Get ready for a night of infectious grooves, soaring solos and high-energy musicianship as meta4 returns to Geelong for a special hometown show Friday 11th September, 2026 at the iconic Barwon Club Hotel .

Blending funk, soul, jazz and modern fusion, META4 delivers a set packed with deep pockets, tight arrangements and explosive improvisation,

From groove-heavy originals to fresh takes on modern classics, every performance is built to get the room moving. Joined by special guests Euphoric and Cooper Nathanael. Whether you're a musician, a funk fanatic, or just looking for a great night of live music, this is a show you won't want to miss.

Euphoric are a 6-piece rock group formed in 2024, consisting of Evie Tomkins and Heidi Warnock on vocals, Charlie Gregory on guitar, Felix Rankin on drums, Mia Pearce on bass and Will Harrison on keys. The band have honed their skills around Victoria, performing covers and originals with a focus on tight grooves and stunning vocal harmonies.

Cooper Nathanael is a Melbourne based indie folk singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist focused on creating stories and musical experiences designed to relate to each person in the crowd. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Missy Higgins, James Taylor, John Mayer, and Lizzy McAlpine, Cooper strives to create a quiet space in a busy world.

Bring your mates, grab a drink, and experience one of Geelong's most exciting young live bands in one of the city's premier live music venues.

Doors 7:30pm

Tickets

$15 + b/f Pre-Sale / $20 Door

META4 Live @ The Barwon Club

The Darts (USA) are touring Australia in September 2026, including a stop right here in Geelong at The Barwon Club Hotel on Saturday 12th September, 2026, before supporting The Damned in Melbourne. With supports - TBC Joining them on the BC bill kicking off in the bandroom from 7:30pm.

The Darts now based in Seattle, Washington, formed in 2016 with the goal of making great all-grrl garage-rock, seeing the world, and having a fab slumber party every night. The four women threw on vintage black slips, kicked off their shoes, and set out on the adventure.

In the first year, the band put out two self-produced EPs and signed with Dirty Water Records (UK), which then released the first full-length vinyl, Me.Ow (2017). Dirty Water then re-released the first two EPs as a second full-length vinyl, The Darts (2017). The band immediately went on tour with The Living End and Billie Joe Armstrong’s The Longshot, and soon found themselves on big European stages like Sjockfest, Cosmic Trip, and Roots n Roses.

In 2025, with a new lineup of singer/founder Nicole Laurenne (lead vocals, organ), Lindsay Scarey (bass, backup vocals), Rebecca Davidson (guitar), and original Darts drummer Rikki Watson (drums, backup vocals), the band toured the entire USA alongside Dion Lunadon and SERVICE and again invaded Europe for several months, performing on the main stage at huge international festivals: Binic Folk & Blues Fest, BearStone Fest, Relache Fest, Boneyard Weekender, Rocketmen Fest, CornRock Fest, Dollfest, Gonerfest, and Tough Enough Fest.

The band returned to the studio at Station House in Los Angeles and recorded the latest full-length LP, Halloween Love Songs (2026 Adrenalin Fix Music / Meow Hiss Music). Nicole wrote the album with the intention of side A being spooky-fun Halloween kitsch for trick-or-treating as the sun sets, and the darker sound of side B rocking the after-midnight bonfire with the leftover candy.

The album was released in both the USA and Europe on March 3, 2026. A huge album release tour is covering the USA, Europe, UK, and Japan now hits Australia encompassing most of 2026.

Doors 7:30pm

Tix $20+ b/f Presale / $25 Doors

The Darts (USA)

The 3220 Sessions returns to the Barwon Club Hotel on Friday 18 September, 2026 celebrating Geelong and the Surf Coast’s thriving original live music scene.

Discover three emerging acts delivering soul, funk, indie, alternative and rock in one of the city’s most iconic bandrooms.

Boogie Riverside are an emerging Surf Coast and Melbourne collective blending neo-soul, jazz and deep funk into rich, infectious grooves currently making a big noise around town.

