What’s on this autumn in Geelong and The Bellarine

Autumn is the season when nature slows down. But for Geelong and The Bellarine, things are just heating up. Between March and May this year, we’ve got a stacked calendar of sports, live music, markets, theatre, powerboats, footy, food and heaps of autumn-themed fun.

So get out your diaries and start circling dates. Here’s what’s on this autumn in Geelong and The Bellarine.

March – September

Round 1 of the AFL 2025 season kicks off on Thursday 13 March, with the first game at GMHBA Stadium locked in for Saturday 15 March. You can check the local games here, or head over to the AFL website for the full season fixture.

15 – 16 March

The Offshore Superboat Championships will be tearing up Corio Bay on March 15 and 16 this year. Steampacket Gardens will be going off, and entry is free. We recommend staking out a good viewing spot above Eastern beach.

21 – 30 March

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is back for another year, but don’t let the name fool you: there are plenty of great regional events kicking off in Geelong. We’re talking cocktail classes and gourmet lamb-and-gin barbecues, to name just a couple.

21 March

Geelong’s getting in on the worldwide Longest Lunch trend this year, with an epic banquet lined up for Friday 21 March. A ticket gets you a delicious three-course menu, designed by a Geelong's finest chefs, plus canapes and wines from award-winning local wineries. Smashing.

22 March

‘90s legend Fatboy Slim performing his biggest hits at Mt Duneed Estate? It’s fair to say shows like this don’t come along every day. Along with special guests, DJ Seinfeld, CC:DISCO! and Jennifer Loveless, Fatboy Slim will be rocking the vines on 22 March. Don’t miss out.

23 March

One of the highlights of the global IRONMAN Circuit, IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong is once again rocking the waterfront on 23 March, with $50,000 in prizes up for grabs. Spectators are encouraged, and you can watch the action from multiple points along the bay. View competitor start list here. We’ve also put together the best places to discover while the athletes race, check it out here.

28 – 30 March

Hear that? That’s the sound of the Avalon Airshow roaring back into town. From 28 to 30 March, you can get a glimpse (and in some cases a hands-on look) at some of the world’s most advanced military and commercial aircraft. Bookings are essential for this one. Have a gander at our guide for more details.

January – April

Running until April 25, What Was That! Night Theatre At Werribee Park is your ultimate after-dark theatre experience. Join two characters – the butler, Mr. Duncan, and head maid, Maggie – on a spooky, immersive journey through Werribee Park Mansion. Tickets over here.

27 March

Geelong Comedy Gala is part of the larger Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and it’s always a cracking night out. This year, the guests include Urvi Majumdar (FISK, Guy Mont Spelling Bee), Jonathan Schuster (The Emu War), Sarah Maree Cameron (K-Rock, 3AW) and Dave O'Neil (Spicks & Specks, Risk, Take Away, The Junkees). Grab your tickets pronto.

16 – 18 May

Come and celebrate Geelong’s family-owned, cool-climate wineries at this year’s epic Pinot Affair. There’s something for everyone in 2025: wine masterclasses, live music, tasting experiences, the works. Check out the website for all the details.

31 May

Classical music fans, this one’s for you. On 31 May the Geelong Symphony Orchestra will be performing a selection of Tchaikovsky’s greatest works, including The Nutcracker Suite Op.71 (selections) and Rococo variations Op.33, at the Geelong Arts Centre. Classy Little Malop date night, anyone?

January – June

This year, Werribee Zoo are giving patrons an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse at what goes into raising their rhinos. You’ll get up close and personal with the zookeepers, then head out onto the savannah to see baby Jabulani and his family. Zoo entry isn’t included with this one – you’ll need to add it onto your day pass.

February – April

With a mix of free and ticketed events, running on various dates through till April, Platform Arts brings you Sympoiesis, a multi-media visual arts festival. The program features all sorts of stuff, from live music to great food, so make sure to check out the website and pick your dates accordingly.

Looking for more? We’ve got a full rundown of Geelong and The Bellarine events over here.