Are you a festival fanatic? The Geelong and Bellarine region is home to several spectacular festivals and events that draw crowds from near and far. Our festivals showcase Australia’s best musicians, you’ll see international and local stars performing, sample amazing seafood, get to check out your favourite sailboat or that yacht you’ve dreamed about at Australia’s iconic Festival of Sails, you can join fellow craft beer enthusiasts for a thrilling day at a beer festival and so much more. There’s always something entertaining and vibrant going on in and around Queenscliffe.
There’s no shortage of sensational Festivals and Events to check out while on your stay in Queenscliff
Make sure you set aside the last weekend in November for a killer mix of Australian music, arts and acts. The Queenscliff Music Festival is jam-packed with electrifying fun and is one of the Bellarine’s biggest events held each year. This family-friendly festival is a must to experience so book your accommodation early as places to stay in Queenscliff go fast.
The iconic Festival of Sails in Geelong is held over the January 26 public holiday weekend each year. Hosted by The Royal Geelong Yacht Club, this festival is one of Australia’s oldest sporting events with the keelboat regatta now the largest in the southern hemisphere. Along with the exciting action on the water there is an impressive lineup of live music on stages across Geelong with pop, punk, blues and rock music legends and emerging artists playing up a storm.
Celebrate all things mussels at the Portarlington Mussel Festival. This event is held annually on the second Saturday in January in the picturesque seaside village of Portarlington. There’s live music, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities, market stalls, beer and wine tastings and a whole slew of freshly cooked delicious mussels.
For an unforgettable music experience, head to one of the several outdoor concerts held during the year at Mount Duneed A Day on the Green, in Geelong. Set on the hillside of the magnificent Mount Duneed winery it’s the place to see international and Australian stars. So bring a picnic rug and stock the eski with an assortment of local gourmet grazing boxes and premium wine, craft beers and ciders for an impressive day out with your mates.
Do you love a good craic? Well each winter there’s loads of laughs to be had at the National Celtic Festival in Portarlington. Be a part of all things Celtic and celebrate with foot-stomping music, Celtic theatre, workshops, hearty food, a family-friendly Ceili dance party, Celtic martial arts and most recently, the Heavy Games. It’s the best fun you can fit into a long weekend, to be sure.
The Great Australian Beer Festival (GABF) in Geelong is a summertime pilgrimage for anyone who loves tasting craft beers and ciders. Located in the heart of Geelong at Johnstone Park, there’s scrumptious food stalls, comedy acts, live music, and unique games to keep everyone entertained. Bring a picnic rug to sit on and soak up the lively tunes and friendly vibes.
The Geelong Arts Centre, formerly GPAC, is the largest regional arts centre in Australia. Recently redeveloped, this innovative space has something for everyone from musical theatre, tribute shows, comedy, children’s shows, ballet and opera to circus performances, creative workshops and live music at Costa Hall. Check out their program guide to see what’s on throughout the year.
As for the local theatre scene in the Bellarine Peninsula visit The Potato Shed. This vibrant arts complex is a multi-purpose performing and cultural centre used by local schools and the community. It provides a local entertainment venue for theatre goers, hosts a range of live music concerts and gives a hub to nurture artistic talent in the region.
The Bluesfest Melbourne is a must to pop into your events calendar. This award winning festival from Byron Bay is now held at the fully weatherproof Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre over the Easter Weekend. There’s multiple indoor theatres and stages, loads of food and drink, family fun and so much more. The Bluesfest Melbourne is a spectacular blues & roots music festival and an awesome opportunity to see the best blues musicians riffing away right here in Melbourne.
How about a mini music festival on a heritage train?
To top off your stay with even more exceptional blues music, make sure to bring your mates along and experience the mini music festival on a steam train in Queenscliff. This iconic night out on The Blues Train is all about laughs, rockin’ tunes, and blues-inspired food as you move through each of the carriages, while travelling along the scenic Bellarine railway. Party the night away to four toe-tapping live blues & roots entertainers for an evening you’ll remember always.
So, no matter what time of year it is, Queenscliff is a fantastic place to stay and see some of Victoria’s best festivals and events. There is something exciting and unique for everyone. Start booking your favourite events for the year and get ready to uncover all that this beautiful region has to offer.
To keep up to date with what’s happening in the region check out Visit Victoria and Tourism Geelong and the Bellarine.
