Surf, soul and summer vibes: your guide to gigging this January

From dancefloors to vineyards, the ultimate summer soundtrack is happening in our live music venues this month!

January is shaping up to be a scorcher for live music along the Barwon Coast, with a jam-packed lineup that’s as eclectic as it is electric. From dancefloor-shaking anthems by viral superstars Bag Raiders to the euphoric horns of Melbourne’s Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, the Surf Coast and Goldfields are brimming with sounds to suit every taste. Folk, alt-country, indie, rock and legendary Australian icons line the calendar, while festivals, intimate brewery gigs, and beachside stages offer the perfect backdrop for summer nights spent discovering new favourites and reliving classics. Get ready to pack your calendar—and your dancing shoes.

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

Bag Raiders

When: Friday 9 January

Where: Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Heads

‘Shooting Star’ viral superstars, Bag Raiders out to the Barwon Heads for a mammoth night of electric bangers. The icons of the dance scene will be armed with their latest dancefloor anthem ‘Hold Me’ along with their cult classics ready for shape cutting and feet shuffling. Expect a career showcase including 2024’s ‘Flowers’ and ‘SAVE ME’, along with your favourites. 

Joe Goddard (Hot Chip)

When: Sunday 11 January

Where: Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Joe Goddard from UK legends Hot Chip returns to Theatre Royal in Castlemaine a year on from his triumphant sold out summer set early in 2025 to play a DJ set. Expect to hear a masterful mix of fun dance tunes, Hot Chip jams and whatever else Joe decides to add in on the night from career projects The 2 Bears, HARD FEELINGS, and his solo efforts.

Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird

When: Thursday 15 January

Where: The Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong

To celebrate the recent release of their fourth album, Rosewater Crocodile, beloved Melbourne five-piece Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird will hit the road in Victoria regional cities in early 2026 for a run of Summer shows that promises to be nothing short of unforgettable. Their Barwon Club stop in will include their signature flare of euphoric horns, and Lachy Rose’s soul-stirring vocals.

Red Hot Summer Tour

When: Saturday 17 January

Where: Warrnambool Racecourse

The Red Hot Summer tour is turning it up a notch for a scorching all Australian line-up for the 2026 series. The renowned outdoor festival will be headlined by the most iconic and enduring singer/songwriter, Paul Kelly. The master storyteller will be supported by much loved crowd favourites, Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers, and Jess Hitchcock.

Whimsical Tricycle

When: Saturday 17 January

Where: Bells Beach Brewing Co, Torquay

Join critically acclaimed folk duo Whimsical Tricycle, as they bring their brightest tunes to the Bells Beach Brewing Co venue. Consisting of life partners Kieran Butler and Michelle Wilson, Whimsical Tricycle blends violin and acoustic guitar topped with gorgeous vocals across covers and originals, bound to send shivers down your spine.

The Growlers

When: Friday 23 January

Where: Torquay Hotel, Torquay

After six long years, cult-favourite band The Growlers return to Australia as part of their first global run since 2019—a highly anticipated revisit that fans old and new have been waiting for. Led by Brooks Nielson with a revised lineup, their “Beach Goth’ brand of rock music lends nicely to the Surf Coast venue. Expect ‘Night Ride’, ‘Going Gets Tough’, ‘Dope On A Rope’ and more classics.

Lightning & Rhinestones

When: Sunday 25 January

Where: Shedshaker Taproom, Castlemaine

The hottest alt-country festival in the land is coming to the Taproom! Supported by Forest Creek Tattoos, Lady Adventurer & MainFM – Lightning & Rhinestones is a honky-tonk good time in the goldfields with a lineup of Ben Mastwyk and his Millions, Bad Bitch Rodeo, No Sleep Till Texas, Freya Josephine Hollick, Bad Debts, and an artisan market to go with it. 

Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows

When: Fri 30 Jan 2026

Where: Bellarine Estate

An Australian music icon returns to the coast. Joe Camilleri leads The Black Sorrows through soul, blues and rock staples — a powerhouse performance guaranteed to get the vineyard grooving. With a catalogue spanning decades including ‘Harley & Rose’, ‘Chained to the Wheel’, and ‘Never Let Me Go’, The Black Sorrows continue to captivate audiences. They are supported by local legends The Mojo Corner.

Find out more gigs happening across regional Victoria this month here.