Mystery music event heading to Geelong

GEELONG will become the final stage for a statewide live music tour later this month, with secret performances and surprise artists set to pop up across the city.

Always Live has announced the city as the sixth and final stop on its Victorian Vibes regional series, bringing the free music initiative to a close after a two-month journey through regional Victoria.

Since April, the tour has travelled more than 2,000km, visiting Bendigo, Shepparton, Lorne, Ballarat and Traralgon, where surprise performances have drawn thousands of music fans to streets, venues and public spaces.

The series’ Surf Coast stop saw Lorne transformed by a day of free live music, with performances staged across multiple locations as part of the Victorian government-backed push to bring major music experiences to regional communities.

The Geelong event will take place on Saturday 27 June, with organisers once again keeping artist line-ups and locations under wraps until closer to the day.

Across the tour, audiences have been treated to performances from some of Australia’s best-known acts, including Angus & Julia Stone, Matt Corby, King Stingray, Boy & Bear, Augie March and Middle Kids.

Always Live chief executive Psyche Payne said the regional edition had surpassed expectations.

“From the very first Always Live Vibes event, we knew we had something special on our hands – our run of summer dates through Melbourne’s CBD was magical, but the response from regional Victoria to this statewide edition has exceeded every expectation,” Payne said.

“Every town has shown up with such generosity and spirit, and we are excited to bring this Always Live chapter to a close through the stunning sites of Geelong.”

Tourism minister Natalie Suleyman said the event delivered benefits beyond the stage.

“Events like this strengthen our visitor economy by creating opportunities for local operators while encouraging people to extend their stay and explore the region,” she said.

“Geelong is the ideal location for the next chapter of Always Live Victorian Vibes, offering visitors an incredible mix of music, culture, food and regional hospitality.

“These gigs will continue to show why Geelong is a premier events destination, offering the perfect combination of great music, unique experiences and warm hospitality.”

People planning to attend must register through Always Live to receive performance times and locations closer to the event.

Organisers have advised previous attendees will need to register again specifically for the Geelong event.

Supported by the Victorian government through Visit Victoria, Victorian Vibes forms part of Always Live’s broader program celebrating Victoria’s live music scene while supporting regional tourism and local businesses.

To register for more information, visit alwayslive.com.au