Geelong's Ultimate Guide: AFL, Art, and School Holiday Fun This Week
School holiday activities, thrilling AFL action, and captivating art exhibitions highlight a bustling week of entertainment across Geelong and the Surf Coast. From family-friendly workshops to live performances, this guide covers the must-see events happening now.
AFL Round 6: Cats Clash with Bulldogs
Friday, April 17, 7:20 PM to 10:20 PM – $$
GMHBA Stadium on Wadawurrung Country, 370 Moorabool Street, South Geelong, will host an exciting AFL match as the Geelong Cats face off against the Western Bulldogs, featuring former player Bailey Smith. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for this high-stakes game.
School Holiday Programs for Kids
CircArts Workshop – Last Day April 17, 9 AM to 3 PM – $150
Located at CircArts on Wadawurrung Country, 1/39 Leather Street, Breakwater, this workshop encourages children of all ages and skill levels to stay active while learning circus skills like aerials, acrobatics, and juggling. Tickets start at $150 and can be purchased at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Kids Baking Classes at The Paddock – Last Day April 17, 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM – $59
At The Paddock Bakery on Wadawurrung Country, 33 Mackey Street, North Geelong, kids can enjoy a hands-on baking class making cookies and doughnuts. The experience includes a behind-the-scenes tour, dress-ups, and a take-home apron and certificate. Tickets are $59 per child, available at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Art Exhibitions and Creative Workshops
T-Shirt Transformation: Dress to Express – Saturday, April 18, 11 AM to 1 PM – $30-$40
Artist Louise Meuwissen leads a workshop at the National Wool Museum on Wadawurrung Country, 26-32 Moorabool Street, Geelong, where participants can upcycle a plain T-shirt using vintage materials. Bring your own shirt or use one provided. Tickets range from $30 to $40; more details at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Geelong and Bellarine Yarn Show – Saturday, April 18, 9:30 AM to 3 PM – $5
Celebrate the region's woollen heritage at Deakin University Waterfront Campus on Wadawurrung Country, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, with hand-dyed yarn, fleeces, and other products. Tickets are $5; visit geelongandbellarineyarnshow.com.au for information.
Weaving Stories Exhibition – Until April 19, 10 AM to 4 PM – Free
At Anglesea Art Space, 2/103 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, this exhibition features collaborative handcrafted pieces created weekly at Joy Beeby's kitchen table, where artists share stories. Admission is free; check surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Experience/Events for details.
Yoko Georgiou: 'Flow' – Opening Thursday, April 23, 5:30 to 7 PM – Free
Boom Gallery on Wadawurrung Country, 41 Pakington Street, Geelong West, hosts a solo exhibition exploring themes of water, air, conversation, and time. Runs from April 23 to May 16; free entry. More at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Jeff Raglus – Free Jazz – Opening Thursday, April 23, 5:30 to 7 PM – Free
Also at Boom Gallery, this solo exhibition by local artist and musician Jeff Raglus features wooden heads, theoretical landscapes, and UFO encounters. Free from April 23 to May 16; details at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Live Shows and Performances
Australian Barbra Streisand Show – April 18, 8 PM – $24-$45
Bellarine Arts Centre on Wadawurrung Country, 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale, presents a tribute to Barbra Streisand with hits from Funny Girl and A Star is Born. Starring Rachael Grace with John Thorn and Kara Ciezki. Tickets $25-$45 at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Rhinestones to Rawhide: Music of Glen Campbell & Frankie Laine – April 21, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM – $22
At Bellarine Arts Centre, award-winning Glenn Douglas performs country classics like Rhinestone Cowboy and Rawhide. Tickets are $22, including morning tea; visit geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Anne Vines: Flight – April 22, 5:30 to 6:30 PM – Free
Melbourne-based fiction writer Anne Vines discusses her novel Flight, a story of courage and connection in 1942 Melbourne. Free event; information at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Community and Film Events
DadLAN Dad's Social Group – Sunday, April 19, 1 to 5 PM – Free
Vines Road Community Centre on Wadawurrung Country, 37-61 Vines Road, Hamlyn Heights, offers a free gaming event for dads to connect and unwind. Part of a national LAN party; register with Tim at tim.johns@me.com.
REEL Film Festival – Thursday, April 23, 6:30 to 9:30 PM – Free
Across various locations in Geelong and the Surf Coast, this festival celebrates local creativity with short film screenings, panel discussions, and trivia. Free admission; details at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Sports and Nature Activities
Kelly Sports Easter Holiday Program – Until April 17, 8 AM to 5 PM – $65
At The Barwon Valley Activity Centre, 1 Barwon Heads Road, Belmont, this program for primary school children focuses on fun and participation. Single-day passes are $65 per child or $300 for a week; more at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year – Daily until May 17, 10 AM to 5 PM – $7 to $13
National Wool Museum on Wadawurrung Country showcases winning photos from an international competition, highlighting animal behaviour and natural diversity. Tickets: adults $13, children $7, concession $10, family $40; visit geelongaustralia.com.au/events.