Gooodwood are a Geelong three-piece delivering original indie rock with driving guitars & hooky melodies for days, they've just released crowd favourite single Footy Records (I Love Jeremy Cameron)

Shark Jaw ( formerly know as Rising Tides) are a rising local act bringing a fresh, hard-edged dose of alt rock to the Barwon Club stage.

Get in early, grab a Pub Feed and head out into the BC Bandroom and get Live, Loud & Local!

Tickets

$15 +b/f Presale / $20 Door

Doors 7pm

3220 Sessions : Boogie Riverside, Goodwood + Sharkjaw

Drencher Festival 2026 – Geelong’s Heavy Metal Mecca Returns.

Get ready for the fifth year of Geelong’s most brutal and boundary-pushing heavy music event: Drencher Festival. On Saturday, September 19th, The Barwon Club Hotel will once again transform into a thunderous arena for fans of death metal, thrash, grindcore, punk, and everything in between.

This year, Drencher is set to deliver its most intense lineup yet, featuring some of Australia’s most ferocious acts.

Line Up:

Segression (NSW)

Infernal Method (NSW)

Munitions (VIC)

Allocer (WA)

Tongue Scum (VIC)

Rat Tomb (VIC)

Artifact (NSW)

What Most You Fear (VIC)

Godspeed! (VIC)

Presale Tix $50+b/f

Doors 1:00pm

DRENCHER FESTIVAL 2026

Garden Lane's sophomore single WAKE UP! is coming your way, and they're gonna celebrate with a gig at the good old Barwon Club in their home city of Geelong on Friday 25th September, 2026.

They'll bring the punky energy of WAKE UP! alongside other favourites from across their eclectic discography, joined by Bigfoot Sighting and Pseudo Jazz!!!

Garden Lane is a three piece indie/alternative band proudly hailing from Djilang, Victoria. They blend introspective, honest songwriting with playing influenced by jazz, punk, and classic rock to create an eclectic, emo-inspired sound. Co-fronted by Storm Randall (vocals, guitar, keys) and Molly Freeman (vocals, bass, banjo, guitar) and supported by the powerful rhythms of Xander Randall (drums), Garden Lane hopes to make art that matters and connect with their audiences.

Tickets

Presale $15 + bf / $20 at the door

Doors 7pm

Garden Lane : WAKE UP! Single Launch

A ripper triple bill hits The Barwon Club Hotel bandroom this October, headlined by The Johnnys Sydney's cowpunk originals who've been tearing up pub stages since 1982, fusing punk snarl with country twang into one of Australian rock's most infectious live sets joined by Benny J & The Psych Ward + Lava Fangs on Friday 2nd October, 2026 from 7:30pm

Benny J & The Psych Ward fronted by Perth songwriter Benny J Ward (Rinehearts) and stacked with alt-rock royalty from The Meanies and Even providing power pop hooks with garage rock grit.

Kicking things off Melbourne outfit Lava Fangs who'll bring their self-described "junk food, trash culture, garage rock" with surf-punk energy from a band who clearly know how to throw a party.

Three bands, one big night in the BC Bandroom. Get in early this one's got legs.

Tickets

$30 +b/f Presale / $35 Door

Doors 7:30pm

The Johnnys

Amplify Queenscliff and Amplify Geelong come together to celebrate emerging local artists with an afternoon of live music on Saturday 3rd October at The Barwon Club from 12:30pm.

Featuring Good Sniff, with support from G-String Nicotine, Vapour and Caught In The CrossFire.

Good Sniff are a garage punk-rock duo formed on the Bellarine Peninsula. Made up of bassist Elias Hodson and drummer/vocalist Lachie Brown, their music has taken them across multiple venues and festivals around Victoria.

FREE ENTRY // ALL AGES

Alcohol, drug, vape & smoke-free event. NO PASS OUTS.

Doors 12:30pm | Music from 1pm | Good Sniff 3–4pm

Entry via the Bandroom

Good Sniff

After unleashing the powerful ARIA-charting 'Necko II' to a sold-out Metro Social in their hometown of Sydney, Necko bring their theatrical blues-drenched rock Come As One Tour to The Barwon Club Hotel on Friday 9th October, 2026.

