And we are back again!

Upon request we are hosting yet another good ol’ fashioned Boot Scootin’ Night!

Join us for a Boot Scootin’ Night filled with country tunes, easy line dancing, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. Whether you’re a two-step pro or just in it for the fun, our instructor will keep things light and lively — no experience needed, just a good sense of humour.

Dance in Line with KT will have you feeling like a seasoned pro before the night is out!

For the experts in the room... don’t worry! Katie will keep you on your toes with time especially for you to show us newbies how it’s done!

With great food, cocktails, and cold beers this is the perfect outing to catch up with mates or bring the family along for a dance.

Get your tickets now, we’ve sold out every time!

https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-boot-scootin-night

At just 24, Jonah James, an award-winning Folk/Roots artist has already conquered stages across Australia and internationally. 2022 Australian National Busking Champion turned festival headliner, Jonah's musical journey spans nearly two decades - from street performances at 13 to representing Australia at the prestigious Buskers World Cup in South Korea.

A gifted multi-instrumentalist mastering banjo, guitar, bass, cello and more, he has graced iconic stages including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Muster, and festivals across two continents.

From humble busking beginnings to achieving the dream of making a full living from music, Jonah seamlessly blends traditional country roots with contemporary appeal that resonates with audiences wherever he performs.

Join us at The Alternate Root for an intimate summer evening of live music with musician Jonah James. Jonah brings a folk / country/ roots; known for his heartfelt songwriting and grounded, story-led sound, Jonah weaves together folk traditions with a distinctly Australian warmth this is music made for listening closely and feeling deeply.

Thursday 23rd January | 7pm

Free entry – bookings required

Settle in with a drink, let the night unfold, and enjoy a relaxed gig that pairs beautifully with good company and easy summer energy. Be sure to book your spot and join us for a soulful night of live music.

Call 6778 3185

Email events@alternateroot.com.au

Blackheart Games & Hobbies from Armidale is coming in to the Alternate Root to host a board games evening!

Whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned pro there will be something for you.

Blackheart Games & Hobbies will be providing games and guidance but do feel free to bring your own game!

Snacks, Dinner and Drinks will be available all evening.

Book you spot:

https://events.humanitix.com/board-games-night-blackheart

La Notte Italiana is a celebration of summer evenings; warm air, clinking glasses, and long conversations around the table. Join us for en evening inspired by the ease of Italian dining, this is a night made for slowing down, sharing food, and soaking up those golden-hour summer vibes.

For $59 per person, enjoy a sun-soaked menu of bruschetta to start, followed by pasta and a fresh seasonal salad, served alongside a large glass of wine. With two relaxed sittings at 5:30pm and 7:30pm, each capped at 30 guests, this intimate summer dinner is best enjoyed with friends, laughter, and nowhere else to be.

Details:

Date: 16 January
Time:
1st seating - 5:30pm
2nd seating - 7:30pm
Cost: $59 per person

This is a bookings only event, call 6778 3185 or email events@alternateroot.com.au

A creative afternoon made just for young artists!

Join us for Milkshakes & Masterpieces, a relaxed and colourful painting session where kids can unwind, get creative, and enjoy a delicious treat.

Participants will paint on pre-drawn canvases, making it easy and fun for all skill levels, while sipping on a loaded milkshake made just for them. No pressure, no experience needed; just creativity, colour, and a sweet afternoon out.

Details:

Saturday 10th January

3:00pm – 4:30pm

Ages 10–15

$35 per child

Tickets required : Https://events.humanitix.com/milkshakes-and-masterpieces

Includes:

Guided canvas painting (pre-drawn design)

One loaded milkshake

All materials provided

Spots are limited, so be sure to grab tickets early — we can’t wait to create something fun together!

Disclaimer:

Parents or a guardian are to stay at the cafe for the duration - this will be run by one of our staff members however responsibility for the child remains with the parents.

Parents book a table, bring a book or a mate and hang out while we create!

Writing a book? Crocheting a blanket? Sketching out your next masterpiece? Bring your unfinished project to work on in the cafe to a backdrop of Low-Fi Focus tunes. 

The bar will be open and available along with our bar snacks menu, the perfect combo to get productive.

This is a free to join event!

Pop on down on the day or call in advance to book a spot!

CALL: 6778 3185

EMAIL: events@alternateroot.com.au

Ease gently into the new year with Cocktails & Grazing Boards; the perfect low-effort, high-reward way to recover after the New Year buzz. On 2nd January, join us for a laid-back afternoon of beautifully styled grazing boards and a handcrafted cocktail, designed for slow conversations, relaxed vibes, and zero pressure to do anything other than unwind.

