It’s going to be our last long weekend for a while so it’s time to make the most of it!
In case you’ve missed it, this weekend we’re blessed with a long weekend thanks to our linkage to the ol’ monastery in Britain and it being the Queen’s birthday (or thereabouts).
We’ve selected a few events to spice up your three days of freedom, whether you want to spend it partying or chilling out we’ve got you sorted.
Yacht Club DJs at Geelong Hotel
This Queen’s Birthday Eve (Sunday, June 12), Geelong Hotel brings you another powerhouse line-up headed by veteran DJ duo – Yacht Club DJs.
The dynamic Ballarat tag-team of Guy Chappell and Gaz Harrison, better known as the Yacht Club DJs, will be bringing their iconic brand of weird and excessive nudity, stage invasions and boundless energy to the bandroom.
While the bandroom doesn’t open until 9pm, venue doors open from 3pm so you can get some pre-drinks in, fill up on food and prepare for one hell of a night.
Check the event here.
View this post on Instagram
Valhalla Brewing Taproom
Valhalla Brewing and Taproom – a carefully crafted space to showcase their seriously delicious and addictive range of beers that are some of the best local brews we’ve tasted – is once again hosting a three-day dark beer and blues music festival where they will showcase Australian Independent dark beers as well as local, live blues and roots music.
Spanning 3 days across the Queen’s Birthday Long weekend, Black and Blues will see Valhalla Taproom dedicate all 10 taps to Aussie independent dark beers. In addition to plenty of awesome dark beers, there will be live blues music all weekend with featured artists including Frank Bell, Bill Barber ($10 on the door), Rattlin’ Bones Blackwood ($10 on the door), Luke Pote and Alister Turrill.
Weekend passes are $55 and include 1 x 200mL glass of all 10 tap beers plus free entry to all music.
Queens of RNB at 2 Chambers
Just want to dance this long weekend? Look no further than the epic 2 Chambers.
Being the month of the Queens Bey’s Birthday, it would be only fitting to celebrate with another booty-shaking birthday party by celebrating all the Queens from RnB.
Expect to hear the likes of Cardi B, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Mya, Eve, Missy Elliot, TLC, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Ciara, J-Lo, Mariah Carey, Destinys Child, Lauren Hill and so much more.
Get in early to avoid disappointment. Check the event here.
View this post on Instagram
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie’s decadent Brownie Festival
Renowned for their month-long celebrations of ice cream, rocky road, and hot chocolates, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie is back with their annual Brownie Festival – a delicious 18-day festival dedicated to the oozy, gooey, chocolatey treat.
Expertly crafted by the European Chocolatiers, this year the festival boasts 18 amazing varieties of limited-edition decadent Brownies, from the expected all the way to the unexpected. You can enjoy all of the flavours via indulgent tasting plates of Brownie Bites, and/or treat yourself to special creations like Brownie Sundaes, Brownie waffles, Brownie hot chocolates, Brownie inspired ice cream flavours and of course, their traditional ‘Best Brownie’ will be available throughout the festival and all year round!
As well as experiencing brownies in every form imaginable, the festival will be hosting 45-minute tasting sessions, where guests will have the opportunity to create their own signature brownie to take home. Whilst this is cooking you will sample six sensational Brownie Bites and enjoy a brownie ice cream.
Find out more information by visiting the Facebook page or the website.
View this post on Instagram
Tastes of Central Geelong – Various Locations
Enjoy a festival of food, flavours and fun, which has officially kicked off this weekend.
You’ll be able to learn a few tricks of the trade from local chefs, samples the goods of Central Geelong, participate in food-themed events and much more. You may have to loosen your belt.
More goodness here.
The Inn Hotel’s Block Party
The Inn’s famous car park event just got bigger, partnering up with Captain Brewing bring you Daft Punk Tribute for an epic Block Party in their weatherproof festival marquee for the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend.
Complete with the authentic signature gold and silver robot helmets as well as an entertaining, party-vibe DJ set of their own produced remixes and mash-ups, ‘Discovery’ ensure even the purest Daft Punk fan will be satisfied! With their attention to detail in custom-made costumes, covering Daft Punk’s ever-changing image in eras from Human After All, TRON, Random Access Memories and the new collaboration with The Weeknd – any club event, function or festival will be left wondering… did we just see the real Daft Punk?
The day will also feature food, drinks and local supports.
Going down on Sunday, the event has sold out for pre-sale with limited tickets available on the door from 3pm. Pro tip: head in early.
View this post on Instagram
Captain Bar ‘Queens Only’
Captain Brewing presents ‘Queens Only’ featuring a powerful all-female and non-binary lineup across three days, headed by one of Melbourne’s most renowned underground DJs Toni Yotzi. ‘Queens Only’ aims to further enhance and promote the diversity found within our local scene by highlighting the ‘queens’ of our region over three different events.
