Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging residents and visitors to book ahead for a strong line-up of upcoming performances at Ararat Town Hall, with comedy, live music, circus, and original theatre all on the calendar in the months ahead.
Ararat-based trio The Runaway Strings will bring their signature blend of folk, bluegrass, blues and country to the Ararat Town Hall Foyer for a cozy, intimate concert experience featuring acoustic instruments, close harmonies and honest songwriting. The performance takes place on Thursday 4 June 2026 from 5.30pm to 8.00pm, with a relaxed after-work format including bar service from 5pm and flexible walk-in attendance.
Trash Test Dummies bring their award-winning circus-comedy to Ararat Town Hall in a fast-paced, family-friendly show packed with slapstick, acrobatics, juggling and playful chaos. The 60-minute performance takes place on Tuesday 7 July 2026 from 11.00am to 12.00pm, delivering an imaginative and hilarious experience for audiences of all ages.
UNDERSCORE blends live music and storytelling as acclaimed writers Jane Clifton and Wayne Macauley perform readings alongside songs and soundscapes by Sally Ford and The Idiomatics in a richly layered, electro-acoustic performance. The show takes place on Saturday 25 July 2026 from 8.00pm to 9.10pm at Ararat Town Hall, with a relaxed table seating format and bar open from 7.30pm.
The Beggars present California Sunshine, a nostalgic live music experience celebrating the iconic sounds of Laurel Canyon, featuring rich harmonies and classic hits from artists like Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell and The Eagles. The performance takes place at Ararat Town Hall on Wednesday 29 July 2026 from 11.00am to 12.10pm, offering a vibrant and entertaining journey through the music of the 1960s and 70s.
Finally, Nathan Cavaleri: Growing Pains is a powerful solo performance blending live music and storytelling, tracing the artist's extraordinary journey through fame, personal struggle and rediscovery with raw honesty and humour. The show takes place at Ararat Town Hall on Friday 2 October 2026 from 8.00pm to 9.15pm, offering an intimate and emotionally charged experience.
Ararat Rural City Council Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Harrison said Council was proud to support a program that gives the community access to high-quality live entertainment close to home. "Programs like this make a real difference to regional communities," Dr Harrison said. "They give local people more opportunities to come together, enjoy something different, and experience the kind of performances you would usually expect to travel for."
Dr Harrison said the breadth of the upcoming program reflected the value of continued investment in arts and culture across the municipality. "From nationally recognised acts to original contemporary performances, this line-up shows there is plenty happening in Ararat," he said. "It also speaks to the excellent work being done by Ararat Live in bringing unique and innovative artists to town."
Council encourages the community to explore the full program and secure tickets early through the Ararat Town Hall website.
