G'day Ballarat! This week has been a good reminder of what our winter weather feels like, and I’m not sure I’m ready for it. The long weekend is almost here, and if you’re staying local, I’ve done a bit of digging and picked a few interesting activities to suit just about everyone.

We’ve also got a 47 year sporting drought finally broken, local teens taking over the mic, a handy rego rebate reminder, and a new pasta spot at The Goods Shed.

– Luciano Devoto
PS: If you’d like to support this free community newsletter, you can buy me a coffee or choose to advertise with us.

If you’re staying around Ballarat for the King’s Birthday long weekend, there’s plenty on without needing to overthink it. Here are my picks:

When: Saturday 6 June, 7:30pm to 9pm
Where: Civic Hall Ballarat

Comedian Luke Kidgell brings his Good Intentions tour to Civic Hall this Saturday night, fresh from shows across the US, Canada, New Zealand and Europe. He’s known for viral crowd work, loose moments and the sort of audience interactions that could go beautifully sideways. More info.

When: Saturday 6 June, 2:30pm
Where: St Patrick’s Point, Lake Wendouree

The annual Lap of the Lake returns this Saturday from St Patrick’s Point, with runners taking on the classic 6km loop around Lake Wendouree. Registered Athletics Victoria members can score club points, but recreational runners can still join in too. More info.

When: Saturday 6 June, 10am to 3pm
Where: Mining Exchange

The Pride Month Market is back at the Mining Exchange this Saturday from 10am to 3pm, with local artists, vendors, second hand goods, clothing, community stalls and food. Jay Kulbardi and Annelise Belladonna will also be doing 15 minute portraits, with Flying Chillis handling snacks. More info.

When: Saturday 6 June, 10am to 4pm
Where: St Andrew’s Church Hall, corner of Dawson and Sturt streets

Ballarat’s Biggest Book Fair is back with tens of thousands of books up for grabs, raising funds for Uniting Ballarat’s Breezeway meals service and Lifeline. Entry is by gold coin donation, with soft covers from $2 and hard covers from $3. Dangerous territory for anyone with full shelves already. More info.

When: Saturday 6 June, 6pm to 9pm
Where: Piano Bar Ballarat

Ballarat’s own Harry Lamb is heading back to Piano Bar after his Australian Idol run, with a Saturday night show from 6pm to 9pm. A good local one if you want live music, hometown energy and the chance to say, “I saw him before he got even bigger.” More info.

When: Saturday 6 June to Monday 8 June, 10am to 4pm
Where: Kryal Castle

Kryal Castle’s long weekend joust returns from 6 to 8 June, honouring castle creator Keith Ryall, whose medieval vision apparently involved giving Ballarat a place where knights still charge at each other for sport. More info.

When: Monday 8 June, 10am to 3pm
Where: New Ballarat Showgrounds

Ballarat Nightlife Market is bringing a big indoor market to the new Ballarat Showgrounds this King’s Birthday public holiday, with handmade products, local businesses, unique gifts, food, sweet treats and plenty of browsing room. Entry is $3 for adults 16 and over, with kids free. A handy public holiday wander. More info.

It only took 47 years, but Ballarat’s squash crew has finally done it. The Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Centre’s division one team won the Hopman Cup for the first time since 1979, while division two finished runner up. Not a bad weekend with a racquet in hand.

Thirty five Ballarat teenagers are taking part in ABC’s Regional Takeover, sharing stories and ideas about what it is like growing up here. Their work will be showcased this week, with some stories set to feature across the ABC during June. Good to see young locals getting the microphone.

Centre for Multicultural Youth Ballarat is expanding its Join Us For Change program, bringing people together for conversations about respect, equality and lived experience. It’s the sort of grassroots community work that does not always make a lot of noise, but can shift how people see each other.

Nominations are open for the 2026 Ballarat Youth Awards, celebrating locals aged 12 to 25 who are making a positive difference. This year’s theme is Making Ripples, Making Waves, which is a nice reminder that small efforts can still make a decent splash around town.

Ballarat’s artists, makers and creative workers are being asked to share what life is really like in the local creative sector. The 2026 Creative Sector Survey will help shape future programs, services and investment, which matters in a city where creative industries now support more than 3,200 jobs.

The Victorian vehicle registration rebate opened this week, which means eligible drivers can apply for 20% back on their rego. It’s available for up to two light vehicles per person, including cars, utes, vans and motorcycles. Applications are open until Friday 31 July. Worth a few minutes.

There’s a new pasta spot at The Goods Shed. Grano Italian has opened at 200 Lydiard Street North, serving handmade pasta, generous plates and a lively dining room inspired by the social side of Italy. Translation: carbs, conversation and probably no regrets.

3🛏️ 1🛁 2🚗 | House | 592m²

Hints: This week’s mystery home is a mid century charmer in Redan, tucked into a quiet tree lined street just minutes from the CBD. It has split level living, three bedrooms, original character, a workshop and a 604 square metre block. Plenty of personality, and plenty of “what would I do with this?” energy.

What do you reckon the asking price is?

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Discover all events, activities, and live music around Ballarat each week inside our events calendar. Check it out!

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Until next Thursday!

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