Thirty, maybe not flirty, but definitely thriving.
As Shepparton Festival prepares to celebrate its 30th year in 2026, organisers are giving audiences an early taste of what’s to come with three major events on sale from Wednesday, November 5.
“We are so excited to be sharing an early glimpse into what will be an exciting combination of legacy events and fresh programming for 2026,” Shepparton Festival general manager Diana Fisk said.
Without further ado, the three major events.
Two festival favourites are making their return — the Literary Lunch and Opera in the Orchard – joined by the high-energy comedy hit Breaking: The Musical.
The Literary Lunch will feature acclaimed journalist, author and gender equality advocate Tracey Spicer in conversation at the Parklake Hotel in Shepparton on Saturday, March 28.
Guests will enjoy a three-course lunch and welcome drink as Ms Spicer shares stories from her trailblazing career and insights into her books, The Good Girl Stripped Bare and Man-Made: How the bias of the past is being built into the future.
That evening, festival-goers can head to the picturesque Findon House Gardens in Ardmona for Opera in the Orchard.
Joshua Han, winner of the 2024 Australian National Piano Award, will open the night before opera stars Henry Choo and Dimity Shepherd, joined by pianist Joseph Beckitt, show off their impressive pipes.
The worlds of classical opera and popular song collide with pieces from Carmen to West Side Story and Nessun dorma.
Then, on Wednesday, March 25, laughter will bellow at the Westside Performing Arts Centre in Mooroopna for Breaking: The Musical.
It’s a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud blend of comedy, music and dance — all inspired by the story of a fictional breakdancer’s journey to the Paris Olympics.
Written and performed by comedian Steph Broadbridge, the show has wowed audiences and earned rave reviews across Australia and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
“Tickets will fly out the door,” Shepparton Festival chair Tim Winkler said.
“So please book early to avoid missing some epic experiences.”
Tickets for these three events are now available at sheppartonfestival.org.au/pre-launch
The 2026 Shepparton Festival will run from March 20 to 29, with the full program to be launched early next year.