From major sporting matches through to multicultural street parades, the region is jam-packed with exciting events this summer and beyond.

Grab your diaries and start planning – these are the events you can’t miss!

Adventure Park's Christmas Festival of Lights

Until Wednesday 24 December
Adventure Park

See the magic of Christmas and fairy tales brought to life in 3.3 million lights over 1000 dazzling light installations and displays at Adventure Park.

A must-visit as part of your Christmas festivities, there's a new Santa's Village, unlimited theme park rides and a number of new light installations for 2025 - plus more!

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Adventure Park's Christmas Festival of Lights

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Until Sunday 17 May
National Wool Museum

National Wool Museum is the exclusive Victorian home of the much loved Wildlife Photographer of the Year from the Natural History Museum, London.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world for nearly 60 years.

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BBL 15 Renegades vs Brisbane Heat

Monday 15 December
GMHBA Stadium

Give your family an electric night out with the fast-paced action of BBL cricket.

Renegades are back in Geelong at GMHBA Stadium for their first home match against the Brisbane Heat.

For one night only - kids go free. Local players Jake Fraser McGurk, Josh Brown, Adam Zampa, and international stars Muhammad Rizwan and Tim Seifert will make this a night you dare not miss.

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BBL 15 Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes

Sunday 21 December
GMHBA Stadium

The Melbourne Renegades return to GMHBA Stadium for their second home match of the season, taking on the Hobart Hurricanes in an electric Big Bash Cricket T20 showdown.

This match-day is more than just cricket - it's a "Take Home the Turf" themed celebration where every fan will get the chance to take home a piece of Renegades history after the match. Whether you are a lifelong supporter or new to the Big Bash, it's your chance to literally take part in the game you love.

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Beyond the Valley Music Festival

Sunday 28 December - Thursday 1 January
Barunah Plains

The Valley Stage, Dance Dome, and Dr Dan's will come alive with the sounds of the summer, spanning the timeless to the trailblazing.

A vibrant oasis located only 90 minutes from Melbourne (Naarm), Barunah Plains will once again transform into a mini-metropolis, bustling with immersive experiences, world-class stage design and production and a genre-diverse, expansive lineup for Beyond the Valley.

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The Rip View Swim Classic

Monday 29 December

Now in its 37th year, The Rip View Swim Classic is an open water swim that occurs annually in Point Lonsdale. It attracts over 1,000 swimmers to take on the open-water race that follows the curve of the bay.

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Super Saturday on the Coast

Saturday 3 January
Geelong Racing Club

Get ready for a day of family fun, entertainment, and thrilling metro-grade racing at Super Saturday on the Coast at the Geelong Racing Club.

This premier event combines top-tier horse racing with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, making it a must-attend for everyone this summer!

Kids will love the free entertainment, including rides, a waterpark, a petting zoo, and giveaways, while parents can enjoy the convenience of new umbrella packages beside the kids’ zone for a perfect day of relaxation.

Super Saturday on the Coast promises a fun-filled day of racing and entertainment for all.

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Super Saturday on the Coast at Geelong Racing Club

Portarlington Mussel Festival

Saturday 10 January
Portarlington Foreshore

A must-attend event on The Bellarine over summer, the Portarlington Mussel Festival will have a wide variety of music and entertainment for everyone’s tastes, from a headliner act to roving children’s entertainment.

Come hungry as there will be many stalls serving delicious mussels different ways and other local food available. Local Bellarine beer and wine, art shows, cooking demonstrations and market stalls will help you fill the day.

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2026 Vic Open Golf Tournament

Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 January
13th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads

The Vic Open Golf tournament which led the world in terms of gender equality will be staged at 13th Beach Golf Links near the village of Barwon Heads.

A player and fan favourite, the tournament which includes titles for men and women will be part of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and WPGA Tour of Australasia.

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Geelong Beer Festival

Saturday 17 January
Johnstone Park, Geelong

Geelong Beer Festival returns to the picturesque and iconic Johnstone Park this summer, lined with palm trees, lush grass and a natural amphitheatre. The site lends itself to an event where you can choose your adventure – whether it be sipping and sampling your way around the plethora of local and national brewers, distillers, and wineries, or gathering your crew together for a party, a boogy and an all-round memorable day of social fulfilment.

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Festival of Sails

Saturday 24 – Monday 26 January
Geelong waterfront

The annual Festival of Sails in Geelong sees world-class sailing action combined with a fantastic waterfront festival!

Watch the largest keelboat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere from Wangim Walk or along the Geelong foreshore and enjoy free music performances with the new jam-packed entertainment schedule!

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Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

Wednesday 28 January – Sunday 1 February
Geelong waterfront

The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race returns better than ever in 2025 as the world’s cycling elite journey to Geelong and the Surf Coast for Australia’s greatest weekend of cycling.

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Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run

Saturday 14 February
Portarlington

The Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run is celebrating the ninth edition of their light coastal trail event between Portarlington and St Leonards.

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Pako Festa – A Celebration of Cultural Diversity

Saturday 28 February
Pakington Street, Geelong West

Pako Festa has been Victoria’s premier free multicultural festival for over 40 years. This annual community street festival celebrates cultural diversity and is the biggest of its kind in Australia! The event attracts crowds of over 100,000 people and is managed by Cultura and held on the last weekend of February in Pakington Street, Geelong West.

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