This February, Wellington Shire comes alive with colour, creativity, and the unmistakable buzz of VEGuary – our region’s month-long celebration of healthy, sustainable food, thriving gardens, and the joy of growing and sharing what we eat.
Running from February 1-28, 2026, VEGuary invites everyone – families, food lovers, curious beginners and seasoned gardeners to step outside, get inspired, and reconnect with the local food systems that nourish us all.
Now in its second year, VEGuary offers a mix of free, hands-on activities across the shire. Events range from community garden sessions and neighbourhood house workshops to cooking demonstrations and veggie-focused meals. Whether you’re starting with pots on a balcony, tending a backyard patch, or simply wanting new ways to cook seasonal produce, there’s something to suit different interests and confidence levels.
One of the most anticipated features of VEGuary is the Open Gardens series, held across two weekends and showcasing a diverse mix of edible gardens – large, small, surprising and inventive. From thriving backyard orchards to compact courtyard set-ups, these gardens highlight the many ways our community grows food, shares knowledge and adapts to our local environment. Visitors can look forward to conversations with gardeners, insights into real, lived-in garden spaces, and plenty of practical ideas to take home.
Beyond the garden gates, VEGuary offers workshops, children’s activities, expert talks and sustainability sessions designed to help everyone from total beginners to seasoned green thumbs, build confidence and skills in growing and cooking with fresh, local produce.
Across the month, VEGuary also celebrates healthy, affordable eating. Workshops and events focus on simple plant-based meals, preserving, and making the most of what’s in season. Children’s activities are included, with a focus on getting hands dirty and building positive food habits early.
VEGuary isn’t just a festival – it’s a movement. By participating, you’re helping to build a stronger, more sustainable local food system that supports healthy living, community connection and future resilience. Whether you drop into one event or embrace the whole month, you’ll walk away with new inspiration, new skills, and maybe even a few new plants.
Full details of all open gardens, workshops, events, accessibility information and locations are easily accessible via the QR code below. Scan it to explore the full program and plan your VEGuary adventure.
