🍻 Guess which pub just reopened its doors...

Morning, Ballarat! How’s everyone going with working their way through the 36 pies before August wraps up? If that’s not enough to keep you busy, the Blues Festival is serving up three days of riffs, rhythm and soul. What a weekend!

– Luciano Devoto

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FEATURE STORY

🎶 Ballarat Blues Festival Strikes a Chord

Clear the diary and dust off the dancing shoes! The Ballarat Blues Festival is back for its fourth spin, and this year’s shaping up to be the biggest yet.

It kicks off this Friday across venues big and small, before building to the Main Event on Sunday, 3 pm at WCPA. Lineup is pretty great too: 19-Twenty, Lloyd Spiegel Trio, Triple Fret, The McNaMarr Project, Checkerboard Lounge, Nat Allison, Steve Plater, Shane Gilbert and more.

Throw in the Women in Blues showcase, a Six String Blues guitar tribute, and pub stages pumping all weekend, and you’ve got three days of blues heaven!

COMMUNITY DIGEST

🎨 Council Wants a Word With Our Creatives

If you’re a local artist, muso, maker, or anything in between, the City wants your two cents. They’ve just dropped the 2025 Creative Sector Survey. It takes just five minutes, it’s anonymous and open until the end of August.

And if you’re short of change, there’s a free grant-writing workshop for creatives this Saturday, 11 am at the Ballarat Library. Hannah Strout and Patrick Hayes from Auspicious Arts will share tips to make your applications sing. Spots are limited, so best register quick!

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👩‍👧‍👦 A Hand Up for Local Parents

I just read an inspiring piece in the Ballarat Times about New New Khin, a former refugee and mum-of-three, who’s found her spark again thanks to Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services and their Parent Pathways program.

Their Parent Pathways program is free, flexible, and designed to help parents re-enter study or work without sacrificing family life. It offers one-on-one mentoring, short courses, confidence-building workshops, and even links to local employers.

As a parent myself, I can see how a program like this can make a world of difference for parents needing a hand to get ahead. Love it!

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🌟 Youth Leading the Way in Ballarat

Ballarat’s youth just lit up the city again at the 2025 Youth Awards, celebrating our 12–25-year-olds who are contributing to the community in remarkable ways.

Marley Kennedy-Slater took the Major Award (12–17) for brightening kids’ days with festive hospital visits, leading mental health events, and even signing with Auslan to make everyone feel included. Enshi Tian, Ballarat’s first Chinese-Australian police officer, earned the Major Award (18–25) for trailblazing frontline work and cultural outreach.

Oh, and that’s not all, the whole thing was planed and managed by the Young Eventsters, a youth volunteer crew! How awesome is that!

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🌱 Bush Summit Comes to Ballarat

Ballarat’s Civic Hall’s hosting the National Bush Summit on Friday 29 August, and yep, the Prime Minister himself is on the guest list. Alongside him, a swag of political personalities will be diving into rural issues like cost of living, droughts, healthcare, and how the city and country can actually play nice.

This year also kicks off the new Bush Champions Awards, giving a nod to regional legends doing top-shelf work. It’s free to attend, but spots are selling super fast!

BUSINESS

🍻 The Mallow is Back With a Pint in Hand

It’s been a long time between pints, but one of my favourite pubs in town is finally swinging the doors back open this Thursday from 4 pm. The Mallow Hotel is Back!

The kitchen’s still getting its final polish so it’s just drinks on Thursday, then Friday through Sunday the taps will be flowing alongside smoky, wood-fired pizzas from the crew at Playing with Fire.

Welcome back, Mallow. We’ve missed you.

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🥧 Still Time to Chase Ballarat’s Best Pie

August isn’t over yet, which means there’s still time to eat your way through Ballarat’s Best Pie trail.

36 delicious pies, sweet and savoury, are scattered across town in cafes, pubs and bakeries, and you’ve got until 31 August to taste as many as your waistband allows. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Pie while you munch, your pick might just take home the crown.

WHAT’S ON

🎭️ Happenings Around Town

Handpicked activities for all ages

Comedy

Comedy for a Cause | Fri, 22 Aug | 7:30 PM | ($40)
Venue: Victoria Bowling Club
Description: A showcase of some of the best comedians from the Sydney and Melbourne International Comedy Festival in support of Black Hill Primary School.

Geraldine Hickey & Lloyd Langford Live | Fri, 22 Aug | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM | (From $30)
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Description: A double-header comedy show featuring two of the biggest names in stand-up, known for their appearances on shows like Have You Been Paying Attention? and Taskmaster Australia.

Friendlyjordies Presents - Alien Hunter | Tue, 26 Aug | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Trades Hall
Description: A comedy show where Friendlyjordies dives deep into the UFO phenomenon, convinced the U.S. government is hiding alien spacecraft. 18+ event.

Festivals & Exhibitions

Ballarat International Foto Biennale | 23 Aug - 19 Oct | (Info)
Venue: Various venues across Ballarat
Description: A dynamic exploration of visual storytelling with the theme of "Lifeforce," showcasing works by international and Australian photographers in galleries, laneways, and historic buildings.  

Melbourne International Film Festival (Ballarat) | Fri, 22 Aug - Sun, 24 Aug | (From $16)
Venue: Showbiz Cinemas Ballarat
Description: Ballarat hosts a weekend of screenings as part of the prestigious Melbourne International Film Festival.

