Unmissable Events this Winter

Winter in Geelong & The Bellarine is full of surprises. Crisp mornings lead to cosy afternoons, and there’s no shortage of ways to fill your calendar with good food, art, music and a little indulgence.

This guide rounds up the best events happening over the cooler months so you can plan your perfect winter visit. Snow play, food festivals, wine nights and footy rounds are all on the list. It's time to explore the region at its most inviting. Winter here is anything but boring.

Dates: Until Nov 30th
Location: National Wool Museum, Geelong
This powerful exhibition celebrates the next wave of sustainable fashion designers. See 20 standout garments created by emerging talent, all competing for a $10,000 prize and a spot in the Museum’s permanent collection. Vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award and discover how style meets sustainability in one inspiring space.

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Dates: 20 June – 20 July 2025
Location: Various venues
This month-long festival celebrates the region's culinary scene with events ranging from street food markets to exclusive dining experiences. With over 80 events across the region, you'll be spoiled for choice if you love food, wine, and the odd cheeky cocktail.

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Dates: 28 June – 9 August 2025
Location: Adventure Park, Wallington
Adventure Park's Winter Glow transforms the park into a winter wonderland with 150 tons of machine-made snow, dazzling light displays, and family-friendly rides. It's a snowy escape without leaving the state, and perfect for families, date nights, or a wholesome group outing.

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Dates: 26 June, 3 July, 10 July 2025
Location: Geelong Cellar Door, 97/99 Little Malop St, Geelong
Discover the depth and diversity of the local wine scene at Geelong Decantered, a curated tasting series held every Thursday evening from 26 June to 10 July. Enjoy unlimited tastings from Moorabool Valley, Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and emerging winemakers, all in a relaxed setting. $45 per person.

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Dates: From 1 July 2025, daily sessions
Location: Tempo, Geelong Waterfront
Dine in a private, heated dome styled for warmth and comfort. With just one dome available this winter session, it’s a uniquely intimate way to enjoy waterfront dining regardless of the weather. Choose from three set menus: Graze Under the Lights, Feed Me or Seafood Under the Stars. Each includes sparkling wine on arrival.

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Dates: 5–6 July 2025
Location: Little Creatures, South Geelong
Little Creatures Brewery turns into a cosy winter village with food stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. Expect fairy lights, fire pits and mulled drinks to sip while you soak up the festive vibes.

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Date: 19 July 2025
Location: The Whiskery, Bellarine Distillery
An evening under the stars with whisky, fire, and music. Enjoy live tunes from Tasmanian band The Stovies, a whisky barrel firing demo, hot cocktails, and a haggis tasting. Tickets start at $15, with options for whisky or gin lovers. Dress in tartan for a chance to win a bottle of Oak single malt.

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Dates: 13 July, 27 July, 10 August, 16 August 2025
Location: GMHBA Stadium
Nothing like footy in winter to get the blood pumping. Cheer on the Cats as they take on Richmond, St Kilda and Port Adelaide and Essendon through the heart of the season.

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Fireside Shiraz 2025
Dates: 12 - 13 July
Location: Clyde Park, Bannockburn
Warm up with Clyde Park's Fireside Shiraz Series, a collection of intimate wine-focused dinners featuring premium Shiraz, hearty winter dishes and live music. An exclusive event on Saturday 12 July includes a four-course meal, matched wines, barrel tastings and a seat hosted by owner Terry Jongebloed in their rustic cellar door. Limited to 30 guests, it’s one to book early.

Christmas in July
Date: 25 July
Location: Clyde Park, Bannockburn
A festive night out with mulled wine on arrival and a three-course Christmas-style dinner. Add matched wines for the full experience. Bookings essential for this popular night.

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Date: 2 August 2025
Location: Austins Wines, Moorabool Valley
Celebrate the end of harvest with a spectacular bonfire on Austin's 1500-acre property. This 18+ event includes live music, winter cocktails, mulled wine, food trucks and the dramatic burning of the canes. It's all set to a country-themed dress code, so bring your boots and your flannel. Tickets are $65 and include entertainment, with bus transfers available from Geelong, Bannockburn and Lara.

Burning of the Canes

Dates: 1–3 August 2025
Locations: Bellarine & Moorabool Valley Wineries
Warm reds, fireside chats and gourmet bites across top wineries. A favourite among locals and visitors alike. Pack your puffer and prep your palate. More details still to come on this one.

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Opens: 30 August 2025
Location: Geelong
Australia’s most prestigious portrait prize lands at Geelong Gallery just as winter wraps up. See bold, brilliant portraits that capture famous (and not-so-famous) Aussie faces.

Geelong & The Bellarine is packed with market energy this winter. On 5 July, the Piccadilly Winter Night Market brings food, design and live tunes to Little Creatures Brewery, while a second event at Deakin Waterfront on 27 July offers more of the same waterside magic. Creative Geelong is also hosting indoor markets on 21 June, 19 July and 16 August, filled with handmade wares and local artists. The Geelong Waterfront Makers & Growers Market keeps things fresh on 6 July and 3 August with produce, crafts and beachy vibes. And for something different, the Mega Clothing Swap returns to the National Wool Museum on 16 August—bring your pre-loved fashion and leave with new treasures.

Winter in Geelong & The Bellarine is anything but dull. With a calendar packed full of events that cater to all interests including food, culture, art and family fun, there’s no shortage of reasons to explore this vibrant region during the cooler months. Grab your coat, rally your friends or partner and immerse yourself in the warmth and excitement that winter 2025 has to offer in Geelong & The Bellarine.

Dates: 6–9 June 2025 (Note: This event has already passed for 2025)
Location: Portarlington
Portarlington hosts this vibrant festival celebrating Celtic culture with performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities. While it's already wrapped for this year, it remains a winter icon well worth planning for in 2026. Keep an eye on their website for next years' dates.

Date: 21 June 2025 (Note: This event has already passed for 2025)
Location: Barwon Edge, Geelong
This twilight market features local artisans, live acoustic performances, and seasonal treats like mulled wine and empanadas. Held riverside in Newtown, it's a warm and festive way to mark the shortest day of the year.

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Date: 20 June 2025 (Note: This event has already passed for 2025)
Location: Queenscliff Lonsdale Yacht Club
Celebrate the Winter Solstice at the Nightide Fringe Festival, an intimate gathering on the shores of Swan Bay. This 18+ event features open fires, a wood-fired sauna, live music from Dandelion Wine and Gareth Skinner, ice baths, and gypsy fortune tellers. Enjoy a paella feast prepared by chef Barry Iddles, sip mulled wine, and embrace a night of music, connection and cold plunges in a cosy coastal setting.

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Date: 29 June 2025 (Note: This event has already passed for 2025)
Location: Lon Retreat, Point Lonsdale
An evening of deep relaxation, sound healing and nourishing soup. It's a gentle, warming winter ritual perfect for slowing down and reconnecting.

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