For $30 per person, you’ll enjoy a generous grazing board paired with a cocktail on arrival because recovery should still feel a little bit indulgent.

Think easy seating, mellow energy, and a chance to reset before the year really begins.

Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and let this be your gentle re-entry into real life.

Call 6778 3185

or email events@alternateroot.com.au to book your spot.

Please note that only bookings will be catered for with grazing boards.

Kick off those Christmas leftovers and dust off your dancing boots — due to popular demand we are hosting another good ol’ fashioned Boot Scootin’ Night!

Join us for a festive Boot Scootin’ Night filled with country tunes, easy line dancing, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. Whether you’re a two-step pro or just in it for the fun, our instructor will keep things light and lively — no experience needed, just a good sense of humour.

Dance in Line with KT will have you feeling like a seasoned pro before the night is out!

For the experts in the room... don’t worry! Katie will keep you on your toes with time especially for you to show us newbies how it’s done!

With great food, cocktails, and cold beers this is the perfect mid-holiday outing to catch up with mates or bring the family along for a dance.

Get your tickets now, we sold out last time!

https://events.humanitix.com/boot-scootin

Brought to you by The Alternate Root Café x Walcha Coffee

Get ready for an afternoon to evening of silky pours, creative flair, and a whole lot of caffeine-fuelled fun.

The Alternate Root and Walcha Coffee are teaming up to bring you an evening that celebrates the art (and heart) of coffee — The New England Latte Art Championships!

Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just starting to master your milk flow, this friendly competition is open to all skill levels with Under 13’s, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced categories. From the perfect heart to the most intricate multi-pour swan, we’ll be crowning winners across every stage of the journey.

What to expect:
- Great tunes and local vibes
- A front-row seat to barista artistry in action
- Drinks and food available throughout the night
- Prizes, bragging rights, and plenty of coffee-fuelled cheer

How to Enter:
Register via the ticket link below. ENTRY IS FREE!
Competitors can bring their own milk jug, or use one from the café.

Come for the coffee, stay for the community.
We can’t wait to see who pours their way to the top.

REGISTER:

https://events.humanitix.com/new-england-latte-art-smackdown

WHAT ELSE IS ON?

We have a full itinerary for the whole community! Barista or not, we have something for you; including the potential to win a door prize just for coming along!

This is all free to attend! Talks, workshops and entertainment include:

Latte Art Comp – Event Schedule

3:00pm - Under 13’s Latte Art Workshop & Friendly Comp
A fun, hands-on intro to latte art with Ave.
(30 minutes)

3:30pm - Under 13’s Latte Art Round
Classic pours, first pours, big cheers.

3:50pm - Coffee Roasting Talk
Cam from Walcha Coffee shares how beans become brews.
(40 minutes)

4:30pm - Beginner Latte Art Round
Layered pours and flowing designs.

4:50pm - Coffee Cupping Session
A guided tasting experience with Marco & Cam.
(40 minutes)

5:30pm – Intermediate Latte Art Round
Precision, creativity, and serious skill.

5:50pm – Sustainability in Coffee Chat
A thoughtful conversation led by Berdine.
(40 minutes)

6:30pm – Advanced Art Finals
The ultimate showcase of skills! 

6:45pm – Winners Announced
Prizes, applause, and celebration.

7pm - Coffee Cocktail Demonstration

Running Throughout the Afternoon

• Coffee-themed colouring table

• Make-your-own coffee grounds scrub station

• Drinks, snacks & dinner!

Prizes:

Advanced:

1. $500

2. Coffee kit/merch

3. Merch 

Intermediate:

1. $200

2. Coffee kit/merch

3. Merch 

Beginner:

1. $100

2. Coffee kit/merch

3. Merch 

Under 13’s:

1. $50

2. Coffee kit/merch

3. Merch 

"Occasionally an artist stops you in your tracks and belts you right in the feels, and singer-songwriter James Bennett is certainly in the business of crafting tracks that get stuck in your head without overstaying their welcome. There's an effortless charm to Bennett's songs that carries over into real life when he talks about his music - a self-taught guitarist, a silver-tongued lyricist and a voice coated in rasping honey, it's no surprise or coincidence that a boy who grew up off the grid listening to uninterrupted Bob Dylan would end up conjuring dreamy folk magic."

James Bennett is an independent solo artist & multi instrumentalist from Port Macquarie NSW. An experienced, prolific songwriter & one who believes in writing for a purpose & not just for the sake of trying to hit the big time. Constantly evolving, while staying rooted in the sincerity that defines his music, James Bennett’s raw honesty shines through his live sets, never failing to transfix an audience.

