From free live music in the park, to a dedicated beer festival and Australia’s premier queer arts and cultural event, there's something for everyone.
The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions dates back more than 4000 years when the Babylonians would make promises to their gods during a twelve-day festival that began March’s planting season. Around 45 B.C., the Romans brought back the date of celebrating the New Year from March to January 1. Part of the reason was due to the month being named for the Roman god Janus, a two-faced god who looked back on the year that was while looking at the one ahead.
Good ol’ Julius Caesar was responsible for reforming the calendar and bringing the date forward. His first resolution? Exercise more and eat better.
We hope you don’t bail on your resolution, or these great festivals…
Summer in the Parks
Bendigo – January & February
Slip, slop, slap and have a blast
The popular Summer in the Parks returns for another year of free or low-cost family-friendly activities that aims to bring a cool breeze to the hot summer days. Outdoor cinema screenings and the Summer Music program are highlights.
More through bendigosummerintheparks.com
Summer Sundays
Ballarat – Sundays in January
Sunshine, good music and a handful of your crispy cool ciders
The Summer Sundays sessions are on for another year with an impressive lineup of local, emerging and established artists who will take to the stage at Ballarat Botanical Gardens on Sundays for free live gigs this January.
For more information about the January concert series, visit the Summer Sundays website.
Free concert series Summer Sundays is taking over Ballarat Botanical Gardens in January 2023
Glitterbox
Chasers, Melbourne – January 20
Sparkle, sparkle
Specialising in the golden age of disco, contemporary house and dance-floor anthems, travelling nightlife phenomenon Glitterbox returns to Australia. Your line-up features Natasha Diggs, Simon Dunmore, Late Nite Tuff Guy, Dr Packer, Melvo Baptiste and more.
More through moshtix.com.au
Great Australian Beer Festival
Johnstone Park, Geelong – January 20-21
Beer as far as the eye can see
In 2023, you won’t just have one day of frothy fabulousness. You will have two. Spreading the joy out, the Great Australia Beer Festival will take place from 4-10pm on Friday, January 20 and midday-7pm on Saturday, January 21. More than 200 beers and ciders will be available to sample, with cracking tunes on both days, including Jolyon Petch on Friday and Ash Grunwald and Telenova on Saturday.
More through gabfgeelong.com.au
Great Australian Beer Festival is bringing good vibes, music, beer and comedy this summer
Outdoor Living Show
Geelong Showgrounds – January 20-22
How’s the serenity?
The Outdoor Living Show has everything to get you ready for a summer trip. Check out the caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes, not to mention all your camping, boating and fishing needs. And there will be no moans of ‘can we go home?’, as there will be rides and activities for the little ones. Just make sure you pack the mozzie repellent.
More through outdoorlivingshow.com.au
Goomfest 5
Wangoom – January 21
Less gloom, more goom
Held on a farm around ten minutes from Warrnambool, Goomfest serves up a buffet of bands, DJs, art installations, food vendors, cocktails and more. Your line-up is No Zu, Body Type, Enola, Don Glori, Fader Cap, Mabel (DJ), Bitumen, Checkpoint, Eggy, Meg 4×4, Rainbow Connection (DJ), DJ Notbadyaself, Code.O B2B Wilche, Dutch Schultz & Kuzo (DJ) and Kezadeeya (DJ).
More through goomfest.com
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Newstead Live
Newstead – January 21-23
A small town with big music ideas
Originally called the Chewton Folk Festival, Newstead Live is a folk-roots festival that’s good for the soul. Your line-up is We Mavericks, Kate Wilson, Enda Kenny, Kerryn Fields, Rich Davies and the Low Road, Michael Waugh, Ado Barker, Alana Wilkinson, Anna Smyrk, Apolline, Bruce Watson, Cat Canteri, Dan Duggan, Dingo’s Breakfast, Ernest Aines, Evan and Mischa, Gee Whiz Kidz, Great Aunt, Ian Bland, Joshua Batten, Justin Bernasconi, Kathryn Clements, Liz Frencham, Lloyd Dodsworth, Loz Irwin-Ray, Mandy Connell, Mariah McCarthy, Mast Gully Fellers, Matt Glass, Penny Larkins, Peter Anderson, Red Raven, Rhiz and the Sugarplums, Sarah and Silas, Skiffle Party, The Blenders, The Ugly Uncles, Tuck Shop Ladies and Zamponistas.
More through newsteadlive.com
Lettuce Fest
The Eastern, Ballarat – January 21
Lettuce rock you
Okay, it may not be the most nutritious of vegetables but lettuce still packs punches of vitamin A and K. Plus, it’s good in a burger. Lettuce Fest, however, has plenty of nutritious value when it comes to music.
More through theeasternballarat.com.au
Midsumma Festival
January 21-February 12
So much to do, so much time
For those unfamiliar, Midsumma is Australia’s premier queer arts and cultural organisation that brings together a diverse mix of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers and audiences. In 2023, more than 200 events across more than 20 days in more than 120 venues make up their stellar program. Visual art, live music, theatre, spoken work, cabaret, film, parties, sport, social events and public forums all get a run.
More through midsumma.org.au
The Secret Place Mini Fest
Mount Helen – January 26-29
Share the secret
The Secret Place is an intimate and inclusive festival that draws upon nature and connection through entertainment, workshops, meditations, nature walks, yoga and demonstrations. Organised by Nikki and Tom, the festival takes place on a 13-acre bush paradise just ten minutes out of Ballarat.
More through humanitix.com
Festival of Sails
Geelong – January 26-29
Come sail away with me, lads
First held in 1844, the Festival of Sails is the cornerstone of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s Australian sailing calendar. The event attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, with the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race, which in 2023 celebrates its 180th outing, a favourite.
More through festivalofsails.com.au
Interstellar Groove Festival
East Gippsland – January 27-30
Ride the cosmic highway
Okay space people, saddle up for the cosmic adventure of Interstellar Groove Festival. Your line-up includes Amber Long, Antix, DJ Zombi, Einmusik, Emok, Nox, Olga Misty, Timelock, Weekend Heroes, Akuandub, Anonymous Prankster, Butterz, Paul Abad, Shadow FX, Anthony Pappa, Dean Turnley, Gecko, J-Slyde, Jamie Stevens, Karl Pilbrow, Kasey Taylor, Leah Marie, Mike Rish, Miss Farina, Reuben, Saskia, The Oddness and Wilma.
More through interstellargroovefestival.com.au
Geelong Chinese New Year Festival
Northern Community Hub, Norlane – January 28
Patience and luck
Traditional culture, food and activities will be on display as we welcome the year of the Water Rabbit – something that has not occurred since 1963.
More through foodandwine.events
