Rock Ballarat

This year Ballarat has a NEW rockabilly festival ROCK BALLARAT. The inaugural event will be bigger than previous rockabilly events held locally including more venues and street closures.

You all know how much I love a community event so I thought Id put together a little post to inspire you of what’s to come this weekend.

5 Things You Need To Know.

It’s a community event. The event is not just for retired rock’n’roll dancers or young rockabilly hipsters. Anyone is welcome, whether you want to gawk at cars, fashion, or dancers or want to learn how to dance or dress. The crowd is fun and inclusive.
You don’t have to have a wardrobe of vintage clothing but if you do want to dress up, visit the stalls at the Armstrong Street Party on Saturday & Sunday or drop into the Lana-Rose pop up and shop some great clothes and even book in for hair, makeup and tattoo art from the booths in the Mining Exchange or a salon on Armstrong Street.
If you’re on a budget there is plenty of free events including the Armstrong Street Party and night market as well as the car show, fashion parades, pin up competition and select workshops.
Tickets to the the main music events on Friday & Saturday are great value and depending on the ticket might include free extras such as entry to the Tiki Party, dance classes on Saturday & Sunday as well as entry to Sundays Last Chance Dance Party.
There are plenty or fringe events around town including live music and even burlesque bingo or you can even dine out on retro food at local cafes. (I have it on good authority Little Bird Cafe is serving up cheeseburgers, mac’n’cheese, brisket and even root beer spiders)

There are far too many events happening over the weekend for me to list them all including dance classes, street party, night market, karaoke, car show, best dressed competition, live music and bingo.

DONT MISS

The Pinup Competition. So many talented entrants of a high quality, it’s always a crowd favourite.
Rock ’n’ Roll Music. Seriously buy a ticket to one the live music events, attend some dance classes and get out there
The Armstrong Street Party – The road will be closed for fashion, cars, trade stalls and night market and live music.

THE TOP TICKETED EVENTS

Friday Night

Opening night Tiki Party (6-8pm. Mining Exchange).

Dress in Hawaiian theme, have a Man Tai and meet the finalists of for the Pinup Competition, sponsors and offical guests. This is my favourite event where you get to wind down from the work week as well check out come of the most fun fashion from the pinup competitors. Tickets are $13 here. (Or Free entry with select tickets to Friday Saturday night live music events.)

Rockabilly / Psychobilly & Surf Rock (7:30pm. Mining Exchange)

Ballarats own surf rock band Shell Yeah! Followed by the Wild Turkey. Tickets also include free entry to the Tiki Party, weekend dance classes and the Last Drinks/Dance Party (Sunday night closing event). Tickets are $37 here.

Rock ’N’ Roll Dance (7pm. Civic Hall)

Your chance to dance along to The Lincolns and A Band Called Twang. Tickets also include free entry to the Tiki Party, weekend dance classes and the Last Chance Drinks/Dance Party (Sunday night closing event). Tickets are $58 here.

Saturday Night

Rock ’N’ Roll Dance (7pm. Civic Hall)

Gold Dust Grande Burlesque (Mining Exchange)

Featuring some of the biggest teams inAustralian burlesque , International winners and homegrown talents. This event is always a hit but book your tickets early before it sells out. Tickets are $35 here.

Sunday Night

Closing Event Party – Last Chance Dance & Drinks (6pm. Mining Exchange)

Finish off the weekend having a drink and dance with your new friends! Tickets are $12 here. (Entry is FREE with select tickets from some Friday & Saturday night events.)

Visit the ROCK BALLARAT website or Facebook page for more details on the events.