I’m back in the saddle again. Well, perhaps not a saddle. That would require a certain level of poise, grace and core strength that I’ve never really previously possessed. It’s more of a back in a comfortable chair with lower back support again. Now, for anyone other than my editor who may be reading this, you may be wondering who I am. Or not. There is a lot to wonder about that is more wondrous than this. But I’m going to tell you anyway.
I am just some guy who manned this column before the Forte reboot took place by a small team of most excellent individuals to make everything brighter and better. Sure, reboots can be risky. But this is not a gritty reimagining or a betrayal of the original. This is one we feel carries the old warmth with a splash of new soul. And now that things are running smoothly, I have been invited back to the fold – either as a trusted hand, or cautionary tale. Possibly both. Probably both.
Now, if I am to be honest my hiatus has, some may say, not been spent with a particular sense of productivity. “Shoot for Lars”, my Dad used to say. Eh, I’m quite sure the expression is shoot for the stars, I would retort. “No, shoot for Lars Ulrich”. A Metallica fan he was not. Considering his wayward advice, perhaps it’s little wonder passages of my time have been spent wistfully looking skywards while listening to ‘Always on My Mind’ and pondering if Forte was doing the same about me.
So, if you’re new, perhaps think of these guides as a slightly overgrown garden. There’s a little colour between the weeds. Things may grow in directions in which you don’t wish them to grow. Occasionally something will pop up that probably shouldn’t be grown. But intentions are largely good and on the odd occasion it produces something hopefully worth picking.
With my back in proper alignment, no real word count, little editorial leash, and only the vaguest commitment to occasional mild amusement, I’m ready to sling you festival, event and gig news in a half-baked but (hopefully) somewhat convenient fashion once more.
I hope you enjoy June’s festivals and events…
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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Ballarat – throughout June
If you’re a freak like me, wave your flag
Whether you’re attending an event, supporting a friend or simply taking a moment to learn, Ballarat Pride Festival returns to recognise the past, revel in today and eye a brighter future while celebrating identity, resilience and love. This is a declaration that LGBTIQA+ lives, voices and stories matter.
Events include a variety of exhibitions such as Queer Views III, Ballarat Community Health’s Pet Pride, Momento Mori and Little Figures, Long Shadows, Qhub drop-in sessions for U12 and high-schoolers, film showcases, cabaret, Ballarat Pride Yarnbombing Project, Aunty Banana’s Lip Sync Workout, spoken word, drag bingo, trivia, pride market, In Conversation, youth pride ball, Rainbow Curry Night, workshops and a fashion show. Sturt Street will also display their Floral Pride Flag throughout the duration of celebrations.
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Golden Vine Hotel, Bendigo – June 6
I had to do my chores today, so I am really ticked off
What’s ticking you off these days? The cost of living? Global unrest? Features with long-winded introductions? Whatever your peeve, this festival is your reprieve. Your line-up is Total Buzzkill, GhostSeeker, Russian Novel, Tranquillity Unknown, Soulsleep, Transience, Spacegoat, Suffer the Evenue, Didactic and Two Steps Forward.
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Melbourne – through June 8
Come on up for the rising
Welcome to RISING and a joy you never knew existed. From a fresh beat to a visual curiosity, here is an electric festival of new music, new energy and new perspectives that clicks so well it feels personal. This is an event built for discovery.
Music performances/events include Day Tripper, Saint Levant, Daniel Avery, Cate Le Bon, Saul Williams meets Carlos Niño & Friends, TR/ST, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Adrian Sherwood, Bass Lounge, Anaiis and Kahil El’Zabar: Afternoon of Rhythm and Wine.
Art events include Furby Chorus & Friends, Flower Power, First Peoples Melbourne Art Trams and Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations.
Dance events include Australian Dance Biennale, Love Lock and Forever & Ever, The Shepherds, Voyage into Infinity, Defend the Throne and Sissy Ball 8: The Doll House.
Performance events include Nowhere, The Supposed to Be, A Large Attendance in the Antechamber and Defend the Throne at Bunjil Place.
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Castlemaine – June 5-7
Take some skins, jazz begins
It’s the music of the unexpected. Built upon a foundation of deep craft, jazz trickles out to spontaneity, improvisation and conversation between players. And when it’s set in a town with a creative heartbeat, it’s the cat’s pyjamas.
