We are spoiled for choice when it comes to cultural and community events taking place across the Bellarine these school holidays.
If you’re looking for inspiration to get outdoors or escape the heat this summer, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in arts and culture over the break.
This holidays, Barwon Heads’ Lahey Square Park will be transformed into a vibrant hub boasting live music, food trucks and carnival rides as the Wonderland Summer Festival takes over Barwon Heads.
Main stage performances include tribute bands playing hits from INXS, ABBA and Fleetwood Mac, so lace up your dancing shoes.
Or settle in for a screening at the open-air cinema, with classics like Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Footloose, The Wizard of Oz and The Greatest Showman on the program.
The Blues Brews & Smokin BBQ will take over the festival this Sunday, with an all- Australian blues lineup gracing the stage from 4pm.
The Wonderland Summer Festival runs daily until 27 January. To view the full lineup, visit universe.com/users/wonderland-presents-CVYKMX
It really is a summer of live music, with acts popping up across the peninsula.
Hopefully the weather will be clear – rather than four seasons in one day – for the Pineapplehead – Crowded House Unplugged event at Oakdene on 24 January.
Experience these timeless songs in an intimate, stripped-back setting at Manor Suite Wine Bar. It’s only natural that you’ll want to nab tickets before it sells out.
If you’re looking to escape the heat this summer, our regional galleries have a diverse range of engaging exhibits to entice guests indoors.
Ocean Grove’s Hive Gallery is displaying the work of local artist Kaz Shirley in Dreaming in Colour until 1 February.
Kaz is the force behind the much-loved Bellarine Arts Trail, and this exhibit is a fantastic demonstration of her exuberant and joyful work.
If you’re looking to support our local artisans and creatives this holidays, you may find something of interest at the Barwon Heads Makers Market.
The market has been relocated to the riverbank on Jetty Road opposite Barwon Heads Hotel, and is expected to attract more makers, artists, and producers from across the region.
The market is scheduled for every Saturday in January, so if you’re in the area, be sure to head over and check out the wonderful range of goods on offer.
And to round out a summer break, venture over to the Ocean Grove Summer Market on 1 February.
Rotary Club of Ocean Grove does a brilliant job organising the market, and it’s always great to see the broad range of stalls each month at Ocean Grove Park.
Whether you’re after bahn mi or momos, garden decorations or hand sewn creations, there’s certainly something at the Ocean Grove Summer Market for you.
If you’re a music lover, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a family day out, the Bellarine truly shines during the summer months.
These events do a wonderful job highlighting the local talent and community spirit in our region.
Regardless of whether you’re a local to the peninsula, or you’re just here for the summer, I hope you take the opportunity to get out and explore these events that help make our part of the world so uniquely special.
