Plan your weekend on Geelong’s waterfront for the biggest party of the year
Tickets on sale now.
Geelong’s waterfront is set to come alive this January long weekend as the much-loved Festival of Sails returns for another year. Back and bigger than ever in 2026, get ready for three days of free waterfront festival celebrations and five days of world-class sailing across Corio Bay, from Wangim Walk to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
Recognised as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest keelboat regatta, Festival of Sails blends elite international competition with one of regional Victoria’s biggest and most vibrant community festivals, delivering extraordinary outcomes for the city and its people.
At the heart of the festival will be the new Victorian Sailing Centre, being used for the first time at Festival of Sails since it opened in May 2025.
“As the Member for Geelong, I am proud of the Allan Labor Government’s investment in Geelong’s iconic Festival of Sails and in the new state-of-the-art Victorian Sailing Centre at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club,” says Christine Couzens MP.
“This world-class facility will strengthen the 2026 Festival of Sails, making it bigger and better, providing inclusive and accessible opportunities for individuals to experience sailing.”
Come & Try Sailing Experiences give non-sailors a taste of life on the water.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM says the festival remains one of the city’s most cherished traditions.
“The Festival of Sails is a much-loved Geelong tradition, and the City of Greater Geelong is proud to support the 183rd edition through Geelong Major Events,” said Mayor Kontelj.
“The event brings our waterfront to life and connects our community and visitors through sailing and celebration over the Australia Day long weekend.”
Across the week, hundreds of boats from Australia and overseas will compete in one of the most prestigious events on the international sailing calendar.
This year marks the 183rd Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race, this year presented by Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, launching the regatta program and delivering a spectacular fleet arrival into Corio Bay. The return of the hugely popular Regatta Cruise will once again give spectators front-row viewing of the finish.
Royal Geelong Yacht Club Commodore Paul Buchholz said the Club continues to grow the festival’s reach both on the water and across the community.
“We’re building a festival that is more inclusive than ever, with more opportunities for different classes of boats to participate, and more ways for the community to engage, celebrate and feel part of something truly special on Geelong’s waterfront,” Buchholz says.
Tall Ships the STS Young Endeavour and Enterprize will be berthed on Wangim Walk for the public to explore.
For those keen to experience the excitement first-hand, Festival of Sails is once again offering free Come & Try Sailing experiences on state-of-the-art RS21 keelboats. Open to all ages and abilities, the activity gives locals and visitors the chance to get out on the water with no experience required. With easy access from Wangim Walk, it’s the perfect family-friendly introduction to sailing. Last year’s Come & Try Sailing event was the largest Discover Sailing event in Australian Sailing history, introducing more than 500 people to the sport of sailing.
New to the Festival this year is also a focus on ‘Made in Geelong’, with a new Showcase Stage, Artisan & Specialty Traders Market, and Classic Car Showcase delivering local businesses an opportunity to present their crafts to the local community.
“Festival of Sails has always been about more than racing, it’s about people, the sailing community, and the Geelong community,” Buchholz says.
“This is Geelong’s event, and we’re proud of how deeply it connects sailing with the city.”
With Geelong’s event economy thriving, delivering $93 million in 2024-25, the 2025 Festival of Sails event alone contributed more than $8 million to the local economy, reinforcing the event’s role as a major driver of visitation, tourism and local business growth.
“Geelong continues to shine as a destination for world-class events, delivering economic benefits, boosting tourism, and showcasing our incredible north facing and vibrant waterfront,” says Christine Couzens MP.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP is a valued supporter of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club and Festival of Sails.
Highlighting the Festival this year is a three-day lineup of live music, with 30 bands scheduled across the weekend, including the Emerging Artist Series presented by Forte and K rock 95.5. Tall ships STS Young Endeavour and Enterprize will be available to explore across the weekend, while the fireworks will also make a return on the first night, as one of the highlights of the festival.
Festival of Sails 2026 is proudly presented by TLC Healthcare, with Major Partners Visit Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong, whose ongoing support continues to strengthen the event as a world-class sporting and tourism experience.
For the full program and tickets, visit festivalofsails.com.au.
Get Tickets Here
View The Program Here
The Festival features a three-day lineup of live music, free on the waterfront.