The trio moves from a whisper to a roar with Alek Necko's delicate falsetto and vintage wail over snarling guitar work, Reno Torrisi's explosive drumming and Alex Damon's dextrous bass and keys. The versatility can be heard on the new EP: an echo down the hall from the '70s that travels from the rush of newfound desire to the darkness of heartbreak, bookending a journey of medieval themes.

GRAMMY winners Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters, Muse) and Al Sutton (Greta Van Fleet) combine their retro analogue approaches on production and mixing respectively to spotlight the rawness of each member's performance across the six tracks, delivering a pristine and classic-sounding record that the band embellishes live with extended solos in the spirit of their arena rock influences.

Expect an immersive performance that captures the grandeur of one of Australia's most exciting emerging rock acts.

SUPPORTED BY THE ROBBIES AND THE ROUTINE.

Tix $21.50+b/f Presale / $30 Door

Doors 7:30pm

Necko - Come As One Australian Tour

Join us at The Barwon Club to commemorate Ivy Black - In Loving Memory as things come full circle on Sunday 11th October from 2pm in the BC Bandroom.

Dearly beloved, it is with a heavy heart we announce the end of Ivy Black. Since their first gig in March 2022, Ivy Black have prided themselves on being a memorable, high energy pop-punk DIY quintet.

Since their 2022 live debut at The Barwon Club, Ivy Black have been tricky to put into a category. Too melodic and poppy for metal and hardcore gigs, but too hard hitting and high energy for indie or pop rock lineups. The group share their passion for high energy performances, but each member brings vastly differing influences to the stage to create the pop-punk-esque sound of Ivy Black.

With heavy metal core inspired riffs, rockabilly and stoner rock leads, prog bass lines, arena rock drum fills and introspective pop-punk vocals, Ivy Black are sure to have a draw card for every listener.

Having played at The Barwon Club over a dozen times, including their live debut and both the BROKEN and FRAGILE EP launches, Ivy Black are proud to return to their beloved home ground for one last dance.

Opening proceedings are our long time friends Left At The Avenue, followed by our arch rivals Blyss and yeehaw hardcore outfit Miseryguts.

Tickets

Presale $20 +b/f / Door $25

Early Doors 2:00pm

Ivy Black

Left At The Avenue

blyss

MISERYGUTS

Ivy Black - In Loving Memory

The amazing Out Of Control Army are heading to Australia for the very first time this October landing at the Barwon Club on Thursday 15th October, 2026 for an explosive national tour presented by Focus Group Music and Ska Nation.

Formed in Mexico City in 2014, the amazing Out Of Control Army have become one of the most exciting bands in the international ska scene. Fusing classic Jamaican ska roots, punk energy, Latin fire and powerhouse brass arrangements, the band has built a reputation for unforgettable live performances and a rapidly growing worldwide following. Their music combines sharp musicianship, infectious rhythm and the kind of crowd connection that turns every show into a celebration.

Australian audiences may already know of the band through their 2024 Mexican tour with Melbourne Ska Orchestra, a successful run that helped spark their desire to tour Australia. A special recording from that tour is set for release to coincide with these long-awaited Australian dates.

Joining them on all shows are Melbourne ska favourites The Resignators. Formed in 2005, The Resignators are one of Australia’s most respected ska acts, known for high-energy performances, strong songwriting and a horn-driven sound that blends ska, reggae, punk and soul influences. Over two decades they have toured widely, built a loyal following and represented Australian ska on the international stage.

Earlier in 2026, The Resignators joined the amazing Out Of Control Army in Mexico, where the two bands formed a strong friendship that now brings them together again for this special Australian run.

Expect massive brass lines, dancefloor rhythms, singalongs, punk spirit and the joyful energy that only ska can deliver. This is a rare chance to catch one of Mexico’s finest live bands on their debut Australian visit, backed by one of Australia’s best.

Do not miss the amazing Out Of Control Army with special guests The Resignators this October.

Tickets on sale Thursday April 30th at 10am

Presale $50 + b/f presale / $65 on door

Out Of Control Army (Mexico) Australia 2026

Stars & Bars Festival Geelong is an Epic one-day Multi Locale Magical Mystery Musical Bus Tour and regional discovery experience connecting live music with Greater Geelong's renowned regional wine, beer, spirits, food and hospitality scene.

