Ballarat nightlife and social scene draws bigger winter crowds

Ballarat venues recorded their strongest Friday night turnout in two years on 10 July, with foot traffic on Sturt Street after 10pm up sharply from the same weekend last year.

The increase follows the close of the local football season and the start of a new round of winter music and comedy line-ups that keep doors open past midnight.

Two venues leading the push

The Criterion on Sturt Street extended its Friday and Saturday hours to 2am and added live bands each weekend, while The Foundry on Lydiard Street introduced a new $12 door charge for its late-night sets that start at 11pm.

Numbers and next steps

Ballarat City Council figures released on 8 July show an 18 percent rise in weekend patronage at licensed premises in the first week of the month, with average spend per person at $47.

Check The Criterion and The Foundry websites for listings before heading out this weekend, and allow extra time for street parking near the CBD after 9pm.