Book your table now!

Sip, savour, and celebrate the season with us as we welcome the return of spring in the most delicious way — with Dobson’s Gin and a bespoke tapas pairing menu.

Join us for an evening of botanical delights as Steven from Dobson’s guides you through a curated tasting of six crafted gins, perfectly paired with seasonal bites designed to complement every pour.

Good company, great gin, and a touch of spring magic — all waiting for you at The Alternate Root.

Tickets available now:

https://events.humanitix.com/dobsons-at-the-alternate-root

SAVE THE DATE

Jerry Coleby Williams; conservationist, horticulturalist, plant curator and television and radio personality is coming to The Alternate Root!

Details to come.

The collaboration that you’ve all been waiting for! Join us for an evening of floral arranging and a delightful floral inspired dinner and drinks.

We have the incomparable Mika from Eve’s Flowers coming in to treat you to the floral workshop of your dreams! As a certified floristry trainer Mika is bringing quality, experiences and of course.. her excellent vibes to the evening.

Included in your ticket price is:

• Bubbles on arrival

• Floral arranging workshop; all of the products, teaching and support you could possibly need

• A specially created floral inspired cocktail (mocktail available on request!)

• The most delicious, delightful and dreamy dinner.

Take home your floral arrangement, so that you can create a masterpiece at home again and again!

Tickets $180

https://events.humanitix.com/florals-and-cocktails

Why not gather the gals and have a gorgeous evening out!

Sofa Session: Behind the Pages of Romance

Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and join us for a heartwarming evening with two romance writers ready to spill the tea. In this relaxed café chat, they’ll unpack the truths and tall tales of the romance writing world — from crafting chemistry and character sparks to busting the biggest myths about the genre.

Expect candid conversation, laughter, and maybe a few cheeky confessions as they share what really goes into writing “happily ever after.” Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or just love a good story, this cosy night promises connection, insight, and a dash of romance.

Where: The Alternate Root
Vibe: Fresh, witty, and a little bit flirty
Featuring: Romance authors; Bridget Van der Eyk and Rebecca Campbell.

CALL: 6778 3185

EMAIL: events@alternateroot.com.au

Creative Workshop Series — Explore, Create, Connect

This November, we’re celebrating creativity in all its forms with a hands-on workshop series designed to spark inspiration and connection. From words on a page to brushstrokes, scripts, and song lyrics, each session offers a chance to learn directly from talented local artists who live and breathe their craft. Whether you’re curious to start your first novel, bring characters to life in a table read, write from the heart through music, or express yourself through art, these workshops invite you to slow down, play, and create something that’s entirely your own.

Come for the creativity, stay for the community.

Writing Your First Novel with Candy Baker

Ever dreamed of writing a novel but don’t know where to start? Join author Candida Baker for a practical and inspiring workshop designed to help you turn your story idea into a living, breathing manuscript. Learn how to build believable characters, shape compelling plots, and stay motivated through the writing process. Whether you’ve written a few pages or are starting fresh, Candy will guide you through the craft and courage it takes to write your first book.
Perfect for: Emerging writers ready to take their first big creative step

Script Table Reading with Nick Troon

Step into the world of theatre and radio with Nick Troon as he brings the creative energy of a professional table read to life. Participants will have the chance to perform, explore, and break apart a script in a collaborative and supportive setting.  Together you'll be exploring the Oscar Wilde classic, The Importance of Being Earnest.  Discover how dialogue comes alive off the page, through voice, pacing, and tone, and gain valuable insight into refining your craft as a performer.

Perfect for: Actors, directors, and creatives curious about storytelling for the stage or radio.

Songwriting with Jhana Allen

Join singer-songwriter Jhana Allen for an immersive and heart-led workshop that dives into the art of songwriting. Explore how lyrics, melody, and emotion weave together to tell stories that move and connect. With Jhana’s guidance, you’ll experiment with structure, rhythm, and creative flow, leaving with fresh tools and perhaps even a new song in the making.
Perfect for: Musicians, poets, and anyone who wants to write from the heart

Art Workshop with Sammy

Slow down, get messy, and rediscover the joy of making with Sammy’s art workshop. Through guided exercises and playful exploration, you’ll experiment with colour, texture, and composition in a welcoming, judgment-free space. This session is about process, not perfection — reconnecting with your creative instincts and letting intuition lead the way.
Perfect for: Anyone seeking inspiration, relaxation, and a creative recharge

Book your ticket here!

