The Geelong Advertiser presents its weekly guide to the best events happening in and around the city. From Mother's Day celebrations to a trek along the Surf Coast and a performance by iconic rock band Jet, there is something for everyone.
Mother's Day Weekend Highlights
Geelong City Market: Hands in the Soil
On May 9, from 9am to 2pm, Little Malop Street will host the Geelong City Market, inviting families to slow down and get their hands dirty. In collaboration with Geelong Fagg’s Mitre 10 and the newly launched Geelong Compost, the market will transform into a living workshop of soil, seeds, and small moments that matter. Kids can participate in a hands-on growing experience, learning about soil and creating a Mother's Day gift. Live performances by the Lara Big Band and Geelong Opera will add to the festive atmosphere. For more information, visit geelongcitymarket.com.au.
Mama's Market
Also on May 9, from 10am at the Ukrainian Community Hall, 57 Pakington Street, Geelong West, Mama's Market offers a day filled with delicious Ukrainian food, second-hand clothing, handmade motanka dolls, and more. All funds raised support women, children, and families in Ukraine living near the war front. Entry is by gold coin donation. For more details, visit go.rallyup.com/mamasmarket2026.
Mother's Day Classic
On May 10, starting at 6:30am from Oval 3, East Geelong Reserve, participants can walk or run to raise awareness and funds for breast and ovarian cancer research. The route includes a clockwise loop around Eastern Park and along the foreshore past Eastern Beach. For more information, visit mothersdayclassic.com.au/event.
Music and Performances
Jet at Barwon Heads Hotel
On May 14 at 7pm, Australian rock band Jet will perform at the Barwon Heads Hotel, 1 Bridge Road, Barwon Heads. It has been 23 years since their debut album 'Get Born,' and the band is touring the country revisiting timeless tracks like 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl,' 'Look What You've Done,' and 'Get Me Outta Here.' Tickets and details are available at barwonheadshotel.com.au/gigs.
Geelong Symphony Orchestra
On May 9, from 3pm to 5pm at Costa Hall, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, the Geelong Symphony Orchestra, led by violinist and director Dale Bartrop, will explore the passing of time and beauty of nature through works by Nordic composers, Bach, and Vivaldi. Tickets range from $20 to $60. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for more information.
I Am in a Parasocial Relationship with Britney Spears
On May 9, at 2pm and 7:30pm at The Open House, 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong, this show is a love letter to Britney Spears, blending surveillance, intrigue, and playful meditation on obsession. Tickets are $20 to $35. For more details, visit geelongartscen tre.org.au.
Art Exhibitions
Luisa La Fornara and Jessica Sanzaro
At Untether Gallery, 5/132 Little Malop Street, Geelong, from May 8 to 9, 10am to 4pm, this free exhibition explores the transformation and evolution of the self through the artists' works. For more information, visit untethergallery.com.au/calendar.
Face of the Waters
At The Hive Gallery, 41 Smithton Grove, Ocean Grove, from May 8 to 10, 10am to 4pm, artist Gordon Lingard presents a contemporary take on the deeper meanings of life, traveling through ancient land and creation stories. Free entry. Visit thehiveoceangrove.com.au for details.
ArtX Regional
At Rachinger Gallery, Eastern Hub Community Centre, 285A McKillop Street, East Geelong, from May 8 to 14, 9am to 4pm, see over 130 artworks by artists with disabilities or lived experience of mental health challenges, celebrating diversity and inclusion. Free entry. More info at genu.org.au/news-and-events.
Yarrangany
At Platform Arts, 60 Little Malop Street, Geelong, from May 8 to 14, 9am to 4:30pm, this free exhibition brings together First Nations artists exploring identity as relational and evolving through contemporary and traditional practices. Visit platformarts.org.au for details.
Free Jazz at Boom Gallery
From May 8 to 14, 10am to 4pm at Boom Gallery, 41 Pakington Street, Geelong West, enjoy a solo exhibition by local artist Jeff Raglus featuring wooden heads, theoretical landscapes, and cosmic country settings. Free entry. More info at boomgallery.com.au.
