Friday 25 September: a sporting start
Friday is Victoria’s Grand Final public holiday. Council’s spring programme lists the Ballarat Duathlon at Victoria Park, Newington, on that date. It is one for the sport-minded to investigate through Ballarat Tri Club; check the race schedule, spectator arrangements and entry status directly. This is not a suggestion that you can turn up and enter on the day. If you are travelling by public transport, check the holiday timetable as well.
Saturday morning: take a market bag
The fourth-Saturday farmers market schedule puts Ballarat Farmers Market at North Gardens Reserve, Zoo Drive, from 9am to 1pm on 26 September. Make it a morning outing or a quick stop for the weekend’s supplies. Our separate market story has a few ideas for making a relaxed morning of it. Check the organiser’s updates if the weather looks uncertain.
Saturday afternoon: Fiesta Fair
Fiesta Fair is listed for Saturday 26 September, noon to 7pm, at Ballarat Showgrounds and Events Centre, 6 Rose Hill Road, Mount Rowan. The Australian Multicultural Community Centre’s event listing includes amusement rides, children’s activities, games, food and market stalls, and entertainment. It gives families an alternative afternoon plan beyond the football. Check the organiser’s website for entry and activity prices; the listing does not establish that all activities are free.
Sunday: step into PopCon
PopCon takes over Civic Hall and Ballarat Library on Sunday 27 September, 11am to 4pm. Council describes a free event with cosplay, gaming, live music, Lego displays, creative workshops and more than 50 stalls. The cosplay competition is scheduled for 2.30pm at Civic Hall, with a parade at approximately 3pm afterwards. Competition entrants should follow the registration link on the council’s event page. Dressing up is an option, not a requirement for enjoying the day.
Pick one thing and leave some breathing room
You do not need to fit every event into the weekend. Choose the one that suits your household, check its final details and build the rest of the day around it. A market morning and a Sunday visit to PopCon would make a very different weekend from a sporting Friday and an afternoon at the fair. Both leave room for the important long-weekend business of doing very little at all.
Researched from the public sources below. These are suggested outings, not first-hand reviews. No business paid for inclusion. Check opening hours and availability before travelling.
Sources checked 25 September 2026:
- Business Victoria: Grand Final public holiday
- City of Ballarat: spring programme and duathlon
- Ballarat Farmers Market: organiser information
- Visit Ballarat: organiser-supplied Fiesta Fair listing
- City of Ballarat: PopCon schedule and registration
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