It's a festival and fair frenzy this month: as the weather heats up so do the gatherings of groups for arts, music, food and cultural events.
Welcome to Rocktober, saints and sinners. It’s a long way to the shop if you want a sausage roll, but that still won’t stop us to rock and/or roll all night and part of every day. In the words of Kick Axe, if it’s too loud, you’re too old. So, what is it that we are to discuss in this introduction to celebrate this musical month? Should it be deciphering the meaning of Poison’s ‘Unskinny Bop’? Or shall we take guitarist C.C. DeVille’s word that is was merely a temporary measure, one that phonetically paired with the music, and by virtue, accept there is nothin’ more to say?
No, today we appreciate the festival. From the Big Day Outs and Soundwaves to Rockalonga in Yarrawonga and the Sunny Sedgwick Music Festival, to the festivals still jamming today, we thank you. Here’s to the long days that still end too soon. Here’s to those we meet along the way, strangers with whom we share passing moments of elation. Here’s to the bands we love and the new ones we discover. Here’s to the joy, the memories, the experiences, the excitement, the sweat (but not so much the blood and tears), the fickle weather, the hoarse throats, the dusty morning-afters, the achy bodies from standing in the one spot all day. You have rocked us like a hurricane.
To all the festivals large and small, that have come and gone, and that will come and go, that burn brightly in our memories and are worn proudly as faded t-shirts, we turn our amps up to eleven as we say cheers. Take a look at Rocktober’s festivals and events…
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Melbourne Fringe Festival
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Melbourne – October 1-20
Dancing on the fringe of collapse
Fringe Festival returns for another year of the weird, wacky and wonderful. You have comedy. You have cabaret. You have theatre. You have parties and social events. You have the experimental. You have visual arts and film. You have words and ideas. You have circus. You have dance and physical theatre. You have the way to move us, Cherry. Fringe has it all.
More through https://melbournefringe.com.au/
Windfire Music Festival
Geelong – October 4-13
I may as well try and catch the wind
Classical music will stir the soul at the 15th annual Windfire Music Festival. Your program includes The Glory of Brass (Lyrebird Brass Ensemble and students from the Melbourne Conservatorium), Inspired by Nature (works by Geelong composer Michael Hannan), The Rite of Spring (Sonoka Miyake & Regina Thomae), The Sonus Quintet, Geelong String Quartet and The Savoy Opera Company performing Gilbert and Sullivan.
More through https://musicatthebasilica.org.au/music-festival/
Warrnambool Multicultural Festival
Civic Green, Warrnambool – October 5
We’re all different and we’re the same
Embrace our differences while celebrating what makes us one at the Warrnambool Multicultural Festival. The free, family-friendly event features multicultural performances, international foods, intercultural workshops, Aboriginal cultural engagement, art and craft stalls, settlement information stalls and dance performances, as well as face-painting and firetrucks for the little ones.
More through https://whatson.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/warrnambool-multicultural-festival-1
Vegecareian Festival
The Great Stupa, Myers Flat – October 5
‘Cause I’m a strict vegetarian
It’s the un-beet-able festival when it comes to compassion and cuisine. The mighty bearded one himself, Costa Georgiadis, will be there to share his thoughts on sustainable practices, while Diana Chan (MasterChef 2017 winner) and Dee Williams (Dee-Licious Signature Spices) will give cooking demonstrations. You can also enjoy vegetarian and vegan food from different cultures or browse eco-friendly products. You can even bring along your pet for a blessing.
More through https://stupa.org.au/vegecareian-festival/
Bendigo Collectibles Fair
Bendigo Showgrounds – October 5 & 6
And now we see eye to eye, that another man’s trash is collectible
With more than 120 stalls of thingamajigs and knick-knacks, bric-à-brac and doodads, you’re likely to find a little (or big) something for every room in your house at the Bendigo Collectibles Fair. You have trios, textiles, tobacco tins, chinaware, militaria, motoring memorabilia, vinyl, cosplay paraphernalia, books, maps, pop culture bits and pieces, diecast cars and more. Or you can skip that and go straight for the suits of armour, chain mail and medieval tunics.
More through https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo/whatson/bendigo-collectables-fair-0
Heathcote Food & Wine Festival
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Heathcote Showgrounds, Heathcote – October 5 & 6
We ate the food, we drank the wine. Everybody having a good time
From the first festival that featured a handful of wineries in the courtyard of a local restaurant, the Heathcote Food & Wine Festival now attracts some 4000 visitors each year. While being able to sample the region’s new releases is a big drawcard, the family-friendly village setting and live music ensures there is something for the whole family.
