2025 Festival Program
Beef & Bangers Blackall Saleyards Experience
TIMES: 8am | 9am | 10am
VENUE: Blackall Saleyards
Get up close and personal in the place where the agriculture industry comes alive!
Producer & Butcher Demonstration
TIME: 11:30am Sheep | 1pm Cattle
VENUE: Blackall Saleyards
It’s a rare chance to see the full journey from paddock to plate - perfect for food lovers and curious minds alike!
Eco Dyeing Workshop
TIMES: Thursday 2pm | Friday 10am
VENUE: Living Arts Centre
Discover the art of eco dyeing at our hands-on workshop during the outback festival!
Sculpture Trail Tours
TIMES: 3pm & 4:30pm | VENUE: Pick up at Blackall Cultural Centre
Take the opportunity to explore the artistic landscape of our town in the comfort of a guided drive-by Sculpture Tour. Finish off with drinks and nibbles at The Lodge on Hawthorn at end of tour.
Official Opening 2025 Better in Blackall Festival
TIME: 6pm | VENUE: Blackall Cultural Centre
Join us as we kick off the 2025 Better in Blackall Festival with fine dining and fabulous LIVE entertainment!
Illusionist Josh Norbido
TIME: All Festival!
VENUE: See Event Page
Get ready to be spellbound! Known for his electrifying blend of sleight-of-hand, sharp comedy, and audience interaction, Josh Norbido is set to be an unmissable festival act!
Dog Walk on Sunrise with Bee
TIMES: 6am Friday & Saturday
VENUE: Barcoo Riverside Walking Track
Bring your pooch (or we can provide one!) and enjoy a morning walk with your furry friends.
Sunrise Pilates at the Roly Poly
TIMES: 6:30am Friday & Saturday
VENUE: The Roly Roly Sculpture
Enjoy a relaxing Pilates flow class at the iconic ‘Roly Poly’ while taking in the sunrise over Blackall.
Ram Park Pioneer Exhibition
TIME: From 8am
VENUE: Ram Park
Immerse yourself in history with demonstrations, displays, reenactments, competitions & more!
Gin Blending Workshop
TIME: 10am
VENUE: Food & Beverage Pavilion
Western Queensland Spirit is bring their award winning gin to Blackall for a Gin Blending Masterclass! Join us for an immersive experience where you'll learn the art of crafting your own unique gin blend. Perfect for gin enthusiasts and beginners alike!
Bubbles & Brushes with Bushmans Gallery
TIME: Friday 10am | Saturday 10am & 2pm
VENUE: Bushmans Gallery
Join local artists from the Bushmans Gallery for Bubbles & brushes! Unleash you inner artists and have some fun with your new festival friends.
Matt Golinski Masterclass
TIME: 10am
VENUE: Living Arts Centre
Celebrity chef Matt Golinski is set to serve up a sensational experience making the most of local ingredients at this masterclass.
Line Dancing Lessons
TIMES: Friday 1pm | Saturday 11:30am
VENUE: Memorial Hall
Dust off those boots and get ready to scoot! We’re line dancing this year, cowboy.
Markets & Stalls
TIME: Friday from 4pm | Saturday from 9am
VENUE: Short Street
Jewellery, fashion, gifts, homewares, food, treats and even something for our furry friends! The markets & stalls are the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy and ensure you take part of the outback home with you!
Bright Bites Boulevard
TIME: Friday & Saturday
VENUE: Short St
Whether you're after a hearty meal, a sweet treat, or just something to sip as you wander, the Bright Bites Boulevard offers a taste of just the thing you’re looking for!
Triathlon for a Cause
TIME: Juniors 4pm | Opens 5pm
VENUE: Commencing at Blackall Aquatic Centre
Calling all teams, individuals and juniors!
All money raised goes to Blackall Hospital to assist with the purchase of a chemotherapy chair.
Street Parade
TIME: 4pm
VENUE: Starting at Ram Park | Finishing at Short St
We’re having a Street Parade! It’s time to get creative, colourful and a little bit nostalgic because the Pioneers of the Past Street Parade is rolling into town!