According to the venue’s co-owner Max McKay, “We’ve always booked local talent, (and we’re proud of that), however, the ‘Captain Brewing Presents’ series is less about local and more about sharing the good stuff.”
“For the long weekend, we’re putting on three big shows Friday – Sunday, with a powerhouse lineup of all-female/non-binary DJs. We’re really excited about it and have a great guest DJ for the first event – Toni Yotzi.”
With Yotzi headlining the Friday night, ‘Queens Only’ aims to further showcase local talent, with the likes of Barbie Gault, HAL, Honey Sweet, Eva Lleonart, Amityus and more all hitting the decks to bring in the all-inclusive long weekend shenanigans.
Tickets are available here.
Belmont Hotel
With live music and DJs all weekend, the Belmont Hotel certainly has you covered – especially with their rooftop that is the perfect spot for a Sunday session or to gather the mates to watch sport over a pint. If you love an amaretto sour, these guys do the best in town!
A highlight however will be the Back To The 90s Party on Sunday night. Starting with happy hour between 3pm and 4pm with $10 pints, $10 cocktails and $5 wines , DJs will be playing all the hits of the era from 4pm long into the night.
A Sunday at the Belmont has never looked so good.
View this post on Instagram
Wah Bar Queen’s B’day Eve
From the moment Wah Bah stepped foot on our blissful waterfront, our stomachs have been better off. Perched out on Cunningham Pier, Wah Bah is the cheeky, loud and boisterous younger sibling of the always popular Asian Fusion restaurant, Wah Wah Gee, known for their yummy dumplings, forever loved Bao Buns, flavoursome poke bowls, hearty curries, and even mini cinnamon donuts (best warmed).
For the long weekend, Wah Bah is celebrating the Queen’s Birthday Eve with top shelf cocktail specials, bah bites and DJ entertainment from 3pm! You can even start the party early with bottomless brunch from 12pm!
There’s a lot to love about that.
Lambys Queen’s Birthday Eve Sesh
Get the crew together and come celebrate the Queen herself, treatin’ yourself to a few Mario Karts and Espresso Martini’s along the way!
The famed underground pub will be featuring special guest RnB Queen PARIS LAWRENCE in the Main Room alongside resident DJs spinning your faves in The Cave and delivering the best vibe in town.
With an extended licence to max your #LambysSesh, the team are setting up for one huge Sunday at Geelong’s only late-night Tavern.
Does a long weekend get any better than that?!
View this post on Instagram
Home House Lucky Nights
Those wanting to be in the middle of all the action can opt for a night with Home House, who will be celebrating the Queen’s Birthday the only way they know how – with late nights and a serious lineup.
Home House is guaranteed to keep you up late into Monday morning with Sunday’s special event Lucky Nights. Featuring dynamic and energetic duo Teddy Cream. Consisting of Brandon Mangion and Vincent Calderone, two lifelong friends who began producing together at 13, touring at 18, and dominating dance music not long after, you can trust these guys will set the dancefloor on fire this weekend – just watch this video of them dropping the High School Musical theme to a rapturous crowd to see what we mean.
Whatever the song, whatever the genre, their music is made to party to. In 2017, their reworks of Sonia Dada’s ‘Lover’ and Daryl Braithwaite’s hit ‘Horses’ climbed the ARIA Club Charts and Spotify Viral Chart, and ever since they’ve been surfing the wave of success with a slew of dance-ready tracks.
Joining Teddy Cream, Restricted will be bringing his Adelaide sound to Homehouse, alongside Spice, Bringing the fan favourite dance floor tracks back to Geelong, plus more.
It all kicks off from 9pm.
Smith Street Band at the Torquay Hotel
The Smith Street Band is one of those bands that you hear and from the very first moment you are hooked. After postponing shows earlier in 2022, The Smithies spent time bunkered down in their off-grid studio in regional Victoria recording their sixth studio album, which is set to follow on from #1 ARIA Album ‘Don’t Waste Your Anger’ released in 2020.
After having to postpone due to illness, The Smith Street Band will finally be bringing their rollicking, anthemic sing along and toe-tapping-laden sound to Torquay Hotel this Saturday in what promises to be a special live experience.
Tickets are on sale now via the band website.
View this post on Instagram
Brewi Freeze 2.0
Opening back in 2018 by the combined powers of local lass Kay Godfrey and her partner Chilla, BrewiColo Brewery was born from the love of beer, and the sentiment of bringing something new and refreshing to the Ocean Grove community.
Continuing with that community spirit from when they first started, BrewiColo are hosting Brewi Freeze 2.0 this Sunday to raise awareness and funds for MND research.
The free event will take over BrewiColo’s space on Marine Parade for an entire day, where you can come make a splash and beat the beast with freeze challenges, live music from The Wellingtons, fresh beer on tap from the brewery itself, a delicious food truck and raffles with prizes to be won.
