Ballarat’s biggest day is about to land

G’day Ballarat! Spilt Milk and the Ballarat Cup are happening on the same day, which means glitter, horses and gridlock across town. Weather is looking a bit chilly so make sure to take something to rug up and whatever patience you’ve got left for parking.

– Luciano Devoto
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You don’t need a ticket to know when Spilt Milk hits town. Victoria Park’s thumping, the servo’s out of V, and 40,000 people vanish from Ballarat’s roads. Kendrick Lamar is headlining in his only regional Australian show, joined by ScHoolboy Q, Doechii and more.

This year also brings Ballarat’s first ever free pill testing, and the topic caught fire online. Some reckon that this is a waste of taxpayers' money and that it incentivises people doing illegal drugs. Others call it a smart and necessary move in keeping our people safe. Both sides have a points.

Either way, if you’re not going to Spilt Milk maybe still swing by for the people-watching. Bucket hats, glitter, and the odd existential crisis in line for gozleme. May your Uber be cheap and your ears recover by Tuesday.

The Ballarat Cup gallops in this Saturday, just a stone’s throw from Spilt Milk, making it one of the busiest days on the city’s calendar. Whether you’re there for the horses or the champagne, Dowling Forest will be packed with fascinators, form guides and questionable shoe choices. General admission starts at twenty bucks, and kids get in free.

If you're planning to attend both the Cup and Spilt Milk, good luck to your feet and your liver. Pace yourself, people!

Nature Stewards is back next year and it’s perfect for anyone who’s ever stopped mid-walk to say “what even is that tree?” The 10-week program dives into local plants, animals, climate and soil, helping participants understand how Ballarat’s natural systems work. It’s designed for everyday people who care about the environment, whether you’re a gardener, hiker or just curious about what’s growing around you. No tests or degrees required. Just a genuine interest and a bit of time. Registrations are now open for the autumn intake..

Scam season is here and Ballarat locals are being warned to stay sharp. Texts claiming you need to pay a fee to release a parcel, fake Australia Post links, and Marketplace buyers sending dodgy courier forms are all doing the rounds. Some even copy real tracking pages or pretend to be from your bank. If something feels off, it probably is. Use official apps, avoid clicking unknown links, and never share card details by message. A little caution now saves a lot of hassle later.

Keen to ditch the patchy grass and do something a bit nicer with your nature strip? Council just gave the green light to new Nature Strip Garden Guidelines, which means you can now legally plant native gardens out front—think bee-friendly, low-water, and actually pleasant to look at. Just don’t block footpaths or bury your postie. It’s a small but welcome win for neighbourhood charm. Now’s your chance to turn your verge into something that doesn’t scream neglected rental..

Christmas in Ballarat has its own website this year and it’s packed with festive gold. From Bridge Mall buskers and Santa’s vintage tram to twilight markets, outdoor movies and roving elves, the city’s going all in. The full program is now live at christmasinballarat.com.au with times, maps and everything you need to avoid missing the good stuff. It’s free, it’s local and it actually feels like a proper December celebration. No snow machine required.

🛏 2 🛁 1 🚗 1 | 💰 $400,000 – $440,000

This charming cottage in Ballarat East blends heritage character with modern updates and comes in well below the city’s median house price. It’s move-in ready and just five minutes from the CBD, with a private courtyard, gas heating, split system cooling and an updated kitchen with glass splashbacks. A great option for first-home buyers or investors chasing location and value. I reckon it’s worth a look…

Pizza deserves its own category. We’re not lumping this one under "Italian" because it’s delicious and holds a special place in my heart (and diet). Whether you’re into woodfired Neapolitan, late-night greasy slices or thin-crust loaded with toppings, cast your vote and let me know. And yes, there are too many to list them all, so apologies in advance if your go-to didn’t make the cut.

Handpicked activities for all ages

Spilt Milk | Sat, 6 Dec | 11:00am - 11:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Victoria Park
Description: Australia's in-demand festival returns with a lineup including Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, and Dominic Fike. Featuring a massive lineup of local and global artists.

The Bridge Market | Sat, 6 Dec | 9:00am - 1:00pm | ($40)
Venue: Bridge Mall
Description: Enjoy the summer atmosphere at the Bridge Market. Discover local stalls, food, and handmade goods in the heart of the city.

Ballarat Book Sale | Sat, 6 Dec | 9:00am - 1:00pm | ($1)
Venue: Ballarat Airport (Mitchell Park)
Description: Over 30,000 second-hand books for sale including novels, classics, and children's books. Profits support local and Rotary charities.

BMI Christmas Market | Sun, 7 Dec | 9:00am - 2:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
Description: More than 20 stallholders, face painting, and music. Features local artisans and creators. Browse unique gifts from local makers and designers.

Sportsbet Ballarat Cup | Sat, 6 Dec | 10:30am - 6:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Turf Club (Miners Rest)
Description: Kick off summer with a great day of racing. Features indoor dining and marquee options. The perfect way to celebrate before Christmas.

Ascend 2025: Exhibition Opening | Thu, 4 Dec | 6:00pm - 7:30pm | (Info)
Venue: Oxygen College Ballarat (Ballarat East)
Description: Opening event featuring artwork by graduating students from the Professional Art Program and Cert IV in Visual Arts. showcasing the next generation of local talent.