Spooky season has arrived!

We have two seperate social events on today! The afternoon is all about the kiddos with halloween themed crafts and trick or treating in cafe.

The evening is for the grown ups! We have spooky specials on offer for dinner and drinks along with halloween themed trivia! Gather your mates and book a table. PRIZE for the best costume! Get amongst it.

3pm-5pm Kids crafts & trick or treating

Cookie Decorating Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/halloween-cookie-decorating

Craft + trick or treating is free to attend. First in first served, available until we run out!

6pm-8.30pm Dinner, Drinks & Trivia. FREE ENTRY

For trivia register your spot here: https://events.humanitix.com/halloween-dinner-drinks-and-trivia

Alternatively:

CALL: 6778 3185

EMAIL: events@alternateroot.com.au

Fovndlings, based now in Uralla, are a rambunctious five piece, playing their own original and idiosyncratic brand of cowpunk; sometimes with ferocity, often with tenderness, never with indifference. Their songs, powered by big beats and haunting melodies, explore themes of landscape, memory and loss in what is our own shambolic age. Expect a great night out revelling in the pandemonium.

The Sinners – Emily Jane & Brendan Passey

Are an acoustic duo peddling unholy melodies and harmonies sweet enough to tempt a saint. After several years of righteous silence, they return by very limited demand to preach their gospel of longing and mild eternal peril. Equal parts fragile confession and quiet damnation, their songs may even redeem the saltiest of dogs… though damnation is the safer bet.

October is mental health month. Join us as we gather a panel of mental health professionals to chat about all things self-care, therapeutic modalities and the importance of community connection in our mental wellbeing.

Half an hour of guided conversation amongst the panel, followed by half an hour of community conversation.

NOTE: There will be a therapeutic dog in attendance for this evening.

Gather some friends and book a table for the evening.

CALL: 6778 3185

EMAIL: events@alternateroot.com.au

Join us for the revival and expansion of Bling & Things Annual Spring Fashion Show!

Step into spring in style at the Uralla Spring Fashion Show, where local boutiques unveil their latest seasonal lines in a vibrant runway showcase. Be inspired by fresh looks, timeless pieces, and playful trends that capture the spirit of the season.

Enjoy the show with a special spring cocktail menu designed to complement the evening, and make a night of it with dinner available after the runway spotlight. Guests will also have the opportunity to shop the collections, with exclusive discounts on purchases made on the night.

Best of all, this fabulous event is free to attend—making it the perfect excuse to gather your friends, sip something refreshing, and welcome spring with fashion, flavour, and flair.

Register your spot now:

https://events.humanitix.com/uralla-spring-fashion-parade

Alternatively:

Call the cafe 6778 3185

OR email Grace: events@alternateroot.com.au

Writing a book? Crocheting a blanket? Sketching out your next masterpiece? Bring your unfinished project to work on in the cafe to a backdrop of Low-Fi Focus tunes. 

The bar will be open and available along with our bar snacks menu, the perfect combo to get productive.

This is a free to join event!

Pop on down on the day or call in advance to book a spot!

CALL: 6778 3185

EMAIL: events@alternateroot.com.au

Oktoberfest - With a Celtic twist! Because, why the not!

Pull on your lederhosen and raise a stein – it’s time for Oktoberfest! We’re celebrating with New England Brewing Co. featuring two of their finest beers on tap, a hearty German-inspired menu, and lively entertainment by The Scotsman & Kejafi.

Think good beer, good food, and a whole lot of fun – all with that warm, welcoming New England charm.

PRIZE FOR THE BEST DRESS!

Alternate Root beer mugs.

What more could you want?!

FREE entry, register your spot here:

https://events.humanitix.com/oktoberfest-at-the-alternate-root

Alternatively; call or email to book a table!

CALL: 6778 3185

EMAIL: events@alternateroot.com.au

Get ready to kick up your heels at Boot Scootin’ Night! Join us for an evening of fun, featuring an experienced line dance teacher KT, who’ll guide you through classic and modern country moves—no experience needed. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a total beginner, you'll have a blast on the dance floor. Enjoy great food, delicious cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that’ll have you two-stepping all night long!

Tickets are $15

Get yours HERE

Doors open from 5pm for drinks with dancing kicking off at 6pm!

Knead a night out?

Hands-On Pasta & Gnocchi Making Workshop
Roll up your sleeves and join us for a deliciously interactive evening of fresh pasta making. In this small-group workshop (max. 10 per session), you’ll learn how to make two types of pasta and pillowy gnocchi from scratch. We’ll also demonstrate three beautiful sauces to bring them to life. After the cooking, settle in to enjoy tastings of each of the dishes that you’ve helped create.

