It’s time to don the floppy sunhats and breezy outfits and head outside to discover the summer joys of the region. Over the next couple of months, Ballarat will play host to several gigs, festivals and events combining music, entertainment and great food, making for a perfect summer getaway. So make sure to plan your visit to coincide with one (or more) of these events.
Karova Lounge Xmas Weekend – December 22-24
You’re going to want to clear the weekend before Christmas and organise a nice Ballarat getaway. Karova Lounge will play host to some very rocking acts in the lead up to the big day, including The Yacht Club DJs, followed by Regurgitator (in celebration of their latest album HEADROXX), and a special Xmas Eve party.
Jazz Convention – December 26-31
Bringing the cityscape to life every year, the annual Jazz Convention is back in Ballarat from Boxing Day and set to re-invigorate the city with all the New Orleans vibes. Settle into one of Ballarat’s chic bars or cafes, and soak up the surrounding reverberations.
Summer Sundays – January 6, 13, 20
The perfect summer session, these outdoor gigs are held in the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens and bring together some of the most-loved musicians from around Australia in what is an afternoon of fine music, fare and natural ambience! Line-up still to be announced, so watch this space.
Ballarat Beer Festival – January 19
There will be beer, and music, and wine, and the sun, and loads of activities for all ages. Headlined by nine-piece soul/funk outfit Butterfunked with the likes of Kelly Auty, Justin Yap Band, Blues Roulette and Frank Sultana also on the bill (amongst others), this day-long festival sings summer, brews and tunes.
Red Hot Summer Tour with Jimmy Barnes – January 27
Because you can’t go a summer in regional Australia without the Red Hot Summer Tour or Jimmy Barnes. Held at the North Gardens Reserve, the concert will also feature Joan Jett and The Living End as well as Diesel, Richard Clapton and Chocolate Starfish. There’s a day of rock if ever we did see one.
Ballarat Beat at The Laneways – February 8-10
The annual Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival has re-jived into something new this year. Now called Ballarat Beat at The Laneways, the three-day festival will be held down the city’s loved alleyways, and will feature music, stalls, classic cars as well as an open-air cinema, bar choir, dance lessons and more!
For more events in Ballarat during the summer season, head to visitballarat.com.au