Outdoor and Community Events
Surf Coast Trek
On May 9, from 7am to 5pm, journey from Aireys Inlet to Torquay through Ironbark forests, cliff tops, and sandy beaches. All funds raised support Kids+ and Give Where You Live Foundation. Participant fee applies. Visit surfcoasttrek.com.au for details.
Botanical Gardens Guided Walk
On May 10, from 2pm to 4pm at Geelong Botanic Gardens, corner of Eastern Park Circuit and Podbury Drive, East Geelong, join a free guided walk among wonderful trees and learn about the garden's diversity. Meet at the front gates. More info at friendsgbg.org.au.
Beckley Park Market
On May 9, from 8am to 1pm at Beckley Park Centre, 55 Broderick Road, enjoy a range of deli goods, fresh produce, fashion, toys, plants, crafts, and food vendors. Free entry. Visit whatsoningeelong.com.au/events for details.
Sports and Activities
Geelong United vs Melbourne Tigers
On May 9 at 5pm at Geelong Arena, 110 Victoria Street, North Geelong, watch Geelong United take on the Melbourne Tigers in women's basketball. Tickets are $13.50. For more info, visit geelongarena.com.au/whats-on.
World Bowls Indoor Championships
From May 11 to 16 at Ocean Grove Bowling Club, 18 The Terrace, Ocean Grove, leading indoor bowlers compete in men's singles, women's singles, and mixed pairs. Participant fee applies. Visit worldbowls.com for details.
Self-Defence Class
Starting May 14, from 7pm to 8pm at Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, 1 John Dory Drive, Ocean Grove, a six-week course teaches self-defence techniques in a safe environment. Cost is $130. More info at geelongcity.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/events.
Other Events
Psychic Expo at Lara
On May 9, from 10am to 4pm at Lara Hall, 1A Flinders Avenue, Lara, Body and Soul's Holistic and Psychic Expo features psychics, palmists, astrologers, tarot readers, crystals, healers, and alternative health practitioners. Tickets are $8.56. Visit bodyandsoulmarket.com for details.
CWA Creative Arts Exhibition
On May 9, from 10am to 3pm at CWA Geelong Group Hall, 174 Boundary Road, Thomson, the Country Women's Association presents its annual creative arts exhibition with handcrafts, embroidery, dressmaking, knitting, crocheting, baked goods, and preserves. Entry is $5. More info at cwaofvic.org.au.
Bellarine Musos Den Birthday
On May 10, from 1:30pm to 5pm at Portarlington Bowls Club, 2 Harding Street, Portarlington, celebrate the second birthday of Bellarine Musos Den with music for all enthusiasts. Mics, amps, and drums supplied; bring your instrument and join the jam. Entry is $10. Visit portarlingtonbc.wordpress.com for details.
Geelong History on Film
On May 12, from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Bellarine Arts Centre, 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale, Colin Mockett presents early film clips of Geelong and the Bellarine. Morning tea provided. Tickets are $22. More info at geelongcity.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/events.
Blak Out Poetry Workshop
On May 9, from 1pm to 2pm at Platform Arts, 60 Little Malop Street, Geelong, join Idris McChesney for a free workshop building creativity and mental focus through poetry from random words. Visit platformarts.org.au for details.
Stitch and Yarn with Kait James
On May 9, from 11:30am to 1pm at National Wool Museum, 26-32 Moorabool Street, Geelong, spend time making and developing work in a supportive environment with artist Kait James. Tickets are $45 to $60. Visit geelongcity.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/events for details.
Clyde Park Winery Night
On May 8, from 6pm to 10:30pm at Clyde Park Winery, 2490 Midland Highway, Bannockburn, enjoy an adults-only night of great music, food, and wine. Dinner included in ticket price of $99. Visit clydepark.com.au for details.
