The best events happening in Western Victoria this April
Cool gigs, a huge Irish Festival, and loads of free events.
David Allegretti
April 07, 2025
What’s going on in West Vic this month, you ask? A hell of a lot! We’ve rounded up some highlights 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
Circus Of The Oppressed by TextaQueen
This bold exhibition flips the traditional circus poster on its head to take aim at how institutions handle diversity — or don’t. It's clever, cheeky, and totally captivating. Oh, and there’ll be a giant interactive jigsaw puzzle — fun!
Where: Warrnambool Art Gallery
When: Saturday, March 8 – Sunday, May 11 2025, All day
Price: Free
Kite Making Workshop
Grab the kids or just unleash your own inner child — this free hands-on workshop is your ticket to crafting a high-flying masterpiece ahead of the Warrnambool Kite Festival.
Where: Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre
When: Monday, April 7, 2:30pm – 3:30pm & Tuesday, April 8, 10:30am – 11:30am
Price: Free
Australian INXS Tribute Show
All the swagger, energy, and timeless anthems of INXS in one electric night. This electric tribute show recreates the band’s legendary live performances — think “Never Tear Us Apart”, “New Sensation” and all the hits.
Where: Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
When: Friday, April 11, 7:30pm
Price: Adult: $77.90. Student & Concession: $72.75
Up and Away – Warrnambool Kite Day
Fill the sky with colour at this free family kite festival, where kites of all shapes and sizes take flight. Bring your own kite, purchase one for just $10, or simply enjoy the spectacular aerial display. With live DJ music all day, coffee and BBQ options to keep you fueled, it's the perfect outing for kite enthusiasts and families alike.
Where: Lake Pertobe, 49 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool
When: Saturday, April 12 , All day
Price: Free
South West Victorian Game Fishing Classic
Rod, reel, and bragging rights. Fisherfolks from all over descend on Warrnmabool for this major comp. Whether you’re casting a line or just cheering on the weigh-in, it’s plenty of fun.
Where: Various coastal locations (Warrnambool to Cape Bridgewater)
When: Saturday, April 12 – Sunday, April 13, All day
Price: Free for spectators. If you fancy yourself an angler, you can enter here. Adults $60, kids $30.
Digging Up The Past – Australian Heritage Festival Event
Get your Indiana Jones on (no whip required) as this fascinating session uncovers layers of local history hiding right under our noses. Participants are encouraged to bring anything they may have unearthed to share with the audience — cool! This is one of 100s of Heritage Festival events across Victoria.
Where: Warrnambool Library
When: Wednesday, April 23, 10am – 11am
Price: Free
Warrnambool Parkrun
Stretch your legs and soak up the scenery with a free and friendly Saturday 5K. No pressure, no bibs, just fresh air and community spirit by the lake.
Where: Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground, Pertobe Road, Warrnambool
When: Every Saturday in April, 8am
Price: Free
Warrnambool Community Garden Market
A hidden gem for local produce enjoyers, foodies, and curious browsers. Think seedlings, jams, fresh veggies and the kind of nice vibes and neighbourly chatter that turns strangers into mates.
Where: Warrnambool Community Garden
When: Every Wednesday, 3pm – 6:30pm
Price: Free
Seanchai Pub Trivia
Trivia Thursdays at The Shan are a local institution for a reason. Grab your cleverest mates, order a round, and prepare for some shameless guesswork and good craic.
Where: Seanchai Irish Bar
When: Every Thursday, 7pm – 11pm
Price: Free
Events in Koroit & Port Fairy
Koroit Irish Festival
Celebrate all things Irish in the heart of Koroit. This legendary festival blends traditional music, Irish dancing, hearty food, a cheeky pint or two, and loads of craic. Don’t miss the iconic Danny Boy competition and the Saturday street parade.
Where: Main Street, Koroit
When: Friday, April 25 – Sunday, April 27. All day.
Price: Full weekend ticket: $50 (grants access to all events from Friday to Sunday, including the opening night concert). Saturday – Sunday ticket: $25 (if purchased before April 12, after that, they bump up to $30, if available). Kids: FREE.
Port Fairy Community Market
A vibrant open-air market packed with local produce, handmade goods, and artisan treasures. Held twice a month, it’s a great spot to browse, buy, and soak up Port Fairy’s community spirit.
Where: Bank Street, Railway Place, Port Fairy
When: 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month
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
FoRT
Acrobats transform household items into gateways to adventure in this award-winning physical theatre show. Christy Flaws and Luke O'Connor blend clowning, spectacular movement, and visual storytelling as couches become rockets and sheets become tents. This celebration of childhood imagination turns ordinary objects into extraordinary playgrounds for the whole family.
Where: Portland Arts Centre
When: Monday, April 28, 6:30pm – 7:20pm
Price: $12 – $20
Trading Card Game Events - Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering
Portland Library transforms into a gaming arena where seasoned players and newcomers converge for structured Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering sessions. The Portland TCG Community leads participants through game mechanics, deck building strategies, and friendly matches — with loaner cards available for those without collections.
Where: Portland Library
When: Monday, April 14, 2pm – 3:30pm & Saturday, May 31, 10am – 1pm
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
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
Events in Ararat
Paint What You Hear
An immersive performance and workshop experience for young people, "Paint What You Hear" combines classical and contemporary music with visual art. Led by musician Erica Rasmussen and visual artist Zakiya Kurdi, participants are invited to paint in response to the music they hear.
Where: Ararat Town Hall
When: Monday, April 14, 10:30am – 11:15am & 1pm – 1:45pm
Price: $15
Rufous Whistler Performance
Vinny Russell's musical project delivers contemporary folk that balances tradition with experimentation. The Northeast Victorian artist constructs nuanced narratives through carefully crafted compositions, offering a distinctive voice in Australia's folk landscape.
Where: Ararat Town Hall
When: Wednesday, April 16, 8pm – 10pm
Price: Adult: $30 online, $35 at the door. Concession: $25 online, $30 at the door. Under 18s: Free
2025 Rattle Can Ride
Join the Red Knights Motorcycle Club Chapter 22 for their annual charity ride supporting the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Start with breakfast at Ararat Fire Station before journeying through Dunkeld and Halls Gap, concluding at Ararat RSL. This community-focused event offers both great riding and a chance to support regions recovering from summer bushfires.
Where: Ararat CFA, 8 Tuson Street, Ararat
When: Saturday, April 26, 9am – 2pm
Price: $30 per motorcycle
Late, Late at Night
This pop-rock stage adaptation brings Rick Springfield's autobiography to life through award-winning Australian playwright Kieran Carroll's theatrical vision. Sydney performer Jackson Carroll takes center stage in this production that explores the music icon's personal journey.
Where: Ararat Town Hall
When: Sunday, April 27, 2pm – 4pm
Price: Adult: $30, Concession: $25. Under 18: $5
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
Brilliant Brass
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Brass section delivers a captivating program featuring both classical works and popular film scores. Conductor Ingrid Martin leads the ensemble through brass arrangements of Star Wars and Jurassic Park themes alongside Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet Suite. Experience these powerful instruments in their full glory, curated by MSO Principal Tuba Timothy Buzbee.
Where: Hamilton Performing Arts Centre
When: Tuesday, April 29, 7:30pm
Price: Adult: $45, Senior: $40, Concession: $35, Student: $25, Child (under 13): $13
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