BRINGING together the best of the North East’s vibrant Italian culture, authentic food and entertainment, Myrtleford will once again host one of the longest-running and most anticipated regional Italian festivals, La Fiera, from Friday, 16 to Sunday, 18 May.
Over the past 17 years, La Fiera has grown from a small community celebration to an unmissable weekend where both locals and visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Italian food, wine, culture and sport.
Thousands of visitors head to Victoria’s famed High Country during the autumn months every year and La Fiera will continue to welcome them with the autumnal tradition of roasting chestnuts, which has long been a favourite for the kids, while adults will be sure to sample local Alpine Valley wineries, including Italian varietals such as Barbera, Teroldego, Sangiovese and Vermentino to name a few.
Kicking off the festival on Friday evening, comedian James Liotta will take the stage at the EMPAC Theatre for the first regional performance of his show 'Mamma’s Still Not Happy'.
Tickets for the show include canapes on arrival crafted by Masterchef semi-finalist Elise Pulbrook and made with stunning local produce.
La Festa, scheduled for the Saturday, is a ticketed event which includes a full schedule of food from our ‘circoli’ (clubs), as they present authentic food from their regions, Trentino, Vicenza and Trieste, as well as wine and live entertainment.
"We’re thrilled to be back for our 17th year as La Fiera continues to grow, bringing new regional offerings and our biggest entertainment program yet for La Festa," event organiser, John Reynold-Smith said.
"Entertainment is at the heart of any festival, especially an Italian one and we aim to have something for everyone.
"On the main stage we will have Siesta Cartel, Solo Antico, Top Shelf Duo, roaming artists and more.
"In Jubilee Park we will have the Children’s Hub with a full program, proudly sponsored by the Bright and Myrtleford Community Bank.”
The festival concludes on Sunday with Il Mercato, an Italian-themed edition of the Myrtleford Farmers’ Market, showcasing local producers with seasonal produce and artisan stalls, regional wines, food and Italian entertainment.
A cooking masterclass hosted by James Mele (The Meat Room) and Elise Pulbrook will also be on offer.
La Fiera also has so much more; starting Thursday, visitors can enjoy a range of events, including long lunches at wineries, Italian movie night, a spirited La Fiera Cup soccer match, the Old School Museum 'Migration Exhibit' and this year an inspiring Billy Doolan art exhibition.
"La Fiera wouldn’t be possible without the support of its sponsors; Bright and Myrtleford Community Bank, Bendigo Bank," Mr Reynold-Smith said.
"Their commitment to the local community helps bring this much-loved festival to life each year."
"La Fiera is dedicated to making the festival sustainable which remains one of our key focuses, encouraging recycling, composting and the use of compostable packaging by all stalls.
“After successfully introducing FOGO bins last year, we’re continuing to work with Myrtleford and District Landcare Group and the Myrtleford Community Garden to reduce our impact while delivering the best festival possible.”
For the full weekend program, additional details and ticket bookings to James Liotta's show and to Saturday's 'La Festa' event, visit the La Fiera website: https://lafiera.com.au/.
What's on in brief
Mark Shelley presents The Roy Orbison Story
EXPERIENCE the wonder of Roy Orbison in a brilliant theatrical portrayal of the man, his music, his voice and his life at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre this Friday, 9 May at 7.30pm.
Supported by his seven-piece band, Mark Shelley embodies the voice and spirit of Roy Orbison, sharing his story and his hit songs, including Only the Lonely, Sweet Dream Baby, Anything You Want, Crying, Pretty Woman and many more.
Limited tickets are available now at wpacc.com.au.
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Lunasa exhibition by Marie Salinger
AN exhibition of paintings by local artist Marie Salinger will be held at the Art Gallery on Ovens from Thursday, 8 May to Monday, 19 May.
The word Lúnasa refers to a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season, and the works are inspired by Marie's artist residency in Italy last year and explore the natural world, as well as worlds lying hidden beyond our perception.
An opening celebration will be held at the gallery in the laneway off Murphy Street on Saturday, 10 May from 12pm to 2pm, with all welcome.
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Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
THE lineup has been announced for the Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow, coming to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, 15 May.
This year's event will be hosted by Fadzri Rashid, a dynamic stand-up comedian from Singapore known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, with special guests Brett Blake, Jude Perl, Matt Stewart and Rowan Thambar.
Enjoy a much-needed dose of laughter when the roadshow begins at 8pm, with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.
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Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award 2025
TEN finalists have been selected for the 2025 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award, showing at the Wangaratta Art Gallery from 24 May to 17 August.
The Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award celebrates and strengthens the development of contemporary textile practice in Australia, and with the significant investment of project partners, the Kyamba Foundation, offers prize money of $40,000, making it the richest textile prize in Australia.
Selected from over 430 entries Australia-wide, the finalists are contemporary artists who demonstrate a mastery of technique, innovation and excellence, with the winner to be announced by guest judge, Murray Art Museum Albury CEO Blair French, at the opening and award ceremony on 24 May.
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Unearthed stories with Colin Buchanan
UNEARTHED, a special event presented by a collaboration of local churches in Wangaratta in partnership with Olive Tree Media, will be held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, 29 May from 7pm.
The free evening is dedicated to uncovering stories of faith in the Australian context—both from history and today - and features Karl Faase, acclaimed singer-songwriter Colin Buchanan, and other special guests, sharing powerful stories of faith that have shaped Australia.
Covering a wide range of topics, from First Nations people, politics, and sport to the arts, military service, business, and the early years of European settlement, each episode blends academic insight with personal testimony to inform, inspire, and challenge, with free admission and all welcome.
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Art sale at the Blue Studio in Wangaratta
LOCAL artist Janet Leith will hold an exhibition and sale or her artwork at the Blue Studio in Wangaratta at the rear of 106 Murphy Street, on Friday, 9 May from 4.30pm to 7pm and on Saturday, 10 May from 10am to 2pm.
The community is invited to help Janet celebrate her move from the studio after 10 years of residency on Friday evening, when drinks and nibbles will be served, and all artwork will be for sale at significantly reduced prices.
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