With an emphasis on making the three-day event affordable, today’s public holiday is Family Day, with free food, crafts and live performances sure to keep children entertained. 

Tonight’s Carnival Night will also have reduced entry rates from 5pm.

Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society executive officer Lucy Quartermain said a treasure trail, performers and well-loved carnival rides and sideshows made it a perfect day out. 

“On the Family Stage, we have locked in great entertainers like The Kazoos and Nappa Dakka, but lots of local primary school acts will be featured too,” she said. 

The Courier’s Rooftop Express will perform five shows across the weekend, showcasing the larrikin humour and animal athleticism of the Australian outback.

Entry is $40 for a family ($35 on Family Friday), $17 for adults, $10 for pensioners, $7 for children and those under five years are free.