Chilla and food truck legend Merv are up for the freeze challenge! Everyone is welcome to join them – Remember it’s all for fun and going towards a great cause. The aim is to raise money through donations for the people that participate in the freeze challenge and raffles on the day. You can donate anytime at the fight MND link in our profile, at the Brewi’ry over the next couple of weeks or on the day!
Event is free and the team are putting the call out there for as many people as possible to join the challenge!
Check out the event here.
View this post on Instagram
Motez at Bloom
Your home of all things world-class electronic music on a Saturday night and public holiday eve is proud to be opening the doors to deliver a plethora of talented live entertainment this weekend!
First off the bat, after one too many postponed dates, Bloom will finally welcome Alex Stein and Klanguestler to the underground oasis to grace your ears with the best beats in the game. They’ll be supported by local artists B12, Demonette & John Owen and Emily Thomas.
For the day of days, Motez will be bringing the beats for an epic Sunday sesh on Sunday, June 12. Based out of Adelaide, Australia, EDM artist and producer Motez emigrated from Iraq in 2006, establishing himself in the city’s burgeoning electronic scene.
This is not one to miss. Check the event here.
View this post on Instagram
New To You: Pre-loved Clothing Market
New To You Markets are all about sharing the love of pre-loved clothing, shopping for bargains, never paying retail, prolonging the life of clothing, having fun, and community. The markets have up to 65 stalls selling quality pre-loved contemporary, designer, vintage and retro fashion in all sizes.
Arriving in Geelong, the pre-loved clothing market arrives at the Geelong West Town Hall, on Sunday 12 June, from 10am to 3pm.
The market is located indoors, and there is a $4 entry fee to the market.
Find out more here.
Queen of Queens Birthday Spectacular at 26 (Piano Bar)
If you’re still not sure what to do on Sunday, Piano Bar has you covered as they take over 26 (26 Malop Street) with their Queen of Queens Birthday Spectacular!
Igniting the old Piano Bar venue, Isis Avis Loren and Max The Drag Queen will be taking over the stage with some very special shows and DJ Anita Decks will be playing your favourite party tunes late into the night!
Book now here.
View this post on Instagram
Edge Geelong’s Diamond Party
Edge Geelong’s famed Diamond Party (AKA the most Insta-worthy event ever) is back once again.
Previously held on International Women’s Day, the dazzling party will this year take over the Edge decking on Sunday, June 12, gifting the perfect Sunday sesh for the Queens Birthday Long Weekend!
Presented by Grey Goose and Patron, the ‘Diamond Party’ is the ultimate day out featuring cheeky Grey Goose and Patron Cocktails on the deck, snacking on gourmet canapes and overlooking the water from the Edge deck – all while the DJs spin the best tracks to keep you dancing all afternoon!
Add an ALL WHITE dress code + all your besties – and you’ve got yourself a fabulous long weekend Sunday sesh!
Tickets are just $60 per person and that includes five cocktails (already you’ve saved money), plus food and entertainment.
You can purchase tickets here.
View this post on Instagram
Feeling like venturing a bit further out, check out Portarlington’s National Celtic Festival
Returning after a forced two-year hiatus, the National Celtic Festival is back this month, transforming the Portarlington foreshore and surrounding haunts into a bustling winter-wonderland of talented musicians and performers over the wintery long weekend in June.
Attracting thousands of visitors every year, presenting concerts across a number of stages over four days, with showcases, dance, theatre, literature readings, masterclasses and more celebrating all things Celtic and Craic, this year’s festival is celebrating its return with a sensational lineup and plenty of craic, delivering one long weekend to remember.
Highlights this year include the Smoking ceremony and official opening; ‘Fire In The Head’ – a new rehearsed play reading brings to light the tragic, heroic life of the amazing Kate Kelly, sister to Ned; ‘The House of Song’ which invites all to experience the tradition of singing and to appreciate traditional song; and a National Longsword and Backsword tournament over the Saturday and Sunday, culminating with the teamed pair competition, which will see some of the best swordsmen in the country take the field.
Tickets are still on sale here.
Or check out the Wizards & Witches Festival
The inaugural festival will bring a little magic to the region of Ballarat across the long weekend.
Running across three days, from Saturday, June 11 to Monday, June 13 at the wondrous mythical, magical and medieval castle in Ballarat, ticket holders will be able to experience a fun-packed magical day for all ages at this inaugural event, with plans for it to turn into an annual affair.
There will be magicians roaming the grounds, a spell-casting school, wand making, live performances, a costume parade and a bunch of food trucks to fill those magical bellies. Guests will also find a jumping castle, take part in a unicorn meet and greet, get involved with a tarot card reading, or check out the live jousting, potion making and so much more.
More through kryalcastle.com.au
