, HISTORY AND CELEBRATION OCTOBER 20–25, 2026 • DAYLESFORD & HEPBURN SPRINGS More than 170 years ago, Italian-speaking Swiss migrants arrived in the goldfields of Hepburn Springs, bringing with them their traditions, skills, recipes and hopes for a new life.

Their influence helped shape the community we know today, and this October, the Swiss Italian Festa will once again bring that remarkable heritage to life.

From a special film screening on Tuesday, October 20, through to the main celebrations from Thursday, October 22 to Sunday, October 25, Hepburn Springs and Daylesford will come alive with food, wine, music, art, history and entertainment, celebrating the generations who made this region their home.

And while the Festa is deeply rooted in history, it is just as much about the present — bringing families, friends, local businesses and visitors together to celebrate everything that makes Hepburn Springs special.

A special cinematic start to the celebrations The festivities begin early on Tuesday, October 20, with a special screening of Love’s Brother at the Phoenix Cinema, 53 Vincent Street, Daylesford, from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Set in the 1950s, this heartwarming Australian-Italian romantic drama tells the story of two Italian brothers whose lives take an unexpected turn when a young woman arrives from Italy.

Starring Giovanni Ribisi, Adam Garcia and Amelia Warner, the film explores love, family, tradition and the migrant experience — themes that resonate deeply with the Swiss Italian heritage of our region.

It’s a fitting way to begin a week of celebrations, honouring the stories, hopes and family connections that have shaped generations of Australian communities.

Booking details are on the Swiss Italian Festa website.

A celebration with history at its heart The Swiss Italian story began during the gold rush of the 1850s, when migrants from the alpine regions of Switzerland and northern Italy made the long journey to Victoria in search of opportunity.

Many settled around Hepburn Springs, establishing farms, businesses, vineyards and family homes.

Their legacy remains visible today in the district’s stone buildings, gardens, food traditions and family names.

The Festa honours those early settlers while ensuring their stories and traditions continue to be shared with future generations.

Celebrations continue on Thursday, October 22 with the Heritage Dinner at the historic Swiss Mountain Hotel, bringing people together for an evening of food, conversation and shared history.

On Friday, visitors can explore the village’s remarkable architecture and stories on the Cammino di Hepburn guided walking tour, finishing with a private visit to the Old Macaroni Factory and a traditional Italian aperitivo.

The official Festa Launch takes place at the Mineral Springs Hotel on Friday evening for sponsors and Amici supporters, before the celebrations continue at the Hepburn Palais with the lively sounds of the Bella Ciao Band.

Saturday — the heart of the Festa!

Saturday, October 24 is the big one, with the beautiful Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve becoming the centre of a day filled with music, food, dancing, community spirit and family entertainment.

The celebrations begin at noon with the traditional street parade along Main Road, led by the Daylesford Brass Band, Daylesford Pipe Band and musician Kavisha Mazzella, before making its way to the Reserve.

From 12.30pm, the Sound Shell comes alive with performances from local schools, choirs and musicians, including the Gruppo Italian Choir, Kavisha Mazzella, Tom & Freya and local folk band Little Tree.

One of this year’s most exciting attractions will be an attempt to set a Tarantella world record, inviting everyone to join in the traditional Italian dance.

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or have two left feet, it’s an opportunity to become part of Festa history.

Of course, no Swiss Italian celebration would be complete without good food!

Visitors can enjoy traditional favourites including pizza, bullboar sausages, Italian sweets, coffee, local beverages and plenty more from local businesses and food vendors.

Those who believe their family’s pasta sauce recipe is unbeatable can also put it to the test in the Festa’s Pasta Sauce Competition, with entry forms available from Tonna’s Fruit & Vegetable in Daylesford.

As evening falls, the celebrations take on a little magic with a lantern parade through Hepburn Springs, culminating in a spectacular fireworks finale at 8.30pm.

And for those wanting to keep the party going, the Hepburn Palais will host Italian entertainer DJ Pauly J for a Saturday night filled with classic Italian music, dancing and nostalgia.

Sunday — discover Festa Around Hepburn The celebrations don’t stop on Saturday.

Sunday, October 25 is all about exploring the village and supporting the local businesses that make Hepburn Springs such a wonderful place to visit.

Festa Around Hepburn invites locals and visitors to wander through the town, enjoying special menus, live entertainment, local produce, heritage experiences and Swiss Italian hospitality.

Highlights include a traditional Swiss Italian-inspired long lunch at Lotte Cafe, a free afternoon concert with Joe Ruberto and Rick Correnza at the Hepburn Palais, and a local marketplace at the Hepburn Springs Motor Inn.

Heritage enthusiasts can also explore the region’s fascinating past, including a visit to the historic Old Stonehouse at Yandoit Hills, with guided tours, traditional bullboar sausages, local wines and bocce on the lawn.

The Swiss Italian Festa Landscape Art Prize also celebrates the beauty of the Central Highlands, with local artists showcasing their work and visitors invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award.

More than a festival — it’s our community At its heart, the Swiss Italian Festa is about people.

It is about remembering the families who came before us, sharing the traditions they brought with them and celebrating the community that continues to grow around their legacy.

The Festa is made possible through the efforts of volunteers, local businesses, sponsors and Amici supporters who believe this unique part of our region’s history deserves to be celebrated and preserved.

Whether you have Swiss Italian heritage, have lived in the district all your life, or are discovering Hepburn Springs for the first time, everyone is welcome.

Come for the food. Stay for the music. Discover the history. And be part of the Festa!

FULL PROGRAM & BOOKINGS • WWW.SWISSITALIANFESTA.COM