The Festival of Sails at Royal Geelong Yacht Club is as exciting onshore as it is on the water. With live music across multiple stages, pop-up bars, local food vendors, and vibrant hospitality spaces, there’s something for everyone. Dance at Regatta Village, relax at Paddock on the Bay, or enjoy stunning views from Regatta Village Foredeck.
From family-friendly fun to electric performances and fireworks over the bay, the festival offers unforgettable moments at every turn. Stay tuned—FREE TICKETS will be available from January 12, 2025! Join the Festival Of Sails Facebook Event to stay in the loop.
Explore the program below.
Tailor your Festival of Sails experience with our full program and map. From live music and fireworks to sailing action and food stalls, don’t miss a moment—plan your perfect day!
Step into the pulse of the Festival of Sails at the Regatta Village Stage, where the energy never stops. As the festival’s main stage, it hosts a lineup of top-tier acts, ranging from family-friendly performances by day to electrifying, crowd-surfing bands by night. Located in the heart of Regatta Village, it’s where the magic truly happens. Don’t miss the grand Regatta presentation on the final day, as we celebrate the champions in style, surrounded by the sounds and spirit of the festival.
Step aboard Port Phillip Ferries for an unforgettable, front-row view of Australia’s largest keelboat regatta. This exclusive 75-minute cruise on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26, offers breathtaking waterfront views, unbeatable race-watching, and a relaxed summer vibe on the bay. Don’t miss this unique Festival of Sails experience—secure your tickets now!
Ready to experience the thrill of being out on the water? The Festival of Sails invites you to hop aboard and Come & Try Sailing on our state-of-the-art RS21 Keelboats. This free, fun-filled activity is open to all ages, so bring the family or try it solo! With easy access from Wangim Walk, it’s the perfect chance to feel the excitement of gliding across the water. No experience needed—just a sense of adventure!
Discover the ultimate summer vibe at Paddock by the Bay, nestled in Farnie Park at the west entrance of the festival. This lively outdoor area revolves around a stunning tipi that houses the main bar, serving up the best local wines and brews. Picture yourself lounging on the lawns or relaxing in a sun chair, with music from the Paddock on the Bay Stage setting the scene as emerging artists showcase their talent. Surrounded by food vendors and framed by views of yachts racing on the sparkling bay, it’s the perfect place to sip, savor, and soak in the festival energy.
Celebrate the next generation of musical talent at the Emerging Artist Stage, nestled within the lively atmosphere of Paddock on the Bay at Farnie Park. This competition offers local singer-songwriters and duos the chance to shine, performing original music in an idyllic outdoor setting. Grab a drink from the main bar, settle into a sun chair, and enjoy laid-back tunes throughout the afternoon, surrounded by food vendors and framed by yachts gliding across the bay. It’s the perfect spot to discover fresh talent and soak in the summer vibes.
Light up your night with the Festival of Sails’ iconic fireworks display! A cherished tradition, the fireworks dazzle over the bay at 9 PM on the first evening, celebrating the end of a thrilling day of sailing. Join us along the waterfront for this beautiful display, setting the stage for our headline bands to keep the festival energy alive well into the night.
A festival favourite, the RAAF Aerial Show is a breathtaking sight as planes soar majestically over the regatta yachts below. This exhilarating flyover has everyone reaching for their cameras, capturing the thrill that fills the air. Adding to the unique sounds and excitement of the Festival of Sails, it’s a must-see moment that will have you on the edge of your seat!
Savor the tastes of summer at the Festival of Sails with a delicious lineup of food trucks serving everything from juicy burgers and bao buns to hearty sit-down meals. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between activities or settling in for a feast, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Experience the majesty of the STS Young Endeavour, a stunning tall ship and the official start boat of the 2025 Festival of Sails. After its grand debut, the Young Endeavour will sail to Geelong, where you can explore this iconic vessel up close at Wangim Walk.
Start your day with serenity at Yoga by the Bay, hosted by Yoga Crew. Join us on the Regatta Village lawn from 8 AM to 9 AM on Monday, January 27, as the sun rises over the sparkling bay. Open to all—sailors and visitors alike—this free session is the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate. Don’t forget to BYO mat!
Settle into the ultimate waterfront viewing spot at Screen on the Green, located on the Club House Lawn. Watch the live regatta action broadcast straight from the water to the big screen, capturing all the thrill of the race while you relax in the sun. Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or just along for the atmosphere, it’s mesmerizing to see. Lounge on the lawn or grab a table on the Yot Café deck, with drinks and nibbles at your side, as you take in the sights of the Festival of Sails.
Elevate your festival experience at the Foredeck by Woolstore, a stylish raised deck offering stunning 360-degree views of Regatta Village, the Club House Lawn, and the Marina. This open-air and undercover hospitality area is your go-to spot to enjoy a cold drink while soaking up the energy of the Festival of Sails. With its buzzing atmosphere, bar service, and comfortable seating, the Foredeck by Peroni is the perfect place to unwind and take in the sights from the heart of the action.
Celebrate the grand finale of the Festival of Sails at the Victory Bash Presentation Party on Monday, January 27. Enjoy the 3-day wrap videos, trophy presentations, and live performances by The Sweethearts. It’s the perfect way to close out the festival!
Start your day with inspiration at the SheSails Women on Water Breakfast, hosted on the Foredeck by Woolstore and catered by Paddock Bakery. Join us on Sunday, January 26, for a delicious breakfast and hear from an incredible panel of women. Proudly sponsored by Fernwood Fitness, Waurn Ponds, this empowering event is not to be missed! Book here.