Photo by Meg Siejka

Gigs going down across Victoria this month

The mosh pit is a great spot to warm up!

Winter sets the perfect stage for live music across regional Victoria this June, with pubs, theatres and community venues buzzing from the Goldfields to the coast. Whether it’s headline touring acts rolling into Castlemaine and Ballarat, hometown favourites filling Geelong venues, or emerging artists bringing fresh energy to intimate stages, regional audiences are spoiled for choice. From indie rock and folk to blues, roots and contemporary pop, the month’s calendar reflects the diversity and strength of Victoria’s live music scene. Rug up, hit the road and discover the talent, atmosphere and local character that make a regional gig one of winter’s great pleasures.

Enjoy your gigs for June!

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

Descendents – The Barwon Club, Geelong on June 3

Thirty years later and everything still sucks. Well, except, coincidentally for Everything Sucks, the album that took SoCal outfit Descendents to new heights.

The Runaway Strings – Town Hall, Ararat on June 4

Balancing humour with reflection, hometown honeys The Runaway Strings shape their sound around folk, bluegrass, blues and country traditions. 

The Jungle Giants – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 5

After spending the past five years gallivanting around the world, The Jungle Giants return – and they’re feeling pretty good. Their new album is Experiencing Feelings of Joy. 

 

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Lash78 – Barwon Club, Geelong on June 5

Sisterly duo Lash78 (Lauren and Sheridan Harvey) pump out the kind of high-energy pop-rock made for large crowds. This show will be a chance to hear some new tunes. 

Steppers – Medusa Bar, Geelong on June 6

Communicated in groove and translated through dance, Melbourne-based soul-funk septet Steppers are stepping out in support of their debut album.

Phoebe Go – Love Shack Brewing, Castlemaine on June 6

One-time vocalist for Snakadaktal, Phoebe Lou is talking a walk in the solo sunshine as Phoebe Go. An album is on the way, but for now you have this cosy little show.  

The Late Entrants & The Presbyterians – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on June 6

The Late Entrants is a folk/indie/rock outfit out of Malmsbury. The Presbyterians are party-starters out of Castlemaine. Together, it’s going to be a wild ride.   

Luke Heggie: I Won’t Say it Again – The Engine Room, Bendigo on June 6

If a band can hit the road with a greatest hits tour, why not a comedian? Luke Heggie has put together the best bits from the past five years in order to give you the biggest laughs. 

Luke Kidgell: Good Intentions – Civic Hall, Ballarat on June 6; Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo on June 13; and Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on June 19  

It has been said that most of the evil done in this world is by those with good intentions. Not here, however. Luke Kidgell just wants to make you laugh. 

After Dark – Volta, Ballarat throughout June 

When you’re not ready to call it a night, Volta’s After Dark is here. Coming at you this month will be Eliza Brayshaw on June 6, Lippa on June 13 and KVG on June 27. 

Pie Night – The Barwon Club, Geelong on June 7 

Bring a bottle of sauce and enjoy the piping hot sounds of The Vee Bees, Bloodsucking Freaks, Sacramento Sweaters, Poppin’ Mommas, Grytt and Mülshlucka. 

Dry Cleaning – Civic Hall, Ballarat on June 7

Good friends make for good music make for good times. South London quartet and genre jugglers Dry Cleaning hit our shores in support of their new album, Secret Love. 

 

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Vika & Linda: Where Do You Come From? – The Capital, Bendigo on June 7 & Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on June 26

In one word, Where Do You Come From?, the new album from Vika & Linda, is about life. Fall into an album that explores identity, ancestry, motherhood, ageing, grief, joy and more. 

Hugh Cornwell – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 10

Pioneering musician, songwriter, performer and original voice of The Stranglers, Hugh Cornwell is widely considered the poet laureate of punk. 

The Darlings Family Trust – Freight Bar & Rooftop, Ballarat on June 11

Rooted in folk, duo The Darlings Family Trust doesn’t mind dipping their toes in the waters of blues, indie-rock and country. Come along for a good time.  

Escape the Fate – The Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Geelong on June 12

What happens in Geelong stays in Geelong. Las Vegas post-hardcore heavyweights Escape the Fate touch down for a few shows. Joining them will be The Word Alive and The Gloom in the Corner. 

The Bats – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 12

Four decades in and as ripe with indie-pop as ever, New Zealand’s The Bats are paying their Australian neighbours a long overdue visit. Joining them will be Good Moon. 

The Superjesus – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 13

Formed in late 1994 before disbanding a decade later, The Superjesus’ second time around has been longer, bigger and better. Come feel the love. 

Jon Stevens – Costa Hall, Geelong on June 13

Take a trip back in time to the ’80s when life was simpler and the body nimbler and enjoy Jon Stevens as he belts out hit after hit from his time with Noiseworks and INXS. 

C.O.F.F.I.N – Volta, Ballarat on June 13 

From boogie to blues to proto-punk to early-hardcore, C.O.F.F.I.N does it all and then some – and they’ve been doing it for more than twenty years.   

 

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Ivan Ooze – Eureka Hotel, Geelong on June 13

If you want to improve the way you groove, look no further than Ivan Ooze’s ‘Move’. It’s the latest single from the rapper that’s first to arrive at a party and the last to leave. 

The Smith & Western Jury – The Taproom (Shedshaker Brewing), Castlemaine on June 13

They’re loud, fast and come loaded with a desert-tinged sound. The Smith & Western Jury ride into town with new single, ‘Lucky Stars’. 

