Geelong's entertainment calendar is bursting with a wide array of events this week, ranging from Ash Leslie's art exhibition celebrating moments of joy to Elvis tribute performances and royal garden parties. Here is a comprehensive guide to what's on offer.
Art and Exhibitions
GLIMMER
Boom Gallery, 41 Pakington St, Geelong West, 10am-4pm, May 22-28, free
Artist Ash Leslie describes her new exhibition as "reflections of glimmers – the opposite of a trigger, they are small moments of joy and gratitude for something quite commonplace." Explore the self-taught painter's latest works at Boom Gallery. For more details, visit boomgallery.com.au.
VHM GROUP EXHIBITION
Untether Group, 5/132 Little Malop St, Geelong, 11am-6pm, May 22-28, free
WHIM is the moment when imagination wanders off the sensible path. A sudden idea, playful curiosity, or unexpected twist can lead somewhere magical, humorous or surreal. In this exhibition, artists are invited to embrace spontaneity and respond to the theme 'WHIM' with artwork in any medium. For more info, visit untethergallery.com.au.
Community and Family Events
VRCC BOARD GAMES NIGHT
Vines Road Community Centre, 37-61 Vines Rd, Hamlyn Heights, 6.30-9.30pm, May 22, free
Whether you are a fan of Monopoly or prefer modern favourites like Azul or Sushi Go, there is something for everyone. This event welcomes all board game enthusiasts to a night of board games and healthy competition. For more info, visit vinesroadcommunitycentre.org.au.
TOGETHER – A CREATIVE DANCE LAB
Corio Library, corner of Cox Rd and Moa St, Corio, 4.30-5.30pm, May 22, free
Together is a site-responsive dance workshop for ages 12-18. Featuring a contemporary dance choreographer, educator and artist-researcher based in Djilang, this dance lab will explore movement, collaboration and curiosity. For more info, visit geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
LARA COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DAY
Lara Community Centre, 9-11 Waverley Rd, Lara, 10am-2pm, May 23, free
Whether you are new to Lara or a long-time local, this is a great opportunity to connect with local groups, get involved in activities and explore what is happening at the Community Centre. Enjoy a relaxed morning with a BBQ, face painting and a range of come-and-try experiences for all ages. For more info, visit rosewallnc.org.au.
NEEDLECRAFT GROUP
Lara Library, 5 Walkers Rd, Lara, 2.30-3.30pm, May 27, free
Spend a relaxing afternoon with fellow creatives at the Lara Library's monthly needlecraft gathering. Work on your own project – knitting, crochet, mindful mending, cross stitch, or any other fabric or wool-based craft. For more info, visit geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
Music and Performances
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Geelong Arts Centre, 50 Little Malop St, Geelong, 7.30-10pm, May 22, $55.90-59.90
Join Belle, the Beast, a talking candlestick and an inquisitive teacup as they embark on an unforgettable journey of love, transformation and hope. This timeless Broadway musical by Geelong Lyric Theatre Society is a dazzling stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning animated film, Beauty and the Beast. For more info, visit geelongartscentre.org.au.
VARUNI LILA
The Barwon Club Hotel, 509 Moorabool St, South Geelong, 7pm, May 22, $20
Celebrate homegrown musician Varuni Lila's debut album 'Air It Out'. Supported by Ella Joan and Mudbath, this Shrek-themed event will showcase everything from indie folk to alt rock. For more info, visit barwonclub.com.au.
THE DURAN DURAN
The Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, 44 Corio St, Geelong, 7.30-10.30pm, May 23, $39
It is 1985 and the latest James Bond film has just been released. Duran Duran were given the daunting task of writing the title track. Four decades later, the band is celebrating their achievements in film and music at the Wool Exchange. For more info, visit thewoolexchange.com.au.
ADELE TRIBUTE SHOW
The Sands, 2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, 6-10.30pm, May 23, $129
Enjoy a heartfelt and powerful live tribute celebrating the music of Adele. Featuring powerhouse vocals, expressive strings, rich harmonies and soulful piano, this dinner and show brings Adele's hits to life. For more info, visit thesandstorquay.com.
THE ONEDAY COUNTRY CAMPFIRE
Oneday Estate Winery and Function Centre, 45 Curlewis Rd, Curlewis, 5-10.30pm, May 23, $45
Get ready for a night under the stars with a massive open fire, live country music, dancing, great food and cold drinks. Featuring Sam and Elle Hanson with The Oh! Down Band, this is set to be a high-energy, feel-good concert. For more info, visit onedayestate.com.au.
ELVIS CONCERT SPECTACULAR
The Sphinx, 2 Thomson Rd, North Geelong, 8.30-10.30pm, May 29, $84.30
As Elvis Presley once sang: "Let's rock everybody." Featuring tribute artists Jack Gatto and Charlie Gaylard, this national tour is expected to take you back in time to when Jailhouse Rock and If I Can Dream were being played on repeat. For more info, visit sphinxhotel.com.au.
