Ballarat Happenings
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Ballarat Happenings

This month, the inaugural Season Of The Arts brings Ballarat’s most anticipated event of 2015, with the Art Gallery of Ballarat opening its doors on October 2 to the legendary Archibald Prize. The finalists for Australia’s most highly regarded portraiture prize have provided some captivating renditions this year, with subjects including beloved cultural icons such as Jenny Kee and Daniel Johns. Expect a tonne of other events city-wide, including the FACEUP/PASTEUP display, featuring portraits submitted by Ballarat teens as part of the Young Archie’s program, turning surrounding laneways into an urban art fest. Prepare for a lot of feathers and frocks floating around the city, with SOTA also heralding the Ballarat Cabaret Festival. Book sooner rather than later, with an estimated 2,000 people a day attending the Prize over the seven weeks. Head to archibaldballarat.com.au for details.
Vline’s frequent services from Geelong means it’s an easy two minute walk from the station to the Art Gallery. As punters head to the exhibition they’ll take in the recently revitalised Police’s Lane and transformation of the square at Alfred Deakin Place into a pop up foodie paradise, spearheaded by newcomer Pickles bar and café. The sleek, design-focused shipping container conversion, put together by local designer Sam Brown, will fortify Archibald visitors seven days a week for the duration of the exhibition. Showcasing some stellar local lovelies, like Ballarat’s best loved bubbly Mitchell Harris’ Sabre, with Brooklyn Lager and Mountain Goat Summer Ale rounding out the comprehensive craft beer offering. After his huge success in the concept development of the wildly popular Minecraft competition at M.A.D.E. for the MAGNAs award winning 160th Anniversary of Eureka programme in September ‘14, Sam’s latest project combines his love of design with his passion for local events and the promotion of grass-roots projects.
Other offerings in the pop-up precinct will be Tuck Truck Tuesday, with Round the Way bagels heading up some of the best food trucks Victoria has to offer from 5-7pm. Just don’t forget to finish up with Pickles’ signature drink, Hendricks Gin with house pickled cucumber.
Cooking classes are happening again at the Age’s Good Food Guide’s recently hatted Catfish Thai, Ballarat’s not-so-secret food gem lorded by locals for its sensational authentic and seasonal fare. If you want to get beyond satay sticks in your Thai repertoire, this is the place to do it, with Damien Jones’ terrific vegetarian feast on offer on Saturday October 10.
The Eastern impresses again with a live line-up not to be missed. Spend the Grand Final evening enjoying LA band White Fang’s notoriously wild stage displays with LL Goons and Mourning on the October 3. The 9th is set to be huge with Gay Paris heading up a killer night with the Yard Apes and 80 Hundred. Don’t miss the 10th with local favourite Spacejunk launching their new album with The Spinning Rooms and Shit Sex.
Die-hard fans of Australia’s fave game show will finally have their wish come true, with Rockwiz Live coming on October 11. Book at Regent Cinemas.
Written by Emma Dallamora

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