August 21st, 2025Kids festival of art, tech and play

The Creativerse brings fun, wonder and play to Ulumbarra Theatre on October 11.
A brand-new children’s festival is coming to Bendigo – and it’s set to take over the Ulumbarra Theatre precinct with an explosion of creativity, curiosity and immersive play.
The Creativerse, presented by Arena Theatre Company, will debut on Saturday 11 October 2025, inviting children aged 3 to 12 and their families to enter an exciting universe of art, technology and playful storytelling.
Supported by the Australian Government’s Festivals Australia program and the City of Greater Bendigo’s Partnering for Impact Grant, this vibrant one-day festival features free and ticketed events, immersive installations, live performances, and creative zones where kids are the artists, makers and inventors.
“The Creativerse is our latest adventure: a place where young imaginations run wild.“ says Debra Allanson, CEO of Arena Theatre Company. “We’re not just inviting kids to watch – we’re inviting them to participate and play!”
“We’re excited to showcase amazing artists — both from around the world and right here in our region — for a day of fund and creativity the whole family can enjoy.”
Festival highlights include:
• POLITE MAMMALS – A totally wild variety show the whole family can enjoy.
• FINNEGAN THE FART DETECTIVE – The funniest whodunit ever heard, seen and smelled!
• KIKI AND ZUKI – This enchanting shadow puppet show explores what it means to belong in two worlds.
• SOMEONE IN THE DARK – An immersive adventure to face fears and discover bravery in the wild.
• Free Activities across the day: workshops, storytelling, pop-up performances, digital projections, 3D AR – all driven by the young participants.