Community Events at Lake Pakenham

Markets, festivals, and neighbourhood gatherings that bring people together year-round. Here's what's coming up and how to join in.

Upcoming Events

APR 12

Autumn Lakeside Market

Fresh local produce, handmade crafts, coffee vans, and live acoustic music. 40+ stalls expected. Free entry. Dogs welcome on-leash.

Free Family Friendly

8:00 am - 1:00 pm • Main picnic area

APR 26

Lake Clean-Up Day

Join the Friends of the Lake for a morning of rubbish collection, weed removal, and native planting. Gloves and bags provided. Free sausage sizzle for volunteers.

Volunteer

9:00 am - 12:00 pm • Meet at main car park

MAY 10

Mother's Day Picnic Brunch

A community brunch with champagne, pastries from local bakeries, and a craft station for kids to make cards. BYO picnic rug. Coffee van on site.

Family Friendly

10:00 am - 1:00 pm • Picnic pavilion

JUN 21

Winter Solstice Bonfire

Celebrate the shortest day with a managed bonfire, toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, and stargazing (weather permitting). Rug up warmly.

Free

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm • Southern clearing

SEP 7

Spring Fun Run & Walk

5 km and 2 km options around the lake and connecting trails. Timed with chip bibs. All ages and abilities welcome. Warm-up at 8:30 am, race at 9:00 am.

Gold Coin All Ages

8:30 am - 11:00 am • Starting at main car park

DEC 13

Carols by the Lake

The annual Christmas celebration. Live band, carol singing, Santa for the kids, and a fireworks display at 9:30 pm. Food trucks and market stalls from 5 pm.

Free Family Friendly

5:00 pm - 10:00 pm • Main grassed area

Regular Activities

Activity When Where Contact
Bird Watching Survey2nd Saturday, 6:30 amMain car parkJust show up
Parkrun (5 km)Every Saturday, 8:00 amNorthern trailheadparkrun.com.au
Friends of the Lake3rd Sunday, 9:00 amMeeting point varieshello@lakepakenham.com
Tai Chi in the ParkTues & Thurs, 7:00 amPicnic pavilion areaJust show up
Photography Walk1st Sunday, 7:00 amMain car parkhello@lakepakenham.com
Community MarketQuarterly (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec)Main picnic areahello@lakepakenham.com

Host Your Own Event

Want to organise something at Lake Pakenham? Whether it's a birthday party, fitness class, or charity fundraiser, the lake reserve is available for community use.

What You'll Need

  • Council permit for gatherings over 50 people
  • Public liability insurance for organised activities
  • Waste management plan for events with food vendors
  • Noise assessment if using amplified music after 6 pm

How to Apply

  • Contact Cardinia Shire Council Events Team
  • Allow 6-8 weeks for permit processing
  • Small gatherings (under 50) don't need a permit
  • BBQ facilities are first-come, first-served
☎ (03) 8400 4240 | hello@lakepakenham.com