Beav’s Bar Takes the Crown as Australia’s Top Live Music Venue, with Lisa Mitchell Headlining a Special Free Show

The local live music venue will be celebrated in style with national and homegrown talent taking to the stage.

Geelong’s favourite music haunt, Beav’s Bar, is hitting the high notes in a big way, becoming the proud recipient of the inaugural OneMusic Live Music Competition national title. After over two decades of championing Aussie talent, this iconic venue has been officially recognised for its unshakable commitment to live music in a competition that spotlights live venues, fair artist licensing, and music’s role in community culture.

OneMusic Australia & Beav’s Bar presents Lisa Mitchell – Free Live Show supported by Luke Biscan

When: Sunday 22 February 2026
Where: Beav’s Bar, Geelong, Victoria
Cost: FREE (RSVP essential)

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As part of the prize, Beav’s Bar will host Lisa Mitchell, one of Australia’s most beloved indie artists, for a one-of-a-kind performance on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Yes, you heard right—a FREE show in the heart of Geelong, with Mitchell’s soulful melodies taking centre stage in the intimate, community-focused setting that Beav’s Bar is so well known for. Local legend Luke Biscan will set the mood, warming up the crowd with his signature smooth sounds before Mitchell captivates with her spellbinding vocals.

RSVP is essential, so be sure to reserve your spot for what promises to be an unforgettable night of live music in a space that’s been home to countless Australian and local talents.

“This event celebrates live music done right,” says Karen Holmes, Director at OneMusic Australia. “It highlights the importance of music licensing in ensuring artists are paid fairly, while recognising the cultural and economic value live music brings to local businesses and communities.”

Beav’s Bar, which has played an integral role in nurturing the local music scene for over 22 years, has always supported Aussie talent, both local and national. Richard, the bar’s owner, reflects, “We’ve always backed Australian artists and local music. They’re what makes Beav’s Bar what it is today, a place where live music is celebrated and where people from all walks of life come together.”

It’s no surprise that Beav’s Bar, known for its unwavering loyalty to live music, emerged victorious from over 400 venues across the country. With past performances from stars across all genres and a loyal following, it’s no wonder Beav’s Bar has cemented its place as a cultural cornerstone of Geelong.

The addition of Lisa Mitchell to this milestone event is the cherry on top. With a career spanning back to her school days, Mitchell has become a household name in Australian music, with accolades including multiple ARIA and APRA Award nominations and her debut album Wonder winning the Australian Music Prize. Having performed at major festivals like Glastonbury, this is a rare chance to see her in such an intimate venue.

As for Luke Biscan, the mainstay musician returns to his old stomping ground where he regularly led acoustic singalongs to his own tunes, along with crowd-pleasing covers of ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Valerie’. His return to the central Geelong venue pays homage to the venue that made him a local household name.

As Beav’s Bar Venue Manager Siobhan proudly adds, “Live music is truly the heart and soul of Beav’s. We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to OneMusic for selecting us. It’s an honour we’re extremely proud of.”

For Geelong locals, this event is a celebration of what makes our city’s live music scene truly unique. Beav’s Bar is more than just a venue—it’s a symbol of loyalty, passion, and community through open mics, karaoke, and late night live music appreciation. So, don’t miss out on a night of live music that showcases both homegrown talent and national treasures, and celebrate a major win for a venue that champions it all from a grassroots level.

RSVP to attend here.