The tiny town of Trentham, Victoria, is known for its charming main street, cascading waterfalls, and fertile volcanic soil that produces exceptional produce. But every autumn, Trentham shines a spotlight on its most famous crop—the humble potato—at the beloved Great Trentham Spudfest.
This year marks the 16th iteration of the festival, taking place over the weekend of May 4th-5th, 2024. Spudfest is a vibrant community celebration showcasing the region’s potato heritage, local artisans, delicious food, and lively music.
“Spudfest 2024 promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before,” says festival coordinator Kye Theobald. “This year, the event expands to two days, with free admission thanks to our sponsors. We’re also introducing special ticketed events for those who want to delve deeper into the spud experience.”
Theobald highlights the two-day format as a chance for visitors to extend their stay and explore Trentham with friends and family.
Day 1 kicks off with a carnival atmosphere in Trentham’s historic town centre. Expect stalls overflowing with potato dishes, fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and live music. Families can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and a variety of activities for all ages. History buffs can join a guided bus tour of the heritage-protected Spud Huts scattered around the area.
Later on Saturday, the inaugural Spudfest Cèilidh offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Celtic culture with traditional music, food, and dancing. Tickets for this are available on the Spudfest website.
Day 2 is a foodie paradise for spud enthusiasts. Spudfeast invites you on a progressive dining adventure, sampling potato-inspired dishes at various Trentham eateries.
For those who prefer a more rustic experience, four local farms offer tours, giving visitors a peek behind the scenes and a chance to connect with local growers. Explore organic flower farms, regenerative beef producers, garlic farms, and a cherry, berry, and vegetable haven.
Can’t make it to the farm tours? The self-guided Farm Gate Trail lets you discover hidden foodie gems like Wicker’s Spud Stall, Trentham Honey, and local roadside stalls brimming with fresh produce.
Participate in the Great Spud Scavenger Hunt, delve into Trentham’s history with a cemetery and town tour, or witness the magic of the 133-year-old Scotch oven at the Red Beard Historical Bakery.
For the full program, festival location details, and further information, visit the Spudfest website.
