Celebrating 30 Years of Creativity, Community and Connection
Special 2026 Pre-Launch Events
As the Shepparton Arts Festival approaches its 30th anniversary, we’re celebrating both our history and our future, reviving much-loved legacy events from the past and introducing bold new works for a new generation. These three special pre-launch events offer audiences an early taste of the Festival’s 2026 program, honouring our legacy while embracing what’s next.
Join us for an extraordinary line-up of conversation, music and storytelling - featuring some of Australia’s most captivating artists.
Breaking: The Musical
Wednesday 25 March 2026 · 7:00pm
Westside Performing Arts Centre, Mooroopna
(Approx. 65 minutes, no interval)
Shepparton Arts Festival and Riverlinks present:
After sold-out seasons around Australia and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Breaking: The Musical is heading to Shepparton!
Comedian and musician Steph Broadbridge brings her smash-hit show to the Goulburn Valley, telling the story of a completely fictional breakdancer’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Expect a high-energy mix of comedy, music, and dance in this fast-paced satire about ambition, fame, and identity.
Written and performed by Broadbridge, who made international headlines when the show’s trial run was famously shut down by Rachael Gunn’s lawyers, Breaking: The Musical is part stand-up, part musical theatre, and 100% hilarious.
Proudly sponsored by Riverlinks and Greater Shepparton City Council.
Tickets:
Full Price – $55
Concession / Student – $45
Riverlinks Members – $45
Shepparton Festival Members / Friends – $45
All tickets available via Riverlinks from Wednesday 5th November.
Literary Lunch with Tracey Spicer
Saturday 28 March 2026 · 12:00–2:00pm
Parklake, Shepparton
An elegant afternoon of conversation, storytelling and ideas featuring Tracey Spicer AM - one of Australia’s most respected journalists, authors and advocates for gender equality.
Over a three-course lunch and welcome drink, Tracey will explore the moments that have shaped her extraordinary career - from her decades on national television to her ongoing work as a powerful voice for change in Australian media and public life.
Tracey is the author of The Good Girl Stripped Bare and Man-Made: How the bias of the past is being built into the future, and is celebrated for her fearless advocacy, wit and honesty. Guests will also have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session, making this a rare chance to connect directly with one of Australia’s leading thinkers and storytellers.
This event brings back a beloved Shepparton Arts Festival tradition - the Literary Lunch - in celebration of the Festival’s 30th year.
Tickets:
$145 per person - Includes three-course lunch, welcome drink, and Q&A with Tracey Spicer (Concession $130)
Book a table of ten for $1,300
Tickets available via this website from Wednesday 5th November.
Opera in the Orchard with Henry Choo & Dimity Shepherd
Saturday 28 March 2026 · 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start
Findon Gardens, Ardmona
Returning to one of the Festival’s most loved venues, Opera in the Orchard invites audiences to experience an unforgettable evening of music beneath the stars.
Internationally acclaimed artists Henry Choo (tenor) and Dimity Shepherd (mezzo-soprano) will be joined by pianist Joseph Beckitt, performing a captivating program that bridges the worlds of opera and popular song — from the fiery passion of Carmen and the doomed romance of West Side Story to the lush beauty of Gershwin’s Summertime and the rousing Nessun Dorma.
The evening will also feature a special opening guest performance by Joshua Han, winner of the 2024 Australian National Piano Award.
Guests can choose between Premium Reserved Seating near the stage or General Admission (picnic style), with local-produce hampers available for pre-order and drinks at the onsite bar.
Please note: On-site parking will not be available at Findon Gardens. A park-and-ride shuttle service will operate, with details shared closer to the event.
Tickets:
Premium Reserved Seating
$110 entry only (Concession $95)
$155 entry + single hamper (Concession $140)
$300 entry for two + double hamper
General Admission (Picnic Style)
$75 entry only (Concession $60)
$120 entry + single hamper (Concession $105)
$230 entry for two + double hamper
Tickets available via this website from Wednesday 5th November.
Join the Celebration
These special pre-launch events are just the beginning of a remarkable year ahead, as we prepare to celebrate 30 years of Shepparton Arts Festival in 2026.
Stay tuned for the full Festival program launch later this year, featuring new commissions, community collaborations and special anniversary events.
Proudly supported by our Principal Partners:
Creative Victoria, Greater Shepparton City Council, Sir Andrew & Lady Fairley Foundation.