Top 10 B&S Balls in Australia
Bachelor and Spinster (B&S) Balls have been an integral part of life in rural Australia for over a century. When they originally took place, in the 1800s, they presented an opportunity for young people to meet potential partners. This was useful given that life in remote areas could be lonely as opportunities to meet other people were often limited.
The B&S Balls of today are very different from the formal events of the past. There are around 30 of these “Balls” each year and they are events akin to festivals where young people join together to have a good time and party.
As an insight into these events, we’re going to take a look at 10 of Australia’s top B&S Balls.
Key points
- Bachelor and Spinster Balls have been an integral part of life in rural Australia since the 1800s.
- They were originally intended to give people living in rural areas a chance of finding love but today they are more like a huge party and have a festival vibe.
- Today events take place across the country and people pay an average of $100-$150 to attend.
- Every ball is about having a good time with music, alcohol, and fun competitions taking centre stage.
1. Nabawa Valley Tavern B&S
This new event is a great opportunity to go crazy, have a few drinks, and listen to live music. It takes place at Valley Tavern, Nabawa, in Western Australia from 5pm on Saturday 12 February 2022 to 12am on Sunday 13 February 2022.
Partygoers can expect a themed beer garden and music from local talent including Geoff Udy. It’s set to be a wild and fun occasion.
Anyone who wants to attend can check out tickets for the event priced at $55 for general entry.
2. Rotary Club of Corowa B&S Ball
This famous B&S Ball takes place on the Saturday night of Australia Day weekend. The venue is Corowa Rugby Ground. The club raises funds by hosting the event.
Hundreds of people normally party at this ball. They arrive in their utes dressed in Australian-themed outfits.
This year’s Rotary Club of Corowa B&S Ball is scheduled for Saturday 5 March and tickets are priced at $150.
Anyone interested can get the latest event information here.
3. Eel Skinners & Duck Pluckers B&S Ball
The Eel Skinners & Duck Pluckers B&S Ball is held on the second weekend of December each year at Carranballac in Victoria. It originally ran for more than 20 years before taking a five-year hiatus then returning in 2015.
Over 2,000 people often attend the event which includes hay bale pools, tug-of-war and a wet T-shirt competition.
Unfortunately, Eel Skinners & Duck Pluckers B&S Ball is currently on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions. Information about the ongoing situation is available on the event’s website.
4. Monkerai B&S Ball
Monkerai 2 Day B&S Ball usually takes place on the last weekend of August. The next one is due to happen on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 August 2022. The venue for the ball is 311 Upper Monkerai Road, Monkerai, New South Wales.
Attendees can expect a country vibe with country music and other shenanigans. This is the first two-day B&S Ball in the state. It begins with a warm-up party on Friday at 5pm and continues with the full-on party on Saturday at 10am.
Events during the Ball include live bands and a ute show. There are also free hot showers and toilets on site.
Tickets for Monkerai B&S Ball cost $60 for the Friday warm-up party and $160 for the Saturday B&S. More information is available on the event’s website.
5. Lowood Spudds & Dudds B&S Ball
This popular B&S Ball welcomes partygoers to the Lowood Showgrounds in Lowood Queensland. Tickets for the event are $100 each and the entrance fee includes eight drinks, food, and entertainment.
This year’s event is scheduled to happen on 9 April 2022. Entertainment will include performances by Tony Q Band & Will Day. The event’s Facebook page contains up to date information.
6. Bullioh Bucks & Does B&S Ball
Every year, on the last weekend in February, people head to the Bullioh Bucks & Does B&S Ball to party. It’s one of the most attended events on the B&S calendar and takes place at Wyeeboo Reserve in the Tallangatta Valley, Victoria.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2022 event has been cancelled. But B&S enthusiasts do not need to worry, it will be back next year with a bang. Up to date information can be found on the Facebook page for the event.
7. Marching into Coota B&S Ball
Recently, the organisers of the Marching into Coota B&S Ball announced that the event was postponed for this year due to current pandemic issues. But it’s due to be back next year at the Cootamundra Showground in Cootamundra, New South Wales.
Tickets usually cost around $155 and the dress code for the event is black tie. Anyone wanting to attend next year’s shenanigans should keep an eye on the Marching into Coota B&S Ball Facebook page where all the latest information can be found.
8. Lumberjacks B&S Ball
People looking for a party in Winnindoo will be stoked to hear that The Lumberjacks B&S is scheduled for Saturday 2 April 2022. The venue for the ball is Lumberjacks on Three Chain Road.
Tickets for the ball can be purchased online and cost $150. The entrance fee includes a live performance by The Silverstring Outlaws as well as a roast roll dinner, an egg and bacon sandwich breakfast, and a drinks wristband.
9. Ariah Park B&S Ball
The Ariah Park B&S Ball happens during the last weekend in October each year. Funds raised by the event go back into the local community so it’s a good cause as well as being a great party. The venue for the event is Ariah Park, New South Wales.
After the cancellation of the event in 2021, partygoers are hoping that it will happen in 2022. The ball has a Facebook page where all information about the current situation can be found.
10. Tussock Jumpers B&S Harrow
The next Tussock Jumpers B&S Ball is scheduled to happen on Saturday 21 January 2023 after the 2022 ball was cancelled due to COVID-19 issues. It’s a long time to wait but will be worthwhile for party enthusiasts.
All the latest information can be found on the event’s Facebook page where people can check out what to expect from next year’s gathering on the banks of the Glenelg River.
These ten events prove that there is a big following for B&S balls with their healthy attendance numbers that can be in the thousands. The balls may be very different from the original events, but they remain a great opportunity for men and women in rural communities to get together and party.