👏 Two locals are making history (and Ballarat proud)

Good morning, Ballarat! It’s a big weekend ahead as Crowded House and Angus & Julia Stone headline one of the biggest gigs of the year. There’s plenty happening offstage too, from local legends and old-school cafés to a few spooky weekend surprises. Let’s dive in.

– Luciano Devoto
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FEATURE STORY

🔥 Red Hot Summer Tour at Victoria Park this Saturday

Big arvo on the lawn coming up this weekend. Crowded House are in town this Saturday, with Angus & Julia Stone along for the ride, and Victoria Park is the perfect spot for it.

Gates open from 1:00pm, so grab an early lunch then wander in with your camp chair and sealed still water.

Weather’s looking friendly: starting a bit cloudy before clearing in the arvo for around 24 °C and a light breeze, ideal for music, mates, and a lazy stretch on the grass.

If you’ve been tossing up whether to go, this is your sign. Tickets and event details are on the official tour page and local listings.

PROJECTS

🏉 Exciting upgrades ahead for Ballarat’s event scene

Ballarat’s gearing up for a serious boost in its event-hosting game, with new features just unveiled for the Mars Stadium precinct redevelopment. The upgrades include a large videoboard showcasing artwork by Dr Deanne Gilson, extra change rooms for double-headers and a new southern standing embankment to lift the match-day atmosphere.

On top of that:

• 5,000 new seats will boost capacity to 10,000.

• A new athletics track and pavilion are being built at the old showgrounds site.

• A $5 million upgrade to Frank Bourke Oval is also in the works, supported by the State.

The entire precinct project is forecast to wrap up in late 2026, positioning Ballarat as a stronger destination for major sport and community events.

. . .

LOCAL LEGENDS

🏃 Ballarat’s Oscar Wootton shines at World Triathlon Finals

Last week’s 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals in Wollongong saw Aussie star Matthew Hauser claim gold in the men’s premier race — but closer to home, Ballarat had its own reason to celebrate.

Local triathlete Oscar Wootton finished an impressive 9th in the Junior Men’s division, clocking 00:56:07 against a world-class field. It’s a standout result for the young athlete and a proud moment for Ballarat’s triathlon community, which continues to punch well above its weight on the national stage.

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✨ Canadian Alice Jury named Victoria’s top primary teacher

Big news from Canadian Lead Primary School! Alice Jury has just been crowned Victoria’s Outstanding Primary Teacher at the Victorian Education Excellence Awards.

Alice has helped transform how kids learn at Canadian Lead, co-developing a phonics program that’s lifted reading and spelling results for Prep to Grade 2. She’s also a champion of the Berry Street Education Model, introducing routines, brain breaks and positive starts that have improved attendance and classroom calm.

. . .

HAVE YOUR SAY

🚻 A new loo for Lake Wendouree

Here’s one decision that really matters when nature calls. The City’s asking locals where the new public toilet should go along the southern edge of the lake.

Two sites are in the running: St Patrick’s Point or the foreshore opposite Loreto. You can check the maps and share your thoughts before 30 November. Not the flashiest topic, but let’s be honest, a well-placed loo can make or break a lap of the lake.

. . .

ADOPT A PET

🐶 Ballarat’s big-hearted goofball looking for a home

If your place could use a bit more tail-wagging energy, Ozzy might be your guy. This young Staffy is all muscle, mischief and heart. The kind who’ll chase a ball like it owes him money and still have time for cuddles after.

He’s a fan of tug and fetch, both great outlets for his endless enthusiasm (and his secret weapon for training). Ozzy’s after a home with secure fencing, space to play, and humans who’ll take him on all the adventures he deserves.

BUSINESS

☕ A little bit old-school, a little bit cool

If you like your coffee with a side of nostalgia, LYDIARD General Store & Café is the kind of place that feels like it’s been here forever. Housed in a beautifully restored corner store on 313 Lydiard Street North, it’s equal parts café and pantry, where you can grab a flat white and wander past shelves stacked with artisan jams, local olive oil and small-batch treats.

The food’s simple but super tasty including seasonal toasties, fresh bakes, and weekend brunch that always hits the mark. It’s the sort of place where you come for a coffee and end up leaving with a jar of something you didn’t know you needed.

