Your guide to music, markets, festivals, food, family days and plenty of reasons to head down the coast this spring.
Spring on the Bellarine is when the peninsula really starts to hum. Cellar doors throw open their gates, live music moves from pubs to heritage trains, markets return and Queenscliff gears up for its biggest musical weekend of the year.
Here are some upcoming spring events worth putting in the diary – and booking your next stay for!
Portarlington Community Market
Sunday 27 September
WG Little Reserve
Held on the 4th Sunday of the month through to April this is the biggest, busiest and most picturesque market on the Bellarine.
The Blues Train
Saturday 3 October (plus additional dates throughout spring)
Queenscliff Railway Station
Four live blues and roots acts, four heritage railway carriages and a journey through the Bellarine countryside. One of the peninsula’s most distinctive nights out.
Book The Blues Train
A Tribute to the Women of Soul Singers
Saturday 3 October
Cellar Bar, Royal Hotel Queenscliff
Prefer your live music with a pub atmosphere? Head to the Cellar Bar for an intimate night celebrating the women of soul.
More information: royalqueenscliff.com.au/events/
Day Out with Thomas
3–4 October
Bellarine Railway, Queenscliff
A family favourite returns to the Bellarine Railway, with Thomas & Friends, train rides and children’s entertainment.
Bookings and information
Point Lonsdale Primary School Market
Sunday 11 October
The second Sunday of the month brings this much-loved community market to Point Lonsdale.
Neil Diamond Tribute Show
Tuesday 13 October | 10:30am–12pm
Bellarine Arts Centre
Garry Johns brings Neil Diamond’s greatest hits to life, including Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, I Am… I Said and Forever in Blue Jeans. Morning tea provided.
Bookings and information
Queenscliffe Literary Festival
16–25 October
Queenscliff – various locations
A celebration of Australian writers, books, ideas and conversation across venues around Queenscliff.
Find out more
James Reyne — Fall of Crawl
Saturday 24 October
Bellarine Estate
Spend the day in wine country before settling in for James Reyne live at Bellarine Estate.
Tickets via Bellarine Estate
Drysdale Community Market
Sunday 18 October
Drysdale Reserve
The third Sunday of the month brings the Drysdale community together for a relaxed morning of local stalls and produce.
Spookfest 2026
Saturday 31 October
Bellarine Arts Centre
Halloween comes to the Bellarine with outdoor entertainment, face painting, balloon twisting, games, reptiles and more. $5 admission, with additional-cost activities including slime making, cookie decorating and dinosaur theatre. Bring: A picnic, or grab something from the food vendors on site.
Bookings and information
Toast to the Coast
31 October – 2 November (Melbourne Cup long weekend)
Various locations on the Bellarine Peninsula
More than 30 Bellarine cellar doors open for a huge weekend of wine, food, tastings, pairings and live music.
Check participating wineries and event information before heading out.
Queenscliff Music Festival
Friday 27 – Sunday 29 November
Princess Park, Queenscliff
The event that brings the spring calendar to a massive crescendo.
The 2026 lineup includes Matt Corby, Lime Cordiale, Baker Boy, Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, Kate Miller-Heidke, Meg Mac and Tim Rogers, among others.
There are camping options, family programming and multiple venues around Queenscliff, making it an excellent excuse for a full weekend on the peninsula.
Queenscliff Music Festival — official tickets & information
Queenscliff Community Market
Sunday 29 November
Lower Princess Park, Queenscliff
The monthly market returns, coinciding with the music festival. Discover an array of innovative stalls with unique art and handcrafts, original jewellery, mouth-watering street food, garden plants, tasty baked goods, free live music and more!
