We love autumn festivals, and there’s one coming up that will celebrate our favourite veggie, the potato. Take a day trip from Melbourne and dig in to The Great Trentham Spudfest. Back for its 19th year, this community festival is located in Trentham, which was named as a Top Tiny Tourism Town just last year. See what makes this place so special, and have a spudtacular time with food, market stalls, live entertainment, tours and more. The Great Trentham Spudfest will take place on Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3.
The Great Trentham Spudfest 2026
This festival celebrates Trentham’s farming heritage, when the region’s deep red volcanic soil proved ideal for growing potatoes in the 1860s. Each year, this community-led event attracts over 10,000 visitors.
Saturday
The festival will kick off on Saturday with a Street Fair. Four main areas around town will be packed with spud-inspired food, regional produce, a local makers market, live music and more.
The Kids Zone will be even bigger this year, with free potato puppet shows and hands-on art activities. There will also be other cool stuff like a hay bale maze, a petting zoo, pony rides, mini golf and face painting.
The Spud Olympics will make a return, with fun games like spud and spoon races or potato sack races. These races are free for all ages, and there’s prizes up for grabs.
You can also take a bus tour, led by Trentham Historical Society, and learn about the heritage-protected Spud Huts.
The Street Fair will run from 10am to 4pm, but you’ll want to stick around after dark for some even more cool events.
Don’t miss Spudfest Up Late, a new burlesque ‘carbaret’. Running from 8pm to 10:30pm, this ticketed event will feature an a-peel-ing line-up of burlesque, cabaret, drag and comedy performers.
For something a bit more family-friendly, put on your dancing shoes for Spudfest Family Cèilidh. This ticketed event at The Mechanics Trentham will celebrate Celtic music and dancing, with a live folk band and an experienced guide for each dance. Doors open from 6:30pm, and the event ends at 9pm.
If you want to treat yourself, head to the restaurant Ensemble on Saturday night, and enjoy a four-course feast celebrating Trentham potatoes. This meal will be prepared by local chef, Harry Gibbs. Limited spots are available, so book early to avoid missing out.
Sunday
On Sunday, slow down and take part in their Discovery Day. Explore Trentham and neighbouring towns with guided walks, heritage experiences, hands-on workshops and more.
Swing by the Spud Hub in the Town Square for fresh produce, merchandise, scavenger hunts and tour information. Take part in horse and cart rides, enjoy live entertainment and chat to friendly volunteers.
Embark on a culinary adventure with Spudfeast, and eat your way through the region at venues like Cosmopolitan Hotel, Red Beard Bakery, Hotel Trentham and more.
New to the festival this year is regional activity hubs in nearby towns, including Newbury, Blackwood, Little Hampton, Lyonville, Daylesford, Spring Hill, Tylden and Woodend. Take part in special tours at Garden of St Erth, enjoy a winter garden workshop at Fleurs de Lyonville, learn how spuds get transformed into potato vodka at Hepburn Distillery, meet artists at the Little Gallery and more!
To see the full program and start planning your visit, click here.