Nerrida Parfitt and Peter Tankey Exhibition | Sat, 23 Aug - Sun, 24 Aug | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | (Free)
Venue: The Old Butchers Shop Gallery
Description: Visual artist couple Nerrida Parfitt and Peter Tankey exhibit a series of nocturnal landscape paintings that capture the atmosphere, light, and sense of place in the Ballarat region.

Markets & Fairs

Ballarat Farmers Market | Sat, 23 Aug | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | (Free)
Venue: North Gardens Reserve
Description: Stroll under mature trees near Lake Wendouree and browse over 100 stalls of local produce, handmade wares, hot food, and gifts.

Book Bounce Book Sale | Sat, 23 Aug - Sun, 24 Aug | Sat 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM; Sun 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | (Free)
Venue: Victorian Railways Institute Hall
Description: Ballarat's biggest book sale with thousands of books at $3 each, plus a selection of rare and unique books at discounted prices. Restocked for Sunday.

Community & Learning

Tea in the Garden | Thu, 21 Aug | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | (Free)
Venue: Sebastopol Library Community Hub
Description: Potter in the garden, drink tea, chat, and help with garden tasks like seed counting and harvesting herbs. No bookings required.

ADHD and Me | Tue, 26 Aug | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | ($20)
Location: 515 Chisholm Street, Black Hill
Description: A 2-hour workshop presented by Cafs, empowering parents to explore all things ADHD and children.

A Pressing Engagement | Tue, 26 Aug | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Library
Description: A monthly program for teens and young adults (ages 13+) to learn simple, affordable, and nutritious meals.

Singles Night - Sips and Sparks at Itinerant Spirits | Fri, 22 Aug | 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM | ($25)
Venue: Itinerant Spirits
Description: A singles night with proper cocktails, good music, games, and prizes. Step away from the apps and into something real.

Performances

Candlelight: Vivaldi's Four Seasons | Fri, 22 Aug | 6:00 PM | (Info)
Venue: Terminus Theatre at The Goods Shed
Description: A live, multi-sensory classical music experience performing Vivaldi's iconic work by the gentle glow of candlelight.

Fundraiser Drag Bingo | Fri, 22 Aug | 7:00 PM | (Info)
Venue: North Ballarat Sports Club
Description: A heartwarming and vibrant community event hosted by Gabriella Labucci and Daisy Chains to raise funds for gender-affirming surgery for a local community member.

Macbeth | Fri, 22 Aug - Sun, 24 Aug | Fri 8:00 PM; Sat 1:00 PM & 8:00 PM; Sun 1:00 PM | (Info)
Venue: Creswick Courthouse Theatre
Description: An intense adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, presented by The Bard in Buninyong and Creswick Theatre Company.

Legally Blonde The Musical | Sat, 23 Aug & Sun, 24 Aug | Sat 6:00 PM; Sun 2:30 PM | (Info)
Venue: Mount Clear College, Gay E. Gough Theatre
Description: A BMCA production following sorority president Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams at Harvard Law School. Two shows only.

Get Rhythm - The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show | Sat, 23 Aug | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM | (From $65.90)
Venue: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts
Description: An authentic tribute show that takes you on a musical journey with the songs and stories of country music's most famous couple.

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🎵 Live Music

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

Friday, 22nd August

The Bunch of Grapes Hotel | Cocktails & Tunes by the Fire | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Piano Bar | Ezra Lee & Damon Smith: A Boogie-Woogie Explosion | 7:00 PM | ($20)
The Main Bar | Kim Volkman | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Odessa at Leaver's Hotel | AP D'Antonio - The Incomplete Folk Singer | 7:30 PM
Hop Temple | Beats, Brews & BBQ | From 8:30 PM

Saturday, 23rd August

Hop Temple | JAWN Band | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | (Free)
Piano Bar Ballarat | Women in Blues Showcase | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM | ($20)
Aunty Jacks | Bill Barber (Acoustic) | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | (Free)
Piano Bar Ballarat | Piano by Request | 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM
The Crypt Ballarat | Lowdown and Dirty | 7:30 PM | ($10)
Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Six String Blues – A Tribute To Blues Guitar | 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM | ($39.95)
Hop Temple | Saturday Live Music | From 9:00 PM

Sunday, 24th August

Hop Temple | Andrew Farrell (The Piano Wizard) | 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM | (Free)
The Cattleyards Inn | Rewired Rock Band | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Market Hotel | Marlee Grace | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Volta | Diesect “Hide From The Light EP Tour” | 7:00 PM

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 21 August
6 °C 🌡️ 16 °C | 🌥️ | ☔ ~10% | 💨 NW 10–20 km/h

Friday, 22 August
5 °C 🌡️ 14 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 W 10–20 km/h

Saturday, 23 August
1 °C 🌡️ 14 °C | 🌤️ | ☔ ~0% | 💨 WNW 10–20 km/h

Sunday, 24 August
4 °C 🌡️ 14 °C | ☀️ | ☔ ~0% | 💨 NW 10–20 km/h

Monday, 25 August
8 °C 🌡️ 13 °C | 🌥️ | ☔ ~10% | 💨 W 10–20 km/h

Tuesday, 26 August
6 °C 🌡️ 12 °C | 🌥️ | ☔ ~40% | 💨 WSW 10–20 km/h

Wednesday, 27 August
5 °C 🌡️ 12 °C | 🌥️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 W 10–20 km/h

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Until next Thursday!

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