WHAT’S ON

🎭️ Happenings Around Town

Handpicked activities for all ages

Markets

Ballarat Halloween Spooktacular Market | Fri, 31 Oct | 4:00pm - 8:00pm | ($2.00)
Venue: Ballarat Showgrounds
Description: A spooky evening market with over 100 stalls, food vendors, face painting, costume competition, and trick or treating. Adults $2, kids free.

Ballarat Book Sale | Sat, 1 Nov | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Airport
Description: The Rotary Club of Ballarat East operates a second-hand book sale with over 30,000 books, starting from 50 cents.

The Bridge Market | Sat, 1 Nov | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Free)
Venue: The Bridge Mall
Description: A Ballarat Farmers Market selling a wide range of essential foods, gourmet items, hot food and locally made design ware.

Ballarat Local Produce Swap | Sat, 1 Nov | 09:30am - 11:30am | (Donation)
Venue: Ballarat Community Garden
Description: Monthly swap for excess produce, herbs, seeds, plants, preserves etc. Bring items to swap or make a donation. Morning tea available (gold coin donation).

BIG VINYL DIG | Sat, 1 Nov | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: NORTH BALLARAT SPORTS CLUB (Function Centre)
Description: Annual record fair with vendors from Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne & Vic Country. 50,000+ LPs, CDs, 45s, plus merchandise & collectibles. Free entry.

Festivals

Ck Afterhours - Summer Camp for Adults | Fri, 31 Oct - Mon, 3 Nov | 4:00pm Fri - 1:00pm Mon | (Info)
Venue: Adekate Camp
Description: An all-inclusive 3-night weekend escape for adults, combining childhood fun with grown-up perks. Includes accommodation, all meals, drinks, and activities.

Red Hot Summer Tour | Sat, 1 Nov | 1:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Victoria Park
Description: Major national music festival featuring Crowded House, Angus & Julia Stone, The Church, Mark Seymour w/ Vika & Linda, The Waifs.

Halloween

Ghosts of the Goldfields - Hauntings, Hoaxes, and Halloween | Thu, 30 Oct | 5:30pm - 7:00pm | (From $8.00)
Venue: Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections
Description: Delve into a spine-chilling exploration of ghostly tales from Victoria’s gold rush era with Dr. David Waldron.

Spooky Bookfest | Fri, 31 Oct, 5:00pm–8:00pm | Sat, 1 Nov - Sun, 2 Nov; 10:00am–2:00pm | (Free)
Venue: InterClub Drop In Centre
Description: Over 12,000 quality second-hand books for $3 each. Also features local authors, food vans, and a drop-off point for food donations. Continues Sat & Sun.

Halloween Family Fun Night | Fri, 31 Oct | 6:00pm - 8:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Kid’s Planet @Golden Point Hotel
Description: Spooktacular family fun with face painting, trick or treat bags, spooky cocktails (for parents), and best dressed competition ($50 vouchers).

Minerva's Secrets: Explore Ballaarat Mechanics Institute After Dark | Fri, 31 Oct | 7:00pm - 8:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
Description: Explore tales of the weird and supernatural in this beautiful heritage building, including the mysterious basement.

Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Cup Day at Roy Hammond | Tue, 4 Nov | 11:30am - 4:00pm | ($130.00)
Venue: Roy Hammond
Description: Hosted by Max Hamond. Includes cocktail on arrival, four-course Asian-inspired banquet, and all-inclusive bubbles, beer, wine and soft drink

Bubbles On The Balcony - Melbourne Cup Day | Tue, 4 Nov | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | (Info)
Venue: The George Hotel Ballarat
Description: Includes a 4-hour house beverage package, roaming canapes, live music, races on the big screen, and prizes for best dressed.

2025 Melbourne Cup at the Boatshed | Tue, 4 Nov | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | ($180.00)
Venue: Boatshed Restaurant
Description: Celebrate on Lake Wendouree with a cocktail on arrival, a decadent four-course lunch, and flowing beer, wine, and sparkling. Live music by Travis McCarthy.

Melbourne Cup at Bunch of Grapes | Tue, 4 Nov | 12:00pm | (Info)
Venue: The Bunch of Grapes Ballarat
Description: Celebrate the race with live music, a glass of wine/sparkling/beer on arrival, and a three-course lunch. Sweeps, prizes for best dressed, TAB facilities.

