The best events in western Victoria this May
Boredom is a myth this month, folks.
Zara Cuthbertson
May 01, 2025
There’s fun to be had right across west Vic this month - from live music and markets, to comedy gigs and festivals - we’ve listed some of the best events below.
If you have an event you’d like to submit, or just happen to know about something really cool we might've missed, give us a yell by emailing [email protected] — we’re all ears.
Table of Contents
Events in Warrnambool
White Rock Film and Community Q&A
A new documentary from Damon Gameau, the brains behind That Sugar Film, tackles the explosion of longspined sea urchins devastating Australia’s kelp forests. An expert panel will explore how this issue is affecting kelp forests and what Warrnambool locals can do about it.
Where: Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool
When: Friday, May 2, 6pm
Price: $20
Warrnambool Youth Environment Summit
The Warrnambool Youth Environment Summit provides an opportunity for people aged 12 to 25 to connect with like-minded young people, hear from inspiring speakers and take part in hands-on workshops.
Where: Deakin University Warrnambool campus
When: Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4
Price: Free
The Great Ocean Road Masters
With plenty of prizes to win, this two-day event begins at 8am each day, with round 1 played at Warrnambool Golf Club, followed by round 2 at Port Fairy Golf Links.
Where: Warrnambool Golf Club & Port Fairy Golf Links
When: Sunday, May 4 and Monday, May 5
Price: $189
Warnibald Portrait & Art Event
The Warrnibald Portrait & Art Event is a celebration of art, artists and volunteers. It features both the much-loved Warrnibald Portrait Prize and general art in the Hospice Art Event.
When: Friday, May 9 - Sunday, May 17
Where: Matilda Room - Warrnambool Racing Club
Price: Free entry, with additional events and workshops at a cost.
Australian Heritage Festival Weekend
Pay tribute to the four historic lighthouses along the southwest coast with a commemorative cannon firing at each site during the Australian Heritage Festival Weekend.
Where: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum
When: Saturday, May 10 - Sunday, May 11
Price: For the day session - Adult: $20. Concession: $16. Kids: $9.80. For the night session - Adult: $33. Concession: $30. Kids: $17.60. Day and night packages are also available.
Mother’s Day Classic
Grab your pink tutus, pull on your sneakers, and walk 3 kms or run 7 kms to help raise funds for breast cancer research at the Mother’s Day Classic.
Where: Pertobe Road next to the Beach Kiosk
When: Sunday, May 11 from 8am
Price: To register for the classic - Adult: $34. Concession: $28. Kids: $20
Come From Away - Holiday Actors
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Holiday Actors with a special performance of the hit broadway musical Come From Away. The show will offer two different casts, offering a special discount to those who choose to see both casts perform.
Where: Lighthouse Theatre
When: Wednesday, May 14 - Sunday, May 18
Price: Adult: $49. Student: $39.00. Children under 13: $39.00. Families of 4 or more: $40.00.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Featuring a dynamic line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the road for its 27th year, making plenty of stops across west Vic.
Where: Lighthouse Theatre
When: Friday, May 23 at 8pm
Price: Member Adult: $45.00. Member Concession: $40.00. Admit 1: $50.00. Concession: $45.00. Under 25: $25.00.
Events in Koroit & Port Fairy
Live music at The Stump Port Fairy
Following the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival, The Stump has a ripping line up of live gigs to get you grooving.
Where: 41 Bank Street, Port Fairy
When: Monday, April 28 - Saturday, May 3
Price: Free entry
Daniel Champagne live
Looking for a family-friendly, intimate evening of silky guitar tunes? Daniel Champagne has you covered. From folk, to indie, to blues, he’s got a riff for everyone that will satisfy.
Where: Reardon Theatre Port Fairy
When: Wednesday, May 21 at 7pm
Price: $33 early bird special for adults ($45 after that), $15 for under 18s.
Trivia Tuesdays and Pub Choir Wednesdays
Bit of a brainiac? Love a little singsong? Put your skills to the test every week at Duke’s Commercial Hotel in Koroit. The trivia night has weekly prizes up for grabs.
Where: Duke’s Commercial Hotel Koroit
When: Every Tuesday and Wednesday
Price: free
Port Fairy Farmers’ Market
The local market with local produce, arts and crafts, plants, and gourmet foods will run three times this month.
Where: Railway Place, Bank Street
When: Saturday, May 3, 17 and 31 from 8am to 1pm
Price: free
Koroit Market
The Koroit Market operates varying Sundays, offering plenty of stalls with fresh fruit and veggies, cakes, jams, candles, clothes, local wine, hot food, coffee, plants, flowers, jewellery and collectibles.
Where: Village Green, North Street Koroit
When: Sunday, May 11 from 9am to 1pm
Price: free
Events in Portland
Amba Melis: The Muse
Portland-based artist Amba Melis presents a collection of vibrant, graphic portraits featuring individuals who have deeply influenced her artistic journey. This intimate exhibition showcases her distinctive bold strokes and shapes through colourful, life-filled works.