Fastplant Skateboarding Workshops with T and Mik
TIMES: Friday & Saturday (see event page)
VENUE: Blackall Skate Park
They’re back! Fastplant Skateboarding is hosting workshops for ages 4 and over.
Kids Activities, Workshops & Stage Shows
TIMES: Friday & Saturday (See event page)
VENUE: Short St
Friendship bracelets, face painting and a LIVE musical adventure show!
Barcoo River Rides & Side Show Alley
TIMES: Friday 4pm - 10pm | Saturday 10am - 10pm
VENUE: Short Street
Sideshow alley and a variety of rides. Great value passes available for unlimited fun!
Crime & Cocktails
TIME: 5:30pm
VENUE: Food & Beverage Pavilion, Short St
Join us LIVE and IN PERSON for the interview that will have you on the edge of your seat! But also, grab yourself a cocktail of course!
Ghost Tours
TIMES: 7:30pm | 9pm
VENUE: Starting at Short St | Finishing at The Lodge on Hawthorn
Explore historic sites and hear stories of long-gone residents who may not have entirely left as you walk the darked streets and buildings of Blackall!
Recharge Lawn
TIME: All Day
VENUE: Short St
Whether you’re looking to lounge on the grass, catch up with friends, or enjoy a few classic lawn games, the Recharge Lawn is your go-to spot.
Street Party & Live Music
TIME: ALL DAY
VENUE: Short Street
Short Street will be jam packed throughout the day, with markets, rides, shows, workshops, billy carts, games and heaps more! Then, when the sun goes down, get ready to boogie on the Barcoo with entertainment on the BTRC Main Stage all night.
Historical Display - ‘The Bad Boys of Blackall’
TIME: 9am-4pm
VENUE: Short Street
Enjoy taking a trip back in time with a pop-up historical display from the Blackall Historical Society.
Blow Dry Bar
TIME: 9am
VENUE: Short St
Festival-goers can kick back with a beverage in hand and let Laura from Sol Hair & Beauty work her magic at our Blow Dry Bar!
Burlesque Workshop
TIME: 10am
VENUE: Memorial Hall
Unleash your inner showgirl at our fabulous burlesque workshop, where glamour, confidence, and fun take center stage!
Food & Beverage Pavilion
TIMES: 10am & 1:30pm
VENUE: Short St
Enjoy demonstrations, displays, tastings and a swag load of freebies! Hosted by celebrity chef Matt Golinski.
Bush Beatz Performance
Time: 11am
Venue: Short St
There’s a dance program in the West that keeps our kids dancing, and its called Bush Beatz!
Fashion Styling Masterclasses with Brooke Falvey
TIME: 2:30pm
VENUE: Memorial Hall
Dopamine dressing at its best! Join award winning stylist Brooke Falvey as she shares the skills she’s honed over years in the fashion industry as a fashion blogger, model, editor and stylist to help you feel confident in your personal style.
Billy Cart Races
TIME: Races Start 3pm sharp
VENUE: Short Street
Proudly supported by the BTRC Lifestyle & Community Hub, the billy carts are must-do fun for young and old! Get ready for some fast and furious family fun.
Makeup & Skincare Workshop with The Look by Britney
TIMES: 4pm
VENUE: Memorial Hall
Join us at the Better in Blackall Festival for a fun and informative beauty experience hosted by Britney Wightman!
Family Fun & Live Music
TIME: ALL DAY
VENUE: Short Street
Get ready for rides, games, face painting, kids interactive musical shows and heaps more - fun for the whole family!
Highland Shootout
TIME: 4pm
VENUE: Short St
Get your teams together and take on the outbacks version of the highland games!
Recovery Sunday - POOL PARTY
SUNDAY
VENUE: Blackall Aquatic Centre
Relax and rejuvenate at the Blackall Aquatic Centre with a soothing dip and a delicious brunch!
Ben’s Chicken Races
TIME: 11am and 2:30pm | VENUE: SHEEP STREET - STREET PARTY
Come have a flutter on the fastest chickens in the West!