While Ballarat workers won’t be getting the day off on Tuesday, many people who typically commute to Melbourne for work have the day off and will be patronising local bars and restaurants.

Just some of the events taking place in Ballarat on Tuesday include live music and sweeps at the George Hotel Lane, a Frock and Filly Day at the Lydiard Wine Bar, $50 and $100 sweeps at Irish Murphy’s and a free barbecue and fancy hat day at the Cattleyards Inn.

Mitchell Harris Wines in Doveton Street will put on “The Birdcage” with a canape and sparkling wine lunch, with attendees expected to dress up to the nines.

Seymours on Lydiard has been busy dressing tables for a stylish Melbourne Cup Day luncheon, featuring a buffet of delicacies including oysters with champagne jelly, white gazpacho with blue swimmer crab and pistachio, goji berry and apple rolled pork with port wine jus.

Owner and proprietor Phil Sargent said the event was similar to what people could expect at Flemington on Derby Day with a “gourmet buffet lunch”.

The event, which is part of the Good Food Ballarat festival unravelling throughout November, is expected to draw plenty of glamour.

“People have been asking what the dress code is, and most people seem to be dressing up,” Mr Sargent said.