Performers include The Hackney Sacks, The Dozeytones, The Capitol Theatre Orchestra, The ’Maine Course, Shirazz, Simpatico, Bluetone Assembly, The Anticlinal Fold, Exit Left, The Velvetones, Femmes de la Résistance, Afrospace Interchange, Mad Vantage, Mount Kujo, Low Down Big Band, Pearly Shells String Orchestra, Firefly Horns, Pip Avent’s Mouldy Jazz, Vida Jazz, Lena Mitchell’s Low Lounge Collective, The Little Brass Band, From Paris to Brazil, Maggie Jackson, Aryo Seno Ensemble, Dans Les Arbres, Girls Night In, Charlie & Co, Katrina B Quintet, Royal Australian Navy Jaxx Ensemble, Melbourne Tramways Big Band, Melba Big Band, Monkey Stick, Big Bang Frequency, Red Sand Big Band, Nat Bartsch Quintet and Vince Jones & Paul Grabowsky.
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Portarlington – June 5-8
I’m so Celtic, he’s so Celtic, you’re so Celtic, we’re all so Celtic
Come feel the warm, salty embrace of the National Celtic Festival as it raises a pint to the Emerald Isle. With the air rich in the scent of hearty fare, this winter-warmer festival could charm the socks off a statue. Oh, you better bet there will be shenanigans.
Performers include John Carty, Brendan Mulholland & Gerry McKeague, Colm Broderick & Niamh Dalton, Hat Fitz & Cara, Double Shot Maggie, Amaidi, Out of Hand, Mad Kelpie Playdate, The Surround, Austral, Kris Mizzi, Fiona Ross, Monique Clare & Loni Fitzpatrick, Bush Gothic, Dan Musil, Keys of Life Social Music Group, Rich Davies & the Low Road, Sam O’Connell, Tasman Crossing, The Surround, Tim Scanlan and Mana Okubo. You’ll also find a selection of events taking in family, workshops, pipes and drums, hurling, dance, highland cattle, visual art and storytelling.
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Woodend – June 5-8
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Fill your soul with a rich stew of classical music, jazz, world music, literary events, visual arts and educational programs. Inspired by the French village festival model, namely Aix-en-Provence, WWAF invites the audience right into the very heart of the festival.
Music performances include Bach: Musical Offerings, Ancient Letters, 1001 Nights!, A Breath of Fresh Air!, Uplift, Ensemble Area 57, Two Visions of the Sonata: Liszt and Kouvaras, Monteverdi’s Vespers, Variations and Remembrance, The Art of Close Harmony and Opera Unmasked: ARIAs and Anecdotes. Words and Ideas events include AI, Culture and the Self, The Power of Community, Preach to the Converted, The Marriage Game, Visions of Beethoven, Look After Your Feet, The Power of Picture Books and Poetry and AI is Masquerading as Human.
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Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne – June 6 & 7
Comic book characters never grow old. Evergreen heroes whose stories were told
You’re watching your favourite TV show for the eleventh time. You know people think you’re a little mad, but there is a comfort and joy in the familiar. Then you spot something new. Something you hadn’t seen in the previous ten watches. What will you discover on the next watch? Come join the pop culture party as Comic-Con celebrates all the things we love about all the things we watch, collect, play and read.
Film and TV guests include Giancarlo Esposito, Summer Glau, Emilie de Ravin, Barrett Wilbert Weed, Bitsie Tulloch, Chris Tergliafera, David Giuntoli, Georgina Leahy and Gordon Cormier. Comic and author guests include Alex Trpcevski, Ellie Marney, Gary Proudley, George Ivanoff, Katie Fraser, Luke Arnold, Noah Dao, T.R. Napper and Trev Wood.
Panel discussions, live performance, cosplay, meet and greets, lip sync battles, trading, tabletop gaming, console gaming and Dr Pickles Tattoo Alley also feature.
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Heathcote – June 6-8
Breaking out of your small town, show them what you’re all about
Come for the show, stay for the small town hospitality. Across the King’s Birthday weekend, more than twenty locations will invite you to see just what is so good about Heathcote. From exclusive tastings and new releases to gourmet food and live music, it’s a show fit for a, well, king.