On Saturday 17 October, 2026 journey from central Geelong to Provenance Wines, onwards to the Bellarine Peninsula to McGlashan's Estate & Farm Dog Brewing for lunch & an afternoon of tunes & tastings overlooking the vines before finishing strong with a full evening session of live music at Legendary local The Barwon Club Hotel.

Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride…

Stars & Bars Festival Geelong takes you on a curated journey through place, produce and soundscapes across Wadawarrung Country.

Begin at Provenance Wines in Fyansford with complimentary morning tea, a wine-tasting flight and live music inside the beautifully restored historic Paper Mill precinct overlooking Buckley's Falls.

Continue to McGlashan's Estate and Farm Dog Brewing for an afternoon of live music in the vines, fine local wines, craft beer, spirits and food. Choose your own adventure, with tastings and meals available to purchase.

Finish at The Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong's most iconic live music venue, for an early dinner and a full evening of bands and DJ's in The BC Bandroom

The Trail Blazin', Star Gazin', Hell Raisin' Countrified Music Festival Concept returns to its' hometown roots to soundtrack your sonic sojourn through G-Town showcasing an eclectic handpicked lineup

Delving into everything from Alt Country & Americana to Rootsy Folk, Rock'N'Soul, Australiana Bluegrass and Swampy Blues to Funk & Cinematic Jazz plus a heavy dose of Classic Rock thrown in for good measure...

Choose Your Own Adventure…

G-TOWN EXPRESS : FESTIVAL BUS TOUR

$60 + B/F PER PERSON

10:00am - 5:30pm

Return bus transport from Geelong Railway Station Departing 10:00am

Wine-tasting flight and morning tea at Provenance Winery

Curated live music performances throughout the tour including

Jungle Jim Smith, Karl S.Williams, Rhianna Fibbins + Rose Miller

Drop-off at Geelong Railway Station 5:15pm or The Barwon Club Hotel 5:30pm

Tix Strictly Limited !

THE BARWON CLUB : EVENING SESSION

$30 + B/F PRESALE / $35 AT THE DOOR

6:00pm - 12:45am

Entry to the Barwon Club Evening Session in the BC Bandroom from 6:00pm

Live sets from The Seven Ups, Magpie Diaries, Nathan Seeckts

Plus Special guest DJ Chunky Love providing interstitial soundtrack until late.

Onsale now via www.oztix.com.au

www.starsandbars.com.au

Stars & Bars Festival Geelong

Who's Playing

Stars & Bars Festival Geelong

Victorian heavyweights Dreadnaught are taking their Regional Reign of Despair across Victoria this October, joined by special guests Fall & Resist and Godspeed landing at The Barwon Club on Saturday24th October, 2026.

Formed in the early '90s, Dreadnaught have spent more than three decades carving out their place in Australian heavy music. Across a career that has included releases through Roadrunner Records, extensive touring and stages shared with the likes of Testament and Devin Townsend, the band has built a sound that moves through thrash, groove, progressive metal and straight-up heavy rock.

Their latest album, Shutdown in a Heartbeat, arrived in 2025 and saw Dreadnaught return with renewed force, combining the weight and aggression of their earlier work with a darker, progressive edge.

Joining them across all three dates are Fall & Resist, bringing their own collision of melodic death metal, metalcore and post-metal. Formed in regional Victoria in 2016, Fall & Resist have built their reputation around emotionally charged songwriting, sorrowful melody and hostile aggression, delivered through an energetic and commanding live show.

Following the release of Dissolved in Misery in 2025, Fall & Resist enter this run in their heaviest incarnation yet. The four-track EP pushes the band's sound into darker territory, balancing brooding atmosphere and melody against increasingly aggressive instrumentation.

Three nights of crushing riffs, aggression and volume as Dreadnaught and Fall & Resist take the Regional Reign of Despair through Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong. With a different local line-up joining the carnage at every stop, expect loud, live and aggressive. Get in the pit and join the Reign of Despair.

Tickets

Presale $25 +b/f / Door $30

Doors 7:30pm

Barwon Club Hotel

Events