Performances

Neil Adam & Judy Turner w/ Jeri Foreman & Grace Honeywell | Sun, 2 Nov | 2:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Odessa at Leaver's (Creswick)
Description: An intimate afternoon of traditional Scot-Celtic, old-time American, and Australian folk music. A taste of the acclaimed CresFest folk festival.

Post Office Gallery | ZÖJ - Give Water To Birds Album Launch | Sun, 2 Nov | 3:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Post Office Gallery
Description: Live performance by ZÖJ (Gelareh Pour, Brian O'Dwyer, Brett Langsford) launching their album 'Give Water to Birds'.

Family

Beginning with Books | Thu, 30 Oct | 10:30am - 11:30am | (Info)
Venue: Wendouree Library
Description: An early literacy program for new parents and their little ones, featuring interactive storytelling, songs, and activities.

Halloween @ the Dogs | Thu, 30 Oct | 4:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Greyhounds (Corner Rubicon & Sutton St)
Description: A Halloween family day at the greyhounds. Come dressed in costume and enjoy free activities. Prizes for best dressed.

Family Fun Night | Fri, 31 Oct | 5:00pm - 7:00pm | (Free)
Venue: St James Parish School, Sebastopol
Description: Free community event hosted by Journey Early Learning Sebastopol. Includes ice-cream bar, biscuit decorating, fire brigade, ambulance, Kelly Sports, music & games.

BRMC Ballarat Welcome Bus Tour | Fri, 31 Oct | 9:30am - 2:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council Inc.
Description: A free bus tour for multicultural individuals (resided <5 years) to explore major facilities in Ballarat. Lunch provided.

Sewing Wildlife Pouches and Rescue Kits | Sat, 1 Nov | 10:00am - 12:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Library
Description: Join Ballarat Wildlife Rehabilitation members to learn how to make joey pouches, bat wraps, and first aid kits to support local wildlife carers.

. . .

🎵 Live Music

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

Thu, 30 Oct

Freight Bar and Rooftop | Neutron Flow, Phoenix Phunk, Whiz Bang | 7:00pm | (Free)

Fri, 31 Oct

Market Hotel | Playjarism | 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Royal Mail Hotel | CHASING MOJO | 7:00pm
The Black Hill Hotel | Liam Baker | 7:00pm
Volta | INTRINSIC Halloween Party (Psytrance DJs) | 7:00pm - 3:00am | ($20.00)
The Main Bar | Earl Leonard & 100 Moods | 7:00pm - 11:00pm | ($10.00)
Courthouse Hotel | Josh Butterworth | 7:30pm
The Painted Lady 1862 | The Sinsemillian feat. Dinosaur Man | 8:00pm | ($20.00)
Irish Murphy’s | Pity The Fool Band | 9:00pm

Sat, 1 Nov

The Main Bar | Spacejunk, Assteroid, Snake Valley Heavy Rescue, Velora | 5:00pm - 11:00pm
The Munster Arms Hotel | The Broken Pokers | 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Irish Murphy’s | Bitter Sweet | 9:30pm
Rafters Ballarat | Aussie Thunder | 9:30pm
Volta | The Tullamarines w/ Ghostcare | 7:00pm

Sun, 2 Nov

Courthouse Hotel | Liam Baker | 2:00pm
Market Hotel | Echo Rhythm | 3:00pm
Irish Murphy’s | Celtic Jam | 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Craig's Royal Hotel | Home Road Acoustic | 3:00pm - 6:00pm | (Free)

Mon, 3 Nov

The Deck Ballarat | Chillinit | 7:30pm

Tue, 4 Nov

The George Hotel | Bubbles on the Balcony (Live Music) | 12:00pm - 4:00pm
The Bunch of Grapes Ballarat | Live Music (Melbourne Cup Lunch) | 1:00pm - 3:00pm

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 30 October
21 °C 🌡️ 8 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 W 15 km/h

Friday, 31 October
18 °C 🌡️ 8 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~60% | 💨 W 20 km/h

Saturday, 1 November
21 °C 🌡️ 11 °C | 🌤️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 SW 15 km/h

Sunday, 2 November
26 °C 🌡️ 9 °C | 🌦️ | ☔ ~40% | 💨 NW 20 km/h

Monday, 3 November
13 °C 🌡️ 6 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~70% | 💨 SW 25 km/h

Tuesday, 4 November
12 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~50% | 💨 SW 20 km/h

Wednesday, 5 November
13 °C 🌡️ 5 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 W 15 km/h

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Until next Thursday!