Chisholm St: A Night with Sondheim | Fri, 5 Dec & Sat, 6 Dec | 6:00pm - 7:30pm | (Info)
Venue: Chisholm St (Black Hill)
Description: A season finale celebrating the wit and melodies of Stephen Sondheim. Featuring Sarahlouise Younger and Daniel Tusjak performing iconic works from Company, Follies, and Into the Woods. Ticket includes refreshments.

Made in Ballarat Concert (25th Anniversary) | Fri, 5 Dec | 7:30pm | ($53.50)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre
Description: Presented by the Ballarat Arts Foundation, celebrating a quarter-century of supporting local artists in a gala-style anniversary concert at the historic theatre.

Pearl Gala: BCMA 30th Anniversary | Sat, 6 Dec | 1:00pm & 6:00pm | ($28)
Venue: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts
Description: Celebrating 30 years of magic with 390 students performing iconic works and new performances. Dazzling talent and surprise alumni appearances.

A Glamour of Meaning: Meaghan Shelton | Thu 4 Dec - Sun 7 Dec (ongoing) | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: The Old Butchers Shop Gallery (Soldiers Hill)
Description: Multidisciplinary artist Meaghan Shelton reclaims 'glamour' as an enchantment or spell through craft and painting, inviting a reconsideration of the decorative.

Transforming Pain into Power | Thu 4 Dec - Sun 7 Dec (ongoing) | Check Times | (Info)
Venue: Art Space Ballarat & Library
Description: An exhibition for the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, featuring works from local artists using creativity to speak out.

Within Sight: Photographs by Paul Lambeth | Thu 4 Dec - Sun 7 Dec (ongoing) | 10:00am - 5:00pm | ($5 - $7)
Venue: Eureka Centre Ballarat
Description: A series emerging from a practice of slow, attentive walking, observing transient patterns of light and form. A personal record of visual phenomena.

Step into Africa | Thu 4 Dec - Sun 7 Dec (ongoing) | 6:30am - 2:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Maggie and Kate (Buninyong)
Description: A series of works depicting African animals, bringing the marvels of the natural world to an accessible location. Enjoy a glimpse of the world without the travel.

Central Highlands Regional Advocacy Group Meet and Greet | Thu, 4 Dec | 1:00pm - 2:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Town Hall (Trench Room)
Description: The final meeting of the year for this collaborative network championing disability advocacy. Connect with service providers and community members over afternoon tea.

Ballarat Men Leading Change Forum 2025 | Fri, 5 Dec | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Goods Shed (Soldiers Hill)
Description: Join the City of Ballarat, Women’s Health Grampians, and Respect Victoria to help shape a safer future and prevent gender-based violence in the community.

Ballarat Local Produce Swap | Sat, 6 Dec | 9:30am - 11:00am | (Donation)
Venue: Ballarat Community Garden (Dyte Parade)
Description: Bring excess produce, seeds, or garden items to swap. Run by volunteers to connect the gardening community. Leftover produce goes to the Food is Free table.

Free Community BBQ for Men | Sun, 7 Dec | 10:30am - 12:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Eureka Stockade
Description: Hosted by Mr Perfect. A relaxed BBQ to connect men, chat about life, and support mental health. A safe space to meet new mates and get outside.

Please note: Always double-check with venues for any last-minute changes or ticketing requirements.)

Volta | King Parrot (Extreme Metal) | 7:00pm | ($45.15)
The George Hotel | Farewell LUKE ft Gunston (Pop/Rock) | 7:00pm
The Park Hotel | Brodie Glen (Live Music) | 7:00pm
Red Lion Hotel | Heroes and Villains The Band (Rock) | 7:00pm | (Free)
Kilderkin Distillery | Rhiz & Pete Album Launch (Country Duets) | 7:30pm | ($25.00)
The Painted Lady 1862 | 100 MOODS, Liv Moneghetti, Black Sea Country Club | 8:00pm | (Free)

Irish Murphy's | Bitter Sweet LIVE (Cup Day) | 11:30am
The Main Bar | Salty Dog Reunion (Blues) | 7:00pm | ($15.00)

The Grand Ballarat | Ice Embers Rocks The Grand (Rock) | 2:00pm
Millers Arms Hotel | HIGHWAY 8 (Live Music) | 3:00pm

Thursday, 4 Dec
30 °C 🌡️ 15 °C | ⛅ Partly cloudy | ☔ 10% (dry day) | 💨 N→S 35–50 km/h

Friday, 5 Dec
22 °C 🌡️ 10 °C | ⛅ Mostly sunny | ☔ 20% (<1 mm) | 💨 Light SE→SW winds

Saturday, 6 Dec
19 °C 🌡️ 11 °C | 🌦 Showers | ☔ 50% (1–4 mm) | 💨 W→SW 20–30 km/h

Sunday, 7 Dec
18 °C 🌡️ 5 °C | ⛅ Partly cloudy | ☔ 10% (dry day) | 💨 SW 15–20 km/h

. . .

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Until next Thursday!