More through https://www.heathcotewinegrowers.com.au/festival
Out on the Weekend
Itinerant Spirts (Goods Shed), Ballarat – October 11
I need a big weekend, kick up the dust
Out on the Weekend has gon’ country, ya’ll. Some may say a rootin’-tootin’ time is ahead. Your line-up is Uncle Lucius, Nick Shoulders, Jonny Fritz & Joshua Hedley, Margo Cilker, Freya Josephine Hollick, James Ellis & the Jealous Guys, Watershed Stringband and Crank Williams & Patsy Decline.
More through https://www.outontheweekend.com.au/
Port Fairy Spring Music Festival
Port Fairy – October 11-13
Spring fever, spring is here at last
Hop aboard a flight to the cosmos as classical and contemporary ensemble music, jazz, opera and orchestral sit alongside school performances, masterclasses, pre-concert talks and artist talks and conversations. Your program includes Kawai Opening Gala: Cosmos, Cabaret Constellation, Interstellaire, Shards of Light, MCO + Allara, The Shortest History of Music, Blazing Beethoven, Orbital Resonance, Dark Matter, All the World’s a Stage (with Josh Piterman), The Unknown Swimmer, Cosmonauts in Training, Mirror Worlds, Celestial Shubert and more.
More through https://portfairyspringfest.com.au
Geelong Waterfront 48-Hour Film Frenzy
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Geelong Waterfront – October 11-13
And I sense a rhythm humming in a frenzy
Who’s the fastest film slinger in Australia? In October, filmmakers from around the country can head to Geelong for ‘real-time’ filmmaking. The deal is this. A two-day window will be open to amateurs and professionals to shoot a 4-7 minute film that feature Geelong. Each film must contain a key prop, a line of dialogue and one Geelong location. Each film will be screened locally, with the selected best film to screen at the North Bellarine Film Festival.
More through https://www.geelongwaterfrontfilm.com.au/48-hour-film-frenzy/
Geelong Stamp and Coin Fair
Geelong West Town Hall, Geelong – October 12
Forge the coin and lick the stamp
I don’t know much about coins, other than they can be used for making (admittedly shrinking) purchases. I don’t know much about stamps, other than their usefulness in sending mildly worded letters to companies I feel have slighted me. But the people at the Geelong Stamp and Coin Fair sure know a lot about stamps and coins. Some 20 dealers and 70 tables are expected, ensuring a whole lot of knowledge about a whole lot of stamps and coins.
More through https://pockettreasures.com.au/pages/events-calendar
Bendigo Comedy Festival
Bendigo – October 15-20
Something familiar, something peculiar, something for everyone: a comedy tonight
We’re not medical professionals here, so we cannot confirm whether laughter is the best medicine. But it can be pretty good for brightening your day. Your line-up includes Dave Hughes, Damian Callinan, Claire Hooper, Ray O’Leary, Luke Heggie, Nick Capper, Chris Ryan, Zoë Coombs Marr, Tess Birch, Bron Lewis, Daniel Muggleton, David Rose, Gocsy, Ashley Fils-Aime, Ben Richardson, Kristy Webeck, Nath Valvo and more. As for what Bendigo has in terms of jokers, you can discover that at the Local Legends showcase.
More through https://bendigocomedyfestival.com.au/
It’s Showtime
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Royal Geelong Show, Geelong Showgrounds – October 17-20; Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo – October 25 & 26; Warrnambool Showgrounds Reserve, Warrnambool – October 26; and R.T. White Raceway, Ararat – October 27
On with the show this is it
If it’s sugary and sweet, you’re in for a treat. From Cadbury Milk to Hubba Bubba, Nerds, Life Savers, Jelly Belly and Chupa Chups, all your favourites will be on show. There’s even one for those wonderful Turkish Delight fanatics. While showbags will be plentiful, from confectionary to novelty, there is more to the show than showbags. The community-rich events serve up a busy program of exhibits, competitions, agriculture, entertainment, kids’ activities, rides and more.
More through https://royalgeelongshow.org.au/, https://www.bendigoshow.com.au/, https://warrnamboolshow.com.au/, http://www.vicagshows.com.au/ararat-show
Queenscliffe Literary Festival
Queenscliff – October 18-27
So we call upon the author to explain
Some treat their books as sacred. Others dog-ear them until they’re hanging together by sheer will. Whatever camp you’re in there is a place for you here. Highlights include sessions with Tim Winton, Alexis Wright, Pip Williams, Tony Birch, Candice Fox, Louise Milligan and Rosie Batty. If you’re looking for a laugh, you can join Judith Lucy and Kaz Cooke. If you’re looking to tantalise the tastebuds, you can join Ben Shewry in conversation with Myf Warhurst. Workshops, meet-and-greets, a literary walk and a book swap are among the other treats in store.
