Elevate, representing a collective of businesses across Bathurst, officially launched BX After Dark on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, unveiling an ambitious new initiative designed to strengthen Bathurst’s night-time economy and create compelling new reasons to experience the city after sunset.
The launch also marked the release of tickets for the first signature experience, BX After Dark: Heritage & Laneways – The Wandering Table, to be held on 13 and 14 November 2026.
BX After Dark will transform Bathurst’s heritage precincts, laneways and public spaces through a series of signature experiences celebrating the city’s history, hospitality, culture and creativity.
The initiative will be officially launched at Reckless Brewing Co. from 5.00pm to 6.30pm, with local businesses, community members, government representatives, tourism operators and media invited to discover what lies ahead.
Elevate CEO Rhonda Taylor said BX After Dark represented an exciting new chapter for Bathurst and an opportunity to see the city through a different lens.
“Bathurst has an incredible combination of heritage, hospitality, creativity and community spirit. BX After Dark will bring these elements together to create experiences that are distinctly Bathurst and encourage people to explore, connect and experience the city in a new way,” Ms Taylor said.
“This is about more than staging events. It is about strengthening collaboration, supporting local businesses and creating a more vibrant night-time economy that benefits our entire community.”
Three Signature Experiences
The launch provided the first look at three signature BX After Dark experiences planned across Bathurst CBD:
BX After Dark: Heritage & Laneways – The Wandering Table – 13 and 14 November 2026
A celebration of Bathurst’s historic buildings, laneways, stories and hospitality, inviting audiences to discover familiar parts of the city in an entirely new light. Through food, storytelling, heritage and unexpected encounters, The Wandering Table will invite guests to wander through the heart of Bathurst and experience the city after dark.
BX After Dark: Where the World Comes to Celebrate – 11–14 February 2027
Bathurst 12 Hour Global Festival is a new visitor activation proposed for delivery alongside the Bathurst 12 Hour race weekend. Distinct from the existing motorsport event and its current programming, this initiative will establish a multi-night cultural and entertainment festival within Bathurst’s CBD, creating a new experience that extends visitor engagement beyond Mount Panorama/Wahluu and into the city centre.
The Global Festival will transform themed venues, laneways, courtyards and rooftops into immersive international precincts inspired by iconic racing nations from around the world. Running from day into late night, the activation will feature curated food and beverage experiences, live music, DJs, cultural performances and interactive hospitality offerings designed specifically for this new festival concept.
BX After Dark: Harvest After Dark – 15 May 2027
A celebration of the region’s producers, seasonal food, beverages and creative talent, showcasing the people and products that make the Bathurst region distinctive.
“Each experience will have its own personality, but they will all share the same ambition: to create memorable moments that connect people with Bathurst, its businesses and its stories,” Ms Taylor said.
“We want residents to feel proud of their city, visitors to discover something unexpected, and local businesses to see genuine opportunities to participate and benefit.”
Supporting Bathurst’s night-time economy
Bathurst is one of 10 regional centres across New South Wales selected to participate in the NSW Government’s Regional Night-time Economy Program, delivered through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
Elevate prepared the successful application on behalf of a Bathurst Business Collective representing hospitality, accommodation, tourism, beverage production and major events.
The initiative has been supported by Bathurst Regional Council, Bathurst Business Chamber, Destination Network Central West, Supercars and Wiradjuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation, trading as Wambuul and Wahluu.
BX After Dark also aligns with Elevates broader work to strengthen Bathurst’s visitor economy, support local enterprise, and position the region as a vibrant place to live, visit, work and invest.
A thriving night-time economy can generate benefits well beyond hospitality and events, creating opportunities for retailers, creatives, producers, accommodation providers, tourism operators, suppliers and local workers.
“Strong regional economies are built through collaboration,” Ms Taylor said.
“BX After Dark provides a platform to test new ideas, build stronger connections and help shape the future of Bathurst after dark.”
For further information, visit: https://bathurstandbackroads.com.au/bx-after-dark/