Special Events and Fundraisers
RECONCILIATION WEEK
Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, 1 John Dory Dr, Ocean Grove, 5-7pm, May 22, $10
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week with a special evening of culture, connection and community. This event will feature a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, offering a meaningful opportunity for children aged 12 to 17 to learn about Fire Nations culture. For more info, visit geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
ROYAL GARDEN PARTY – AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST MORNING TEA
The Heights, 140 Aphrasia Street, Newtown, May 23, 10am, $75
Enjoy a 'Royal' Garden Party while raising money for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, a nationwide initiative supporting cancer research and those impacted by cancer. The event will be hosted by "Lady Sharon Ann Cavendish-Bentinck," granddaughter of the 9th Duke of Portland, who was second cousin to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Enjoy bubbles on arrival, bottomless tea and coffee, delicious finger food, door prizes – including items from Buckingham Palace – and live music. Dress code: garden chic/royal inspired. Ticket costs contribute directly to the cause. Money raised will support the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) in their mission to prevent, detect, and treat cancer through cutting-edge research and bold innovations. For more info, visit events.humanitix.com.
GEELONG PATCHWORK AND QUILTERS' GUILD
Geelong West Town Hall, 153 Pakington St, Geelong West, 10am-4pm, May 23, $15
Featuring guest speaker Tania Tanti, and raising money for Wombat's Wish, this one-day event celebrates all things patchwork and quilting. With tea and coffee provided, the day will also have raffles, door prizes, and time for show and tell. For more info, visit geelongpatch.org.au.
INDIGENOUS GRASSES
Platform Arts, 60 Little Malop St, Geelong, 11am-12pm, May 23, $40
Join Yorta Yorta contemporary artist Britt Silvester for a hands-on workshop creating butterfly seed bombs with Indigenous seeds of local grasses. In this tactile process, participants will shape small spheres of movement, colour and life, while being invited to connect and care for Country. For more info, visit platformarts.org.au.
SCHUTZENFEST
German Karneval Society Clubrooms, 21/45 Arunga Ave, Norlane, 6-11pm, May 23, $15-$20
Celebrate all things German culture, community, food, music and tradition at Schutzenfest (Hunter's Festival). This event brings together members and the wider community for an evening of authentic German food, entertainment, dancing and family-fun cultural festivities. For more info, visit germankarnevalsocietygeelong.org.au.
COMEDY NIGHT WITH TONY MARTIN
Manor Suite Wine Bar at Oakdene, 255 Frubb Rd, Wallington, 6-11pm, May 23, $59
With dinner included in your ticket price, enjoy a night of unforgettable laughs as Tony Martin takes the stage. Known for his razor-sharp wit, surreal humour and lightning-fast delivery, Martin will also be joined by local comedians Tyson Popplestone and Joel Temperly. For more info, visit manorsuitewinebar.com.au.
BLAKE PAVEY: A BIT SCARED
Geelong Arts Centre, 50 Little Malop St, Geelong, 6.30-7.30pm, May 23, $44.90
After finding out his terminal illness isn't all that terminal anymore, he's got a lot more time to think of everything he's scared of… and the list is long! Blake Pavey will take the stage with his brand-new hour of stand-up, A Bit Scared. For more info, visit geelongartscentre.org.au.
HANNAH GOULD AUTHOR TALK
Torquay Books, 14B Gilbert St, Torquay, 6-7.30pm, May 28, $10
Death remains one of our greatest taboos, and we are often left without guidance for one of life's only certainties. Join Melbourne author and cultural anthropologist Dr Hannah Gould to discuss her new nonfiction book, How to Die in the 21st Century. For more info, visit torquaybooks.com.au.
VIEW CLUB TORQUAY FORMATION MEETING
Torquay RACV Club Cafe Lounge, 1 Great Ocean Rd, Torquay, May 28, 10.30am-12pm, free
Learn more about the Torquay VIEW Club at its formation meeting. VIEW Clubs are welcoming women's clubs where women from different backgrounds, life experiences and professions come together, establishing lasting friendships, whilst providing opportunities for disadvantaged Australian children and young people, supporting The Smith Family Learning for Life program, through volunteering and fundraising activities. To RSVP, email nationalcouncillorvc24@gmail.com.
Sports
GEELONG V SYDNEY
GMHBA Stadium, 370 Moorabool St, South Geelong, 4.15-7.15pm, May 23, $11-$30
Following a successful match against the Lions last weekend, this mid-season battle will be a rematch of the 2022 AFL Grand Final, with the Cats looking to defend their home turf against the Swans. For more info, visit geelongcats.com.au.
GEELONG UNITED VS NORTHERN TASMANIA
Geelong Arena, 110 Victoria St, North Geelong, 5pm, May 23, $13.50
Watch Geelong United as they take on Northern Tasmania in an epic game of women's basketball at the Geelong Arena. For more info, visit geelongarena.com.au/whats-on/.