Where: Portland Arts Centre
When: Friday, March 28 – Friday, May 16 2025, 10am – 4pm (Monday – Friday)
Price: Free
Garry Starr’s Classic Penguins
Get ready for some literary mayhem and plenty of laughs when Garry Starr visits Portland this month, performing every Penguin Classic novel in just one hour.
Where: Portland Arts Centre
When: Friday, May 9 at 7:30pm
Price: $15 to $35
Anna-Lee Robertson: After Birth
After Birth is a touching account of Anna-Lee Robertson’s experience as a new mum, navigating all the trials and tribulations that come with it.
Where: Portland Arts Centre
When: Sunday, May 18, from 2pm to 3.10pm
Price:
Pickleball Come & Try Night
Round up your mates and have a crack at pickleball. If you’re not half bad, you could join the corporate cup competition, which kicks off on May 26, with junior, beginner, intermediate and senior competitions on Wednesday nights from 4pm.
Where: Portland Indoor Sports Hub
When: Monday, May 19, from 6pm to 8pm.
Price: free
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Featuring a dynamic line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the road for its 27th year, making plenty of stops across west Vic.
Where: Portland Arts Centre
When: Sunday, May 25 at 7pm
Price: $20 - $45
Portland Parkrun
A free weekly 5km community run that welcomes all ages, abilities, and speeds — whether you sprint, jog, or casually stroll. This timed event circles the scenic Fawthrop Lagoon every Saturday morning, offering both fitness and social connection.
Where: Fawthrop Lagoon, Hood Street, Portland
When: Every Saturday, 8am
Price: Free
Chess Club
Portland Library and Bayview College join forces to bring strategic minds together each Tuesday for Chess Club. Players of all skill levels—from novices learning their first moves to experienced tacticians—can develop their game in this supervised after-school program. Note: Sessions pause during school holidays.
Where: Portland Library
When: Tuesdays, 3:45pm – 4:45pm
Price: Free
Events in Ararat
Shaun Kirk
From Melbourne, Shaun Kirk is an award-winning blues and soul artist with vintage guitar tones, gritty vocals, and raw grooves.
Where: Ararat Town Hall
When: Saturday, May 3 at 7:30pm
Price: $25 - $30
Keith Potger’s Celebrating the Seekers
Paying tribute to the group he helped form back in 1962, Keith will deliver an audio-visual treat, packed with rare footage and still photos of the group, and of course, their iconic anthems.
Where: Ararat Town Hall
When: Wednesday, May 7, 11am to 12.15pm
Price: Pay what you can
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Featuring a dynamic line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the road for its 27th year, making plenty of stops across west Vic.
Where: Ararat Town Hall
When: Tuesday, May 27 at 8pm
Price: Adults: $35. Student concession: $30. Groups and food packages are also available.
Ararat Market
A monthly market featuring handmade crafts, fresh produce, plants, books, and more. Perfect for a leisurely Sunday morning.
Where: Alexandra Hall and Grounds
When: 9am – 1pm, second Sunday of every month.
Price: Free
Events in Hamilton
Get Rhythm - The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show
For the first time, Get Rhythm - The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show will take you on a musical journey, performing songs from one of country music’s most iconic couples.
Where: Hamilton Performing Arts Centre
When: Friday, May 2, 7:30pm
Price: Adult: $65.90. Concession: $62.90 Seniors: $62.90 Student (under 17): $59.90 Group of 6 or more: $60
Hamilton Pastoral Museum May Rally
The Hamilton Pastoral Museum is celebrating a century of Caterpillar machinery. Come along for plenty of food and machinery exhibitions, with some even operating over the weekend.
Where: Cnr Hiller Lane and Ballarat Road, Hamilton
When: Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 10am - 4pm, with a grand parade at 2pm
each day
Price: Adult: $10. Concession: $7. Families: $15. Under 16: free
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Featuring a dynamic line-up of comedy legends and fresh faces, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the road for its 27th year, making plenty of stops across west Vic.
Where: Hamilton Performing Arts Centre
When: Saturday, May 24 at 8pm
Price: Adult: $45. Senior: $40. Concession: $35. Student: $25 Groups of 6 or more: $35.
Best of the Bee Gees
Keen for a little Saturday night fever? Get down to Hamilton Performing Arts Centre for a funky night of disco classics from this tribute show.
Where: Hamilton Performing Arts Centre
When: Saturday, May 31, 7:30pm
Price: Adult: $79. Seniors: $69. Concession: $69. Groups of 6 or more: $69 each
Hamilton Parkrun
Participate in this free, weekly 5km timed run. Open to all fitness levels, it's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and meet members of the community.
Where: Lake Hamilton
When: Every Saturday, 8am
Price: Free
HIRL Farmers Market
Support local producers and artisans at the monthly Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning Farmers Market, offering fresh produce, homemade goods, and crafts.
Where: 333 North Boundary Road, Hamilton VIC 3300
When: Last Saturday of each month, 9am – 12pm
Price: Free
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