This Just In: Geelong Has a Brand-New Live Music Venue, with Church Set to Elevate the Region's Independent and Emerging Artists
Historic walls, fresh sounds and plenty of local talent collide as Geelong gains an intimate, artist-led live music venue.
While live music venues come and go, Melbourne's after-hours scene carries on. Yet down the coast in Geelong, it's fair to say your options are a little more limited, with venues like the Barwon Club, Beav's Bar and Captain helping to keep the community going. However, Victoria's second city will soon have a new contemporary space to catch live music, following the landmark unveiling of Church.
Several years in the making, this redeveloped former church on Ryrie Street will serve as a dedicated space for independent and emerging artists, providing an intimate, artist-led venue that nurtures the region's diverse voices. With Church's opening date set for next month, this $180 million project backed by the Victorian government already has a slate of gigs in place, ensuring the venue hits the ground running.
Church, Geelong. Image: Peter Foster.
To mark the official opening, Church welcomes Aussie rockers Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers for an up-close gig on Friday, August 14, with Surf Coast-raised folk-rock singer-songwriter Jasmin Adria and surf-rock trio The Shore kicking off the night. From there, the roster features Darcie Haven on Saturday, August 29, who brings her emotionally raw songwriting and a rapidly growing online following to one of her most intimate gigs to date.
Looking ahead, genre-blurring Tjaka promise a fusion of electronic beats, hip hop and First Nations culture on Saturday, September 5, while Lotte Gallagher — one of Australia's most quietly compelling emerging singer-songwriters — heads to town on Saturday, October 10. Meanwhile, Geelong's own Madeleine Cope shares new music for an EP launch and Surf Coast local Immy Owusu brings a distinctive blend of Afrobeat, world music and psychedelica to the program.
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. Image: Brianna Da Silva.
"Geelong's independent music and arts scene is bursting with talent, and Church gives that talent somewhere to truly call home," says Geelong Arts Centre's CEO and Creative Director Rhys Holden. "This is something we have wanted to create for a long time — a genuinely accessible, artist-led space where independent performers can take risks, build audiences, and grow their practice. It's an intimate room made for live performance in all its raw glory, and we are proud to open its doors to Geelong's creative community."
Delivered in collaboration with Plan Group, AEN Advisory and LIMINAL Architecture, Church's sensitive reimagining has required significant restoration and upgrade works, including structural improvements, acoustic treatment and a complete internal fit-out. Now, locals and visitors alike can expect a broad program of gigs, stand-up, pop-up performances, album launches, new original works, storytelling experiences and artistic collaborations, with live music at the heart of the venue's new identity.
Tjaka. Image: Supplied.
Lotte Gallagher. Image: Supplied.
Immy Owusu. Image: Kira Puru.
Church is expected to open on Friday, August 14, at 71 Ryrie Street, Geelong. Head to the website for more information.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Top image: Peter Foster.
- The 23 Best Sunday Roasts in Melbourne
- The Best Set Menus in Melbourne for Under $100 in 2026
- Dark Arts, Hedonism and Exploration: A Weekender's Guide to Visiting Hobart for Dark Mofo
- The Best Australian Fashion Labels to Know Right Now
- The Best Private Dining Rooms in Melbourne
- Melbourne's Best Heated Swimming Pools for Winter