More through https://www.queenscliffeliteraryfestival.com.au/
Melbourne Jazz Festival
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Melbourne – October 18-27
Take some skins, jazz begins
We’re talkin’ all that jazz, hip cats, as Australia’s largest jazz festival, the Melbourne Jazz Festival, returns with sounds smoother than Sam Cooke’s voice. Your line-up includes Audrey Powne, Barlines & Beyond, Brandee Younger, Bright Splinters, Bumpy, Esperanza Spalding, FaceSoul, Federico Casagrande, Grazeland Takeover, Jazzmeia Horn, Jeremy Monteiro, Kira Kira, Makoto Ozone, Mandeng Groove, Nicole Zuraitis, Night Crawl, Nubya Garcia, Paper Tiger, Rai Thistlethwayte, Tin Men and the Telephone, Vince Jones and Xani.
More through https://www.melbournejazz.com/
Newstead Young Writers Festival
Newstead – October 20
Young artists and writers, please heed the call
Like a monkey that doesn’t like bananas, writers block can leave you feeling a little bit lost. Sometimes a little expert advice can be the thing to get the ideas rolling again. Authors, illustrators, poets and storytellers come together to share secrets of the trade, allowing budding writers to learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment. Your line-up includes John Marsden, Gabrielle Wang, Trace Balla, Lorena Carrington, Carmel Bird and Bridget Farmer.
More through https://www.newsteadyoungwritersfestival.com/
Sovereign Slaughter Fest
The Eastern, Ballarat – October 25
Bring your daughter to the slaughter
It’s heavy. It’s loud. It’s a musical slap to the face that will rattle the bones. It’s the inaugural Sovereign Slaughter Fest. Tasmania’s Van Diemen spearheads the event in what is their first Ballarat show. You also have Aeons Abyss, Spacegoat, Distorta and Order of Torment.
More through https://www.facebook.com/events/3696793737302879/?ref=newsfeed
Fabric of Life Festival
Saint Pius X Primary School, Warrnambool – October 26
In the fabric of life we find our way
Construct it and wear it, get up and flaunt it. The Warrnambool Community Event of the Year for 2023, The F Project’s wearable art celebration returns to pay homage to the Fletcher Jones garment industry of Warrnambool. Last year saw more than 40 entries, including a dress celebrating the history of Vogue magazine and a cape celebrating Warrnambool. This year things are a little different as they do away with categories for one overall category: Here and Wow!
More through https://www.thefproject.org.au/folf-2024
Spookfest
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Potato Shed, Drysdale – October 26 & 27
Spooky, scary skeletons send shivers down your spine
Is there a more frightening sound than a child singing nursery rhymes in the dead of the night? Yes, multiple children singing nursery rhymes in the dead of the night. Sorry, you’re dead. For those unperturbed by things that go bump in the night, Spookfest returns for Halloween on the Bellarine. Join Dolly Diamond (accompanied by Matthew Hadgraft) in a Halloween cabaret show that will have you singing and screaming. A Haunted House will open its doors from 7pm. The following day, October 27, is a creepy and kooky family fun day with circus performances, witches, jumping castle, a disco and more.
More through https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed/default.aspx
Le Festival Français
The Heights Heritage House and Garden, Newtown – October 26 & 27
I was lost in France, and the day was just beginning
Whether you’re a Francophile or your knowledge of France is strictly limited to Plastic Bertrand’s ‘Ça plane pour moi’, there’s plenty to love about the blue, white and red here. Presented by Alliance Française de Geelong in Partnership with the National Trust Australia (Victoria), Le Festival Français is a celebration of the food, wine, language and culture of France. You’ll find music, performance, pétanque, masterclasses, stalls and food so tasty you will need your stretchy pants.
More through https://www.lefestivalfrancais.com.au/
Bendigo Yoga Festival
Dudley House, Bendigo – October 26 & 27
Yoga is as yoga does, there’s no in-between
I used to know a yoga instructor who always ate her food while standing on one leg. When I finally asked why, she replied it was to maintain a balanced diet. Given its health benefits, it is little wonder more than one million Australians enjoy yoga. From the experienced yogis to those limbering up for the first time, the Bendigo Yoga Festival is a weekend of yoga, music, workshops and mindfulness where the aim is to find your flow.
More through https://bendigo.yogafestival.com.au/
Geelong Comedy Festival
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Geelong – October 31 through November 3
Laugh and laugh the whole day through
What do you get when you cross a 1980s pop group with a domesticated South American camelid? Bananallama. Expect to not hear that joke but so much better at the Geelong Comedy Festival. Your comedians include Greg Fleet, Steven Bradshaw, Tom Stanimeros, Matty Grey, Oscar Robertson, Jarryd Goundrey, Jeremy Dooley, Chelsea Byrne, David Rose, Firdi Billimoria, Chelsea Heaney, Simon Taylor, Matt Bell, Zoë Coombs Marr, Geraldine Hickey, Chris Ryan, Luke Heggie, Sonia Di Iorio, Jezz Watts, Lizzy Hoo, Oliver Coleman, Imogen Whittaker and a boatload more.
More through https://geelongcomedyfestival.com.au
