All roads lead to the Wangaratta Showgrounds over the next two days, in a merger of the district's agricultural traditions and creative talent with the colour of sideshows, rides, delicious food and entertainment.
It's showtime.
Gates open for the 159th Wangaratta Show at 9am on Friday, 10 October, with the action set to continue until 9pm Friday and then resume on Saturday, 11 October between 9am and 4pm.
While rides and sideshow alley fixtures have been moving into the Showgrounds since the weekend, Wangaratta Agricultural Society stewards have been busy in recent days setting up displays in the pavilions where locals' efforts in everything from art and photography to cookery and needlework will offer inspiration, as clever makers vie for the prizes on offer.
Society life member Peggy Ritchie, who is the steward in charge of the art section and was helping to guide artwork into displays on Wednesday morning, said interest in the pavilion exhibits this year was extremely encouraging.
Latest Stories
"In the art section, we have had extra good interest - we have three times as many entries as last year," she said.
"It's great to see people getting involved in their show."
Linda Syers from the RiverArts after-school arts program agreed, saying her students loved the chance to showcase their work, and its display at the show encouraged them and their family and friends to visit the Wangaratta Show.
In addition to the pavilion exhibits, the show will feature livestock displays, with Saturday's program filled to the brim with livestock arena exhibits of sheep, cattle and an array of poultry, in a true celebration of the region's agricultural strength and diversity.
Other animal features are Friday's horse competition, Saturday's Working Equitation and - back by popular demand - the entertaining dog high jump.
Entertainment on the main arena on Friday will include heart-stopping aerial motorbike stunts by the team from SINCS FMX, followed by the much-anticipated WINSEC fireworks spectacularly lighting up the night sky with the show's traditional display.
Throughout the showgrounds, there will be a fantastic array of attractions to enjoy all day long, including Dinkum Dinosaurs with their dinosaur puppet show, baby dinosaur zoo and dance party; the Animals of Oz reptile display; and the always-popular animal nursery.
There will be live music throughout the weekend from the Daine Runnalls Trio, providing a festive atmosphere at the show entrance, while the food court offers a great place to rest and refuel, with food trucks serving up everything from hearty country fare to sweet show treats.
Tickets to the show can be purchased online at https://www.ticketebo.com.au/wangaratta-agricultural-society-inc/wangaratta-show-2025, at a cost of $18 adults (16 and over), $10 youth (six to 15 years), or $50 family (two adults and two youth). Children aged five years and under are admitted free.
Adult tickets at the gate $20.
*
What's on in brief
Katie Noonan to perform Jeff Buckley's Grace
Five-time ARIA award-winning artist Katie Noonan will perform works from Jeff Buckley’s iconic album Grace at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 10 October at 8pm.
Katie first introduced her unique adaptation of Jeff Buckley’s Grace live at the Sydney Festival, performing five sold-out nights, receiving praise from fans and critics for the singer-songwriter's ability to maintain the qualities of the traditional tracks while adding her unique flair and tone.
Limited tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au.
*
Grit and Resilience Festival on Friday
The Grit and Resilience Festival will be held on Friday, 10 October from 4pm to 6.30pm in King George V Garden in Wangaratta.
The event is all about connection, inclusion and community spirit, bringing together local mental health services and activity groups to showcase how they support wellbeing across the rural city.
Enjoy live music, community drumming, delicious food and games in a relaxed, festival style setting, with stallholder displays and entertainment for all ages.
*
Wangaratta Farmers Market on Saturday
Shop for local produce and meet local growers and makers when the Wangaratta Farmers Market is held on Saturday from 8am to 12pm in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Docker Street.
There will be a range of stalls to browse featuring seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as baked goods, eggs, meats, cheeses, oil, preserves, wine and much more.
*
Wine with Neighbours and Friends
La Cantina King Valley and Red Feet Wines will present Wine with Neighbours and Friends on Saturday, 11 October from 11am to 4pm.
Both venues will be offering selected wines to taste, matched to delicious bites of food, accompanied by live music at their cellar doors.
Tickets providing access to the neighbouring venues are available at lacantinakingvalley.com.au/Events or redfeet.com.au/events.
*
Hall Stories by Damian Callinan
Celebrated actor, comedian and storyteller Damian Callinan will bring his new show Hall Stories to the Cheshunt Hall on Saturday, 11 October.
Damian will pull back the curtain on his own tour stories and examine the quirks, traditions and characters of Australian halls and meeting places, while also delving into the history and characters of the town he visits, and the role the hall plays in the broader community.
There will be a sausage sizzle from 6pm with the show to start at 7pm and tickets are $25, available at wpacc.com.au, with another show at the Eldorado Memorial Hall on Monday, 13 October at 6pm.
*
Cathie Waller exhibition at Art Gallery on Ovens
A PanPastel exhibition capturing nature and life by resident artist Cathie Waller is being held at the Art Gallery on Ovens in the laneway off Murphy Street in Wangaratta.
Cathie is inspired by a variety of subjects, including still life, botanicals, portraits of both people and animals, landscapes and seascapes, rendered in a realistic style in soft, gentle hues using PanPastels.
Called Realism in Soft Focus, the exhibition is open Friday and Monday from 10am until 4pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 2pm until October 13.
*
Wangaratta community market Sunday
The Wangaratta community market runs every Sunday (except Easter Sunday) at Moore Than Swimming, located at 11-13 Mason Street in Wangaratta, from 8am until 1pm.
There are a wide range of stalls to browse with new and used items, plants, fruit and veg and more, with refreshments available.
Stalls are available for just $20 each (no bookings required) and car boot sales are welcome for $15, with more information via the market's Facebook page or call Sheree on 0401 665 886.
*
Wangaratta Historical Society open weekends
Take a trip down memory lane each weekend by visiting the Wangaratta Historical Society and Museum in the old fire station in Ford Street.
The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm and entry is free, with exhibitions updated regularly.
For more information email wangarattahistorialsociety@gmail.com or drop in and have a chat.
*