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Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong – June 7
A kiss and a cuddle, a hot meat pie
If you run with a dangerous crowd and you ain’t too pretty and you ain’t too proud, this is for you. After all, only the good pie young. Brace yourself for a night of local garage rock, punk and underground favourites, plus a chance to win some super sweet prizes. Your line-up is The Vee Bees, Bloodsucking Freaks, Sacramento Sweaters, Poppin’ Mommas, Grytt and Mülshlucka.
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Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo – June 11-13
Arts and crafts is all I need
If you’re yarning for more craft time, CraftAlive will leave you in stiches. Not only will you have access to hands-on events featuring world-class teachers, you also have all your favourite retailers with the latest craft supplies, kits and accessories.
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Geelong West Town Hall, Geelong – June 13
Tell me what you want, what you like, it’s okay
Some events fill a calendar. Others, they fill a community. And Community is one of the Big Three Cs that will come together for the Geelong Pride Expo: Connection, Celebration and Community. Enjoy a day of interactive fun, face painting, a lively photo wall and entertainment. Light catering will be on hand as well. Come as you are.
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Ballarat Mining Exchange, Ballarat – June 19
Pour me a glass of cold, dark beer
Take a walk on the dark side and reward your curiosity as the Obsidian Dark Beer Festival returns to where light beer fears to tread. Dark beers are built for the great indoors. They’re a cosy companion that quenches your thirst – and, if legend is to be given any weight, satiate your hunger. One thing that will for sure fill you up is a new event for 2026 – a Degustation Dinner featuring four courses, two tastings per course and a souvenir glass.
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Bellarine Arts Centre – June 19 & 20
Ring out, ring solstice bells
It’s the shortest day of the year, but the longest night becomes the perfect time to gather with friends, engage in stories and let local voices light up the stage. Theatre 3Triple2 is at it again with two original plays, beautifully complemented by warm open fires, preshow and interval live music and even a mulled wine if it tickles your fancy. Your plays are Jade Kemp’s Unravel and Jack Price’s Acquisition.
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Geelong – June 19 through July 19
I’m hungry. I want some food for my tum
There are picky eaters. There are adventurous eaters. There are those who know exactly what they’re going to order and there are the ‘can you please come back in five minutes’ types. Some love it spicy, others love it subtle, others sweet. From the curious culinary crusaders to the midnight fridge raiders, Tastes of Geelong is a festival that showcases and celebrates the region’s finest food and hospitality offerings.
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Adventure Park, Geelong – June 20 through August 9
Can you see our city glowing?
Two snowmen are chewing the fat. One turns to the other and asks, ‘can you smell carrots?’ Come along and put your snowman-building skills to the test in the giant Snow Play area. Gumboots and gloves are recommended for this one. Or spend a little time strolling the 2km night sky trail and its 3.3 million dazzling lights and 1000+ light installations. If you have a need for speed, step up to the ice toboggan ride. And when you’re all tuckered out, feast on ooey-gooey marshmallows over a crackling fire. Just don’t burn your tongue.
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Castlemaine – June 26-28
This night is the perfect antidote
Working under the theme Love – The Antidote, the Castlemaine Documentary Festival is here to inform, provoke thought and connect the audience with its subject matter. Hold out your plate for a slice of life.
Sessions include Rod Quantock: Comedy Warrior, Agridulce (Bittersweet), LOCALS, The Golden Spurtle, How Deep is Your Love, The Bend in the River, Move Ya Body – The Birth of House (plus DJ Jen Moore), We Are Not Powerless, Secret Mall Apartment, Buck’s Harbor, Coexistence, My Ass! and Love Compilations. You’ll also find Duang’s Porridge & Congee Breakfast and the Community House Pop-Up Kitchen.
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Rosalind Park, Bendigo – June 26 through July 12
Take me to Wonderland
Step outside the ordinary, rewire your senses and set foot inside a glowing wonderland of dazzling lights, colour and pure imagination. This after-dark playground for ages of all is filled with interactive experiences, projections and cutting-edge audio-visual magic. It’s like stepping inside a living storybook.
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Portarlington Parks Hall, Portarlington – June 27
Country love’s the way that I love you
Saddle up, partners, because love is galloping into town. If you’re single, come along and mingle. If you’re taken, no worries – just get your booty shakin’. This is a heart-stirrin’, chart-toppin’, rootin’-tootin’ ultimate date night with a country flavour. Your line-up is Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Jay & Mark O’Shea and Gina Jeffreys & Rod McCormack.
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So don your beanie and boots and get out this winter for some truly spectacular events and festivals.
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