Festival Guide: January music festivals to make you melt

Surf, sand, beer, and tennis balls - music festivals are hot this month!

There’s nothing more euphoric than kicking off your year at a music festival. Not only do you get to soak up the summer sun, you also get to linger in holiday mode for that extra bit of time.

Victoria in January is prime time for festival celebrations as well. From frothie fests with a side of music, Australian Open season with a serving of stage activity, and sailing with a swell of sound, to dedicated full-blown music moments, there’s a bunch of big ticket events happening across the state this month.

Jump in to explore!

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

Ocean Sounds Festival

WHEN: SAT 10 JAN
WHERE: CHURCHILL ISLAND, VICTORIA

Ocean Sounds returns to the coast! This very special 2026 summer edition of Ocean Sounds Festival is packed with a massive line-up headlined by the Teskey Brothers, the Presets (DJ set), Thelma Plum, Steph Strings. They are joined by Playlunch, Holly Hebe, The Foxy Junes and a special performance from Millowl Dreaming. Alongside some of Australia’s best live acts, Ocean Sounds will also showcase local wines, cheeses and gourmet food vans.

 

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Geelong Beer Festival

WHEN: SAT 17 JAN

WHERE: JOHNSTONE PARK, GEELONG

Delivering an immersive Taste of the Region style festival celebrating the region’s best in food, drink, arts and entertainment, The Geelong Beer Festival will showcase a colossal line-up of world-class breweries, cideries, distilleries, cocktails, vineyards and local gourmet street food. All are complemented perfectly with non-stop live entertainment and curated activities including music from The Grogans, Smoke Stack Rhino, Rhys Crimmin, and the Sound Lounge.

 

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Midsumma Festival

WHEN: 18 JAN – 08 FEB

WHERE: VARIOUS VENUES, MELBOURNE

Australia’s premier celebration of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture returns to Melbourne. Across 22 sun-kissed days and nights, the city lights up with theatre, music, cabaret, visual art, parties and outdoor spectacles that champion LGBTQIA+ artists and communities from Australia and around the world. The program blends a curated Midsumma Presents line-up with a vibrant open-access stream, showcasing stories at the margins, the richness of queer history and the thrill of new ideas.

 

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Festival 23

WHEN: 23 – 26 JAN

WHERE: MACEDON RANGES

Festival 23 is the most playful alternative gathering of music and art lovers set in the picturesque Macedon Ranges. With a lineup featuring Aleksandir, Anthony Pappa, Bushwacka!, Christopher Coe, Deer Jade, DJ HMC, Freq Nasty, Frida Darko, Harrison BDP, HOVR, Joe Hunt, Miss Melera, Osunlade, Pauli Pocket, and Samatha Loveridge, Festival 23 is a favourite boutique experience and one of the most vibrant!

 

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Festival of Sails

WHEN: 24 – 26 JAN

WHERE: GEELONG WATERFRONT, GEELONG

The Festival of Sails is Geelong’s ultimate summer celebration, held every January long weekend on the stunning waterfront. As the largest sailing regatta in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s not just about racing—it’s where world-class sailing meets a three-day festival packed with live music, gourmet food, and unforgettable entertainment. In addition, the Forte and Krock presented Emerging Artist Series will showcase the best local up-and-comers at Tipi at the Bay.

 

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AO LIVE Presents

WHEN:28 JAN – 1 FEB

WHERE: JOHN CAIN ARENA, MELBOURNE

The Australian Open summer tennis season kicks off in January, with a slew of live music performances to celebrate the sport’s return. AO LIVE Presents will be headlined by The Kid LAROI, Peggy Gou, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas and SOFI TUKKER along with soon to be announced acts across an expanded five nights. It adds to the Grand Slam offering that will be running from 12 January – 1 February.

 

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There’s no excuse not to get out and about and experience live music this month!