Anti Itch Cream – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on June 13

Purveyor of all that is grind and noise-core, Kae Takahashi is behind Anti Itch Cream. Joining in on the night will be Skezm, Pissbolt and Villarreal.  

HZED – Medusa Bar, Geelong on June 13

Raw and electrifying, hard-hitting and fierce, HZED are coming out to play. They’ll be ably supported here by 64 Kings and 4 Days. 

Mark Seymour – The Capital, Bendigo on June 13 & Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff on June 14 

From ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’ to ‘The Holy Grail’ to ‘Talking to a Stranger’, you’re not going to find many Australian compilations without a track from Mark Seymour. 

Clamm – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on June 18

Not wishing to waste too much time after releasing album Serious Acts last year, punk outfit Clamm are eyeing a new release in 2026. 

The Doll Trilogy – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat from June 18 -21

Kid Stakes, Other Times and Summer of the Seventeenth Doll are the three parts to this 20th-century Australian production that charts the transformation of a nation through various lives. 

Ross Noble: Cranium of Curiosities – Civic Hall, Ballarat on June 19 

If ever there was a cranium that caused curiosity, it would be the Wizard of Waffle, The Rambler Royale, The Noodlers’ Noodler, one Ross Noble.  

 

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The Goddess – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine on June 19

A new collaboration between Mindy Meng Wang and Burkhard Dallwitz will provide the score to Wu Yonggang’s landmark Chinese silent film, The Goddess. 

Cola – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine on June 19

Social vs. Hell and rolling the dice of life. These are two of the things considered on C.O.L.A. (Cost of Living Adjustment), the new release from Montreal trio Cola.

Last Dinosaurs – Torquay Hotel, Torquay on June 19

They’ve played sold-out shows in the US, UK, Europe, Southeast Asia and South Africa, but highly danceable indie-rock outfit Last Dinosaurs enjoys making Australia dance the most.   

Little Bits – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong on June 19

Experimental rappers and producers Super!, Silver Venom AG, One.Nine Wolf, River Adam, Isa AC, J Mylo and Luke Bailey are here to kick out some down and dirty dance, electronic and hip hop. 

The Italian Divorce – The Story House, GAC on June 20

When Pino is kicked to the curb by his wife, there is only one thing a good Italian boy can do: move back in with this parents. Bigger mistakes could be made… but not many.  

Khan – Barwon Club, Geelong on June 20

They grow up so fast, don’t they? Khan is celebrating ten years of doing their heavy, progressive psych thing with a bunch of shows. This one also features Smoke Witch and Skin Thief. 

BSO Chamber Music Series #2 – The Capital, Bendigo on June 21

Violinist Dale Barltrop will be joined by violist Hanna Wallace, cellist Luke Severn, double bassist Rowan Swarbrick and pianist Laurence Matheson for a program of Romantic chamber music. 

Aaron Gocs – Volta, Ballarat on June 25

Sure, you may know him from his viral cricket moment. But chances are you know him as a guy that loves a good time and a good laugh. And that is pretty good. 

Melanie Bracewell: Dilly Dallying – The Capital, Bendigo on June 26

If for no other reason, you should go see Melanie Bracewell’s new show just so you can say dilly dallying. You’ll definitely get a bunch of laughs as well. 

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Costa Hall, Geelong on June 26

Enjoy an evening of lush arrangements as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra warms the room with Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, plus arrangements from Mozart and Strauss. 

 

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Bron Lewis: Chaos – The Open House, GAC on June 26 & Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on June 27

Between an emotional tweenager, a four-year old stalker, a middle one and a rambunctious pooch, there is not a great deal of order in the life of Bron Lewis. And she’s gonna tell you all about it. 

Ross Wilson & the Peaceniks – Paramount Cinemas & Performing Arts Centre, Echuca on June 26 and Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton on June 28

From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock and all the good bits scattered around, Ross Wilson & the Peaceniks are heading out to celebrate a near six-decade career. 

Badlanders – Bells Beach Brewing, Torquay on June 27

With a healthy dose of gothic country rock, Van Walker presents his new outfit Badlanders. Dopamind and Nathan Seeckts will be part of the occasion as well.  

Sweet Talk – Major Tom’s, Kyneton on June 27 

With a tour of the US around the corner, Sweet Talk will bid a sweet farewell with a handful of gigs around the state. ‘Ride Out on Me’ is their latest single. 

Anisa Nandaula: No Small Talk – The Open House, GAC on June 27

If passing the time chatting about the weather or sports isn’t your thing, you are going to get along just fine with Anisa Nandaula.

Danger Den – Medusa Bar, Geelong on June 27 

Originally from Darwin, now based out of Melbourne, and having returned from Japan, pop punk outfit Danger Den get around. They are joined here by Ivy Black and 74 Kings. 

Vague Rituals – Trash Cult, Eaglehawk on June 27

Comprised of alumni from Melbourne, Sydney and Portland’s underground punk scenes, art-punk outfit Vague Rituals is on the prowl.   

No Bull – Volta, Ballarat on June 28

Sydney’s No Bull deliver what their name suggests: high-octane tunes packed with big riffs and rough and gritty vocals. Supported by Lost in the Past and Autophagia.  

Words by Chester Ogilvie and Staff Writer