Ballarat Nightlife

"Ballarat's newest and most exciting venue has arrived! Situated in the heart of Ballarat, the Bended Elbow offers the very best in dining, bar and entertainment. Ballarat's premium, pub and there are 20 varieties of beer on tap including our very own Ballarat Gold Ale - brewed right here in Ballarat!
The Bended Elbow can also cater for functions and events of all sizes from the smallest dinner party to a 700 person cocktail event!
The Basement @ The Bended Elbow is set to rock Ballarat to the core - with the very best headlining DJs - now you don't have to go to Melbourne to go out !"
Thus goes the blurb. I found it interesting that Melbourne, some distance away, is obviously considered a problem for the local nightclub scene.

Dress Code: No thongs

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The Nerrina is about 4 kms out of the centre of the city of Ballarat, and tends to specialise in quite a few tribute shows and has other organised concerts and gigs during the year, holds functions, etc.
We've spent the last 2 New Years Eve's there, as my husband's band was the night's entertainment (this year with Lingus, his latest band) Photo 1 features: Paul (my husband) Rob, Brett & Ken (with Darren hidden in the background on drums)

The Mallow is one of Ballarat's most historic pubs (1862 I think) and is pretty traditional Aussie style inside (plenty of trophies on the walls, some funny signs and a lot of Formula 1 posters wallpapering above the bar).
They're also one of the pubs now which has the most live music during the week and at weekends (as compared to others who have recently stopped having bands altogether).
Thursday - Sat night there is free live music, and usually something of a Sunday afternoon too.
We went there in mid August and saw 'Four Play' (local band) play there. Only a small pub, but not too crammed, and I found the atmosphere pretty good.
The band was pretty young and versatile, especially the lead singer, who was also lead guitarist and could dance around a bit as well.
Especially a very good drummer too.
Worth taking a look.
A young barmaid bar was rather kind to us (we'd just come in from being drenched outside getting there) and she gave us the best table in the place, which had just been vacated by the band, who had been on a break.
They also have cheap bar meals for well under $10.

Dress Code: Neat, casual dress (no singlets or thongs, as per usual in pubs)

This is a must not miss show, make sure you book, you are picked up and taken around the park to a location to see this show, I wont say to much to ruin the night.
Its about the battle of the Eureka Stockade
in a show called Blood on the Southern Cross, It happened when nearly twice as many armed soldiers and Police charged the stockade., than the 150 men who were laying asleep on Dec, 3rd 1854..

Grainery Lane is open 6 nights a week and is one of only a few nightspots left in town providing a platform for many of its home grown talent - the local songwriters and bands. Music styles include gothic, folk, world funk, Celtic, R & B, etc.

Dress Code: Neat casual dress

21 Arms is one of the bigger night clubs and tends to have bigger bands (several other hotels have bands, but more local pub bands).
It always seems popular and crowded and the band/bar/dance floor area in a large room out the back makes it the best venue for crowded concerts.

Dress Code: Normal dress requirements - you need to be wearing a shirt, and shoes. Shorts are a maybe - maybe ok, maybe not.