Geelong is set to explode with energy as a packed summer events calendar takes over the city and its surrounds from January 16 to 22, 2026. From major waterfront gatherings and headlining musical acts to school holiday fun and cultural showcases, there is an incredible array of activities on offer for all ages and interests.
Live Music and Nightlife Highlights
The rhythm of summer is strong in Geelong's venues. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Tim Easton makes a highly anticipated return to Australia, performing at Beavs Bar on Little Malop Street on January 16 from 8pm to 10:30pm. He will be celebrating the early release of his new album, 'Firehorse', and will be joined by special guest Nathan Seeckts. Tickets are $25.
For those with heavier tastes, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath brings a crushing tribute to Black Sabbath to the Barwon Club on January 16 at 8pm for $23.50. Meanwhile, the Summer Slam event at the same venue on January 17 from 3pm features a huge lineup including The Vasco Era and Alien Nosejob for $56.10.
If swing is your thing, don't miss the Swing Dance Social at the Bareena Bowls Club in Newtown on January 17 from 7pm to 11pm. The night promises high-energy fun with live band Uptown Catz for $25.
Family Fun and Cultural Experiences
School holiday entertainment is in plentiful supply. Families can head to The Carousel on Eastern Beach Road for a free Pop Up Museum session on January 19 from 10am to 12pm, inspired by wildlife photography.
At the Geelong Gallery on January 20 (10am-12pm), the NGV Kids on Tour offers a free creative drawing activity where children explore natural world patterns and learn about forest habitats.
For a hands-on farm experience, the Common Ground Project in Freshwater Creek hosts 'A Day on the Farm' from January 20 to 22, 9am to 1pm, for $60. Kids can interact with animals and learn sustainable skills.
Culture vultures have plenty to choose from. The acclaimed musical Legally Blonde hits the Geelong Arts Centre stage on January 16 and 17 at 7:30pm, with tickets from $49.90. For classical enthusiasts, the renowned Chamber Philharmonia Cologne performs at St Christopher’s Church in Anglesea on January 22 at 7:30pm.
Markets, Exhibitions and Outdoor Events
Art and design take centre stage at several exhibitions. The Hoop Gallery in Torquay presents 'From Gondwana to Vanua', a new exhibition by Dr Phillip B. Roos, exploring ancient rainforest narratives from January 16 to 22. In Curlewis, Eva Nauckhoff de Richebourg's Metamorphosis exhibition at Artisans of Australia runs January 16-17 and is free to enter.
The Geelong Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo returns to the Geelong Showgrounds from January 16 to 18 (9am-4pm), celebrating 12 years with the biggest brands in caravaning. Entry is $12-$15.
Beer lovers won't want to miss the Geelong Beer Festival at Johnstone Park on January 17 from 12pm to 8pm ($35), showcasing the region's best breweries, cideries and distilleries alongside live entertainment.
For a unique cinema experience, Waterfront Cinema on the Searoad Ferries wharf in East Queenscliff offers films under the stars on January 17 at 8pm ($19-$29).
History buffs can explore the Polly Farmer exhibition at the Geelong Sports Museum on January 16 ($7-$14), or check out the new Soaring Eagles BMX culture exhibition at the same venue on January 16-17.
Other notable happenings include the 183rd birthday celebrations of The Barwon Hotel in Winchelsea on January 18, a free Weave a Bookmark workshop at Newcomb Library on January 22, and the Piccadilly x Little Creatures market at the brewery on January 22.
