A Warm Winter Welcome

So far, the arts organisation has seen award-winning works RGB: Of Many, One, Chrissy Amphlett legacy stage show Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett, the groundbreaking bold contemporary dance offering Lighting The Dark, and the 20-year resurrection of The Glass Menagerie all dazzle under the SEASON 2026 banner. Major names M. Ward & The Undertakers, Ben Knight, Ruthie Foster, and Katy Steele have all delivered standout live sets as part of major tours, and Connor Morel made a homecoming return with Good Man. Looking forward to Winter/Spring, the Geelong Arts Centre events calendar is just as full across theatre, music, comedy, dance, and so much more. 

“It’s jam packed with experiences and something for everyone. Geelong will be full of music this season with national and international acts,” explains Geelong Arts Centre Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director Rhys Holden. Winter/Spring puts a particular emphasis on its live music offering, bringing Australian treasures, international tastemakers, and household names to Geelong audiences. Two heroes of the major touring program are Australian Idol alumni-turned-pop powerhouses, Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian. Both share an enduring and special relationship with Geelong Arts Centre and local audiences. 

“Jess Mauboy and Guy Sebastian have been to Geelong Arts Centre a number of times. In fact, Jess performed at the opening celebrations a few years ago." 

The diversity of the lineup of the next few months is also really wonderful. Our programming team has been hard at work talking to promoters, agents and artists to ensure everyone makes a stop here in Geelong,” says Holden. In addition to their standout concerts, Geelong Arts
Centre presents intimate serenades and close encounters with music greats Ben Folds, Cat Power, Casey Donovan, Kate Ceberano, and UK legends The Sweet to name a few. But it’s not all about the big names and bright lights - local and emerging acts equally share the spotlight. “We’re really fortunate to be able to host major touring productions, so our community doesn’t have to travel to experience those big shows, we’ve got the facilities and the
skilled team to make it all happen. At the same time, supporting local artists is just as important. There’s something special about seeing homegrown talent shine and investing in that helps keep Geelong’s creative scene thriving and strengthens our cultural identity,” Holden notes.

Outside of music, audiences can be immersed in story with stage productions. There’s a groundbreaking origin story of AFLW, a Shakespeare classic reimagined, a one woman meditation, a meta-theatre unfolding, side-splitting comedy, and explorations into a world of wonder. There’s so much to come that it’s almost impossible to make a recommendation. “It’s hard to pick just one! My best advice is to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. If you usually stick to music gigs, maybe give theatre a go with something like Strong is the New Pretty or Macbeth. If you’re more of a theatre lover, you could mix it up with a music performance like Vince Jones or Riebl Tedesco McGill," Holden encorages.
Let the program lead the way, or tap into another kind of Geelong Arts Centre magic with your Show Horoscope (Page 24). It’s accurate - Holden proves it! “I’m a Pisces and you will definitely catch me at POV, our Stage Whisperer has some eerily accurate insights!” 

Whilst the shows are the selling point of the Geelong Arts Centre program, Holden hopes that the experience and the service of the Centre make each performance special, encouraging you to come back regardless of show title. “If you haven’t been here before, we’re hoping you’re bowled over by the warm welcome, the service you’ll receive, the quality of our venues and the performances you’ll witness. The Arts Centre is always a place where we want you to feel transported to another world.”

Go forth through the pages to explore the full Winter/Spring program.