Youth Ignite 2026: Ararat Rural City’s Unmissable Youth Festival
Ararat Rural City Council is thrilled to announce a brand-new youth event aimed at bringing together young people from across the region for an unforgettable day of music, learning, and fun.
Proudly presented by Council’s YEAH! Crew (Youth Events, Activities and Happenings), Youth Ignite 2026 offers a jam-packed program featuring live music performances, interactive life-skill level up zones, wildlife encounters, delicious food trucks, and direct access to local support and career advice from community partners.
A wide selection of food trucks will also be on offer including Spud Stick, Uncle Jum’s Baked Potatoes, and Grampians Ezy Eats, and Hippie Whippy Ice Cream. All food vendors will accept cash and EFTPOS on the day.
The first 149 attendees will receive a free show bag filled with sweet treats from Flossy’s & Poppy’s, YEAH Crew merch and more!
Enjoy live music by local group Band In Progress and wildlife encounters courtesy of Tyron’s Wildlife Encounters, and connect with local emergency services, community groups, and education providers at interactive stalls designed to help young people level up their future.
Free buses will be running from surrounding townships to help everyone attend.
"We're really excited to launch Youth Ignite 2026, a fantastic new event built to bring our region’s young people together," said Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders.
"Our YEAH Crew are a brilliant group of local youth, and they’ve worked incredibly hard to pull this event together. It's a chance for you to hang out, enjoy the live music and local food trucks, and pick up some new skills or check out career pathways with education providers and emergency services. It’s a free event so I encourage everyone to get their tickets, get involved, and enjoy a great day out.”
Youth Ignite 2026 is strictly a smoking, vaping, e-cigarette, drug, and alcohol-free event. Professional crowd control and community safety partners will be on-site throughout the day.
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: Alexandra Oval Precinct
- Entry: FREE (registration required)
For more information, bus timetable details, and to register, please visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au/events.
