Pierce Brothers will drop by Lakes Entrance for a rare Gippsland show as part of this year's Hooked on Lakes Festival.
The beloved folk duo leads an epic lineup for the free all-ages event on Sunday 9 March, which transforms the picturesque Lakes Entrance Foreshore Reserve into a seafood-lover’s paradise from 10am-8pm.
This waterside music session marks a special sideshow from the Pierce Brothers’ 10th anniversary tour, with a full day of local talent warming up the stage before the lads kick off at 6:30pm.
Hooked on Lakes Festival
- Pierce Brothers: Sunday 9 March, 6:30pm-8:00pm at Lakes Entrance Foreshore Reserve
- Off The Wharf: Saturday 8 March, Seafood Extravaganza Feast featuring Emily Carter
- Festival day: Sunday 9 March, Lakes Entrance Foreshore Reserve, 10am-8pm
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
The full live music lineup starts at 2:30pm and features Olivia Lay, Christine Waterson, and two sets from Musique 4 piece before the Pierce Brothers close the night.
For those keen to kick things off early, Off The Wharf Seafood café will host a ticketed Seafood Extravaganza on Saturday 8 March featuring local singer Emily Carter and showcasing “fresh seafood straight off the trawlers.”
Beyond the tunes, Hooked on Lakes offers a packed program of seaside shenanigans including catch and cook demonstrations, kids fishing clinics, food trucks, and a Sailor’s Grave pop-up bar serving local beers and wines.
The festival is especially family-friendly, with fish dissections for the curious, expert tips from VFA Ambassador Lee Rayner, free “Come and Try” fishing clinics, and a dedicated Kids Zone with craft activities.
Seafood for thought
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Seafood enthusiasts can enjoy fresh fish stands, prawn vendors, and guidance from Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating Network leaders who’ll be on hand with tips and advice.
The event, backed by East Gippsland Shire Council and Emergency Recovery Victoria’s Local Government Bushfire Recovery Funding, represents another critical boost for the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“This will be their only non-sold-out show in Gippsland,” event organizers noted, highlighting the rare opportunity to catch the Pierce Brothers in such an intimate setting without fighting for tickets.
For many visitors, the festival offers a chance to explore Lakes Entrance’s thriving seafood industry, with LEFCOL tours giving a behind-the-scenes look at commercial fishing operations in the region. These tours include filleting demonstrations and the chance to purchase fresh catch directly from the source.
A vibrant community festival
The entire festival area will transform into a vibrant community hub that showcases the best of Gippsland’s coastal culture, with plenty of family-friendly areas to lay down a picnic rug and enjoy the waterfront views between activities.
“We’ve got something for everyone this year,” the organizers boast.
From fishing aficionados keen to catch expert talks to foodies wanting to sample the region’s best seafood, the festival promises a diverse range of experiences that celebrate East Gippsland’s maritime heritage.
The Seafood Industry Victoria stall alongside an aquaculture hub featuring Mainstream will provide insight into the commercial side of Victoria’s fishing industry, while a fishing and outdoor gear swap meet will appeal to hobbyists looking to update their equipment.
For those wanting to get hands-on, the festival offers free fishing clinics run by Fishcare and casting clinics specifically tailored for kids, making it an ideal outing for families looking to introduce the next generation to fishing.
A crucial event for the East Gippsland community
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The Pierce Brothers’ performance caps off the festival day, bringing their trademark energetic folk sound to the Foreshore stage. Having built a solid reputation through busking and grassroots touring, the duo’s appearance represents a coup for festival organizers.
The festival’s diverse program reflects the importance of both commercial and recreational fishing to the region, with opportunities for visitors to learn about sustainable fishing practices while enjoying the fruits of the sea.
East Gippsland, still rebuilding after devastating bushfires, has embraced events like Hooked on Lakes as part of its recovery strategy, bringing tourists back to a region rich in natural assets and culinary delights.
Free entry to the festival removes barriers for locals and visitors alike, with the only paid component being the optional Saturday night Seafood Extravaganza for those wanting a more premium dining experience before the main event.
With the Pierce Brothers headlining and a full day of activities planned, Hooked on Lakes has positioned itself as the must-attend event of the Labour Day long weekend in East Gippsland, celebrating the region’s seafood, music, and community spirit.
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