Picnic in the Park to return for a second year

Are you looking for a family-friendly, relaxed way to fill in the afternoon on 26 January? Then the City of Ballarat has the perfect event for you. 

Picnic in the Park, the latest addition to the City of Ballarat summer events calendar, is set to return to Victoria Park on Thursday 26 January, 2023.  

The free community event will feature great food, market stalls, kids’ activities and entertainment, making for a guaranteed relaxing afternoon. 

After a popular inaugural event in 2022 that saw about 3,000 people attend, it is hoped an even bigger crowd will turn out for the second installment. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the event aimed to strike a balance between acknowledging changing sentiments around 26 January, while also celebrating what was great about Australia. 

"The Picnic in the Park event is a family-friendly event in a beautiful environment in Victoria Park. It is designed to be an extremely relaxing day, one that takes place in a respectful manner,” Cr Hudson said. 

“We had some positive feedback after last year’s event, we encourage families to come along and make a day of it. 

“There will be live music, lawn games, food trucks and market stalls – something to entertain everybody. 

“We acknowledge there are differing views around 26 January, we ask that people be respectful of other’s opinions – that is what makes Australia such a great country to live.” 

There will be more than 15 local food trucks on site, and people are welcome to pack their own picnic for the day. 

And yes, you can even bring your four-legged friend (although they must be kept on a lead). 

Picnic in the Park will run from 11.30am-3.30pm and will be located at the Victoria Park sporting ovals, opposite the Inclusive Play Space on Oak Avenue.