10 MUST-VISIT EVENTS THIS SUMMER

It's that time of the year again. Events and festivals are being announced and the sun is making its way out (if we are lucky).

There’s nothing quite like a Summer event to get people excited. Combine great tunes, good vibes and local produce with the magical feeling of our coastal towns and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable experience.

We’re not just talking "20-somethings keen to party" Summer events. From blues and roots music festivals to family-friendly festivals, sports events,  local produce festivals and live music nights, there’s something for everyone to look forward to!

Inhale the sea breeze and celebrate the year's best season, SUMMER!

1. Falls Festival Lorne

Falls Festival Lorne is the biggest music festival along the Great Ocean Road. Flying past the quarter-century mark and making a fearless leap into its 26th year, Falls Festival lets loose with an all-star line-up landing amongst the glittering sunsets, cobalt coastlines and disco docklands of the Great Ocean Road. Artists from across Australia and around the world are primed to transform Lorne into one big party. Organise your friends, start a road trip and enjoy the music, arts and gorgeous natural settings at Falls Festival in Lorne.

Entry from $259 // Fri 28 - Mon 31 Dec 2018

https://fallsfestival.com/lorne/

2. New Years Eve at the Brewhouse

Free entry // Mon 31 Dec 2019

www.greatoceanroadbrewhouse.com.au/events

3. Moyneyana Festival

The Moyneyana Festival was first held in 1947 and has developed into a huge range of activities to entertain the whole family. The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the New Year's Eve Procession where many residents and local organisations put together a float, often with a humorous theme, and hope to win the Champion Float prize. Live music both before and after the procession keep the crowds entertained until the dazzling fireworks display at midnight. Other features of the festival include Saturday markets, The Lions Club Art Show, surf lessons, outdoor movies, guided walks, golf competitions, cricket matches, and fun days in the Port Fairy pool.

Free entry // Mon 24 Dec 2018 - Sun 27 Jan 2019

https://moyneyana.port-fairy.com/

4. Summer Music Event at the Brewhouse

If you were a fan of rock 'n roll champs The Vasco Era, you must love Localles. A Melbourne five-piece, with Ted O'Neil and Michael Fitzgerald linking up with John Waller, Paul Doeryn and Jackson Gray to form a talented supergroup! And this supergroup is performing at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse on the 5th of January for one of the biggest Summer music gigs Apollo Bay has seen so far! Listen LIVE to their new singles plus some very special guests, Matt Bourke and the Delusional Drunks.

$10 Entry (100% of raised funds are donated to CFA)

Sat 5 January, 9.30 - 11.00 pm

www.greatoceanroadbrewhouse.com.au/events

5. Lorne Pier to Pub

The GMHBA Lorne Pier to Pub is in its 39th year in 2019 and is the largest ocean water swim in the world. The swim is a 1.2km course starting at the Lorne Pier and finishing on the foreshore in front of the Lorne Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse. It is organised and run by the volunteers of Lorne Surf Lifesaving Club.

$70 entry ($100 for entries after 14th Dec)  // Fri 11 - Sat 12 Jan 2019

http://www.lornesurfclub.com.au/pier-to-pub-events/pier-to-pub/pier-to-pub-home/

6. Apollo Bay Seafood Festival

The Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is a must-visit if you are in the region. It's very popular and people from other regions come and visit Apollo Bay just to try the world-class seafood sourced locally from the waters of the coastal town. With market stalls, live entertainment, kids activities, the Prickly Moses Brewery Bus and a town full of good vibes, it's definitely an event to put high on your list!

$5 Entry // Fri 15 - Sun 17 Feb 2019

www.apollobayseafoodfestival.com

7. Gellibrand River Blues and Blueberry Festival

The Gellibrand River Blues and Blueberry Festival is an annual event held at the Otways Tourist Park venue in Gellibrand. The Festival includes a Market and a Music Festival. The Festival Market will be held at Rex Norman Reserve on Saturday the 23rd February from 9:30 -2 pm, with local food producers, artists and artisans, new exciting activities for the children and of course Blueberry products. Music will continue with local performers entertaining you while you browse. Our region supports some amazing food and produce, so come along for a taste sensation.

The Music Festival is also on the 23rd of February from 12 - 8 pm and brings you the best blues bands in the country, with eight hours of non-stop Blues, local food and craft drinks from Otway Estate Winery and Brewery, home of Prickly Moses Handcrafted Beer.

On Sunday there will be a blues band performing at the Otway Estate Winery & Brewery from 1pm-4pm. It's a picnic style event, so make sure to bring your own picnic rug. Light lunches will be available.

$30 entry ($5 at Otway Estate Winery & Brewery) // Sat 23 - Sun 24 Feb 2019

http://www.bluesandblueberryfestival.com.au/

8. Heywood Wood Wine and Roses Festival

If you are looking for a great day out with the family, Heywood Wood Wine and Roses Festival is the place to be. With food and market stalls, live entertainment, art & craft, photography, and much more, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The festival will take off with a street parade starting at 11 am, and it will finish with spectacular fireworks at 10.30pm, 12 full hours of family fun!

Adult $25, Kids 15+ $15, Kids under 15 free entry // Sat 23 Feb 2019

http://woodwineroses.com.au/

9. Otway Odyssey

The Otway Odyssey is one of Australia’s most respected off-road cycling events thanks to the quality of the single track in the MTB mecca of Forrest. The magnificent wilderness and the electrifying race atmosphere make the day complete! A must-do cycling event for any rider – mountain bikers, roadies and gravel grinders.

Entry fee ranging from $24 - $169 // Sat 23 Feb 2019

http://rapidascent.com.au/OtwayOdyssey/

10. Port Fairy Folk Music Festival

Yes, we know! This festival is not in Summer but just AFTER Summer, but still, it's worth to include! The Port Fairy Folk Festival is a popular annual four-day music festival based in the historic fishing village of Port Fairy.  The first event was held in December 1977 and has been an annual fixture ever since. At first, concentrating on Irish traditional music and culture, the focus has subsequently broadened to include a diverse range of styles and influences, from Blues/Roots to  World Music.

This year, one of Ireland’s most acclaimed female performers, Mary Coughlan, will be joining the festival. But that's not the only big name! Other performers are the sensational Daoirí Farrell with his trio, Tomato/Tomato, Mélisande [électrotrad], Basia Bulat, Bongeziwe Mabandla from South Africa, multi-Latin Grammy award winner Gaby Moreno, and many more!

$270 entry // Fri 8 - Mon 11 March 2019

https://www.portfairyfolkfestival.com/

Which events are on your bucket list this Summer?