In another boost for the Clunes, the Victorian Government has secured the Clunes Booktown Festival for another year - attracting visitors and fuelling local businesses.

The event will take place from 21 – 22 March 2026 in Fraser Street, Clunes and will bring over 100 booksellers and more than 60 of Australia’s most prestigious writers and commentators.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopulos and Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett today announced the support, which will attract visitors from interstate and across Victoria – supporting local businesses in Clunes.

Clunes Booktown Festival has been funded through the latest round of the Government’s $38 million Regional Events Fund – which has also supported local events such as the Ballarat Marathon, Ballarat Foto Biennale and Sunnyside.

The fund is delivered by Visit Victoria and supports festivals, sporting events and art exhibitions that create local jobs, boost tourism and showcase Victoria’s regional communities.

It offers up to $500,000 for major events of national or international significance and up to $50,000 for events that draw visitors from across the state and country.

In the past year, regional events across the state have attracted more than a million attendees and led to more than 300,000 hotel nights being booked.

Since 2016, the Government’s Regional Events Fund has supported more than 450 events across regional Victoria.

Visit Victoria’s Major Events Fund also supports marquee events held regionally, including the Rip Curl Pro, the Superbikes World Championship Australian Round, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and Beyond the Valley.

More information about the fund can be found at corporate.visitvictoria.com/events/regional-events-fund.

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“The Regional Events Fund brings thousands of visitors to local communities, providing a huge boost for businesses and showcasing some of Victoria’s most incredible destinations.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“We’re thrilled to support the Clunes Booktown Festival again. Not only will it be an incredible event for thousands of visitors, but it will also help give our hotels, pubs, cafes and businesses a boost.”

Quote attributable to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements

“Events like this help create demand from people interested in exploring Victoria and convert them into visitors who contribute to our record $43.7 billion visitor economy.”