Ararat’s Biggest Youth Festival Ignites Fun, New Skills, and Career Pathways for Local Youth

Alexandra Oval Precinct came alive on Saturday afternoon as local young people gathered for Youth Ignite 2026, Ararat’s premier festival celebrating youth culture, entertainment, and career pathway opportunities.

Organised by Ararat Rural City Council’s YEAH! Crew (Youth Events, Activities and Happenings), the inaugural one-day festival welcomed over 200 attendees from across the region for an afternoon of live entertainment, hands-on skill-building, and social connection.

The packed program featured a diverse lineup of interactive career and life-skills zones stalls alongside a selection of food trucks, local community partners and live performances.

Highlights included mechanical bull rides with Angry Angus, hands-on wildlife displays with Tyron’s Wildlife Encounters, interactive drumming demonstrations with Jesse from Kerplunk!, and stalls and activities hosted by SES Ararat Unit, One Red Tree Resource Centre and GWMWater.

The festival also hosted live music from featured local band ‘Band in Progress’, and food truck favourites including Grampians Ezy Eats, The Hippie Whippy, Chloe's Sweets & Treats, and Spud Stick.

“It was really fantastic to see so many young people from right across our region coming together, having fun, and connecting with each other,” said Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders.

“This event was all about giving our youth a great day out whilst showing them what’s possible for their futures. There was plenty of opportunities to learn a new skill, have a or chat with local community partners about their career path options, as well as make new friends.”

“Council is committed to facilitating spaces like this where young people can thrive in the community. Seeing the energy and smiling faces at Youth Ignite shows just how important events like this are.”

This initiative was delivered through the Engage! 2025–27 program, with support from the Victorian Government.