Two session times available: 5:30 pm or 7:30 pm start
Interactive + demonstration format
Learn, cook, taste – and leave inspired to recreate it at home (yes! You'll go home with recipe cards!)

Drinks will be available for purchase on the night.

Carb lovers only!

Tickets are $59 each

Get your tickets here

Are you gearing up for the Walcha Latte Art Smackdown?? Or just generally interested in learning or improving your latte art?

Well you’re in luck! We are hosting a latte art masterclass!

There are two session times:

Beginners 3pm-4pm

Intermediate 4pm - 5pm.

Cost is just $5.

Email Grace at events@alternateroot.com.au to book your spot.

Topic: Passion & Purpose

An introduction to Candy

Candida Baker's first job at 18 was understudying Judi Dench. "I wanted to be a famous actress," she says, "and now I'm just grateful I never had to go on for Judi!"

A theatre trip with the Royal Shakespeare Company brought her to Australia when she was 20, and two years later she emigrated to Australia. Upon arriving she covered the Sydney Car Rally event for the London Times. This became the start of a long career as a writer and journalist, a career that's been combined with a deep and abiding love for horses. "I remember the first time I sat on a horse when I was 18 months olds I cried for hours when they took me off," she recalls.

That passion also gave her grand adventures: working for a showjumper in France, riding her way around the world and finding herself drawn into the world of horse rescue. 40 years later Candy, The Horse Listener, has rescued hundreds of horses and now runs an equine charity, Equus Alliance. Over the years she has also become an equine therapist with expertise in dealing with trauma (in humans and horses). She and her husband moved – with Candy's herd of five mares – to Invergowrie in April 2025 from the Northern Rivers where she'd lived for 21 years

As a journalist Candy was editor of The Weekend Australian Magazine for six years, and writes and reviews regularly for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Her books include two novels, Women and Horses and The Hidden, a book of short stories, The Powerful Owl, the seminal non-fiction series, Yacker, Australian Writers Talk About Their Work and a memoir, The Heart of a Horse, published in 2021. Her third novel, Light and Shadow, will be published in November 2025.

Aspiring musician? Have some new material to try out? Or just wanting a safe space to dip your toes into the world of music performance?

Join us for our Amateur Original Music Night!

Whats required?

• A set of 3 songs performance ready

• Originals preferred but covers are welcome!

• This is a music only event, for any performances drama, poetry or art related keep an eye out for other upcoming events.

Backline will be provided by Luke, just bring along your instrument of choice and get ready to play!

To apply email Grace on events@alternateroot.com.au with the following:

NAME:

INSTRUMENT:

GENRE:

AMOUNT OF SONGS (2-3 IDEALLY):

LEVEL: (are you beginner, intermediate or experienced)

PLEASE NOTE: If you are under 18 years of age you must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Calling Uralla artists, venues, promoters, artist managers, educators, techs and others involved in music and the arts.

Don’t miss The Mix hosted by MusicNSW Regional Coordinator Niño Haggith on Anaiwan country.

Join us at Alternate Root Cafe on Friday, 5 September to connect, chat, and meet others in your local music scene. You can also learn about opportunities coming up and how MusicNSW can support you. Stick around for Amateur Original Music Night after.

Free entry and no registration required.

This event is presented in partnership with Arts North West.

For access enquiries, you can contact Niño Haggith at nino@musicnsw.com.

More info here

“This winter I’m heading back out on the road for Part 2 of the Love Takes Care solo tour. I’ve got another batch of acoustic songs coming your way, stories I’ve been piecing together over the colder months, just me and my guitar. 

These ones feel like the second half of the same story, and I can’t wait to play them for you in some of my favourite towns. Grab a jumper, bring a mate, and come have a yarn.”

This is a ticketed event, grab yours here!

Settle in for a night of warmth and flavour as Dobson's Distillery joins The Alternate Root for an intimate tasting experience. You’ll be guided through five of Dobsons’ finest whiskeys, each served in half-nips and perfectly paired with matching canapés. With expert tasting notes to deepen your appreciation, this evening is all about slow sips, good company, and that Highlands sense of comfort — the kind best enjoyed by the fire with a dram in hand.

Get your tickets here!

Sip, savour, and discover at our cocktail tasting and food pairing evening. Enjoy three expertly crafted cocktails, each paired with a thoughtfully matched mini meal designed to highlight and complement the flavours in every glass. It’s a deliciously curated experience for lovers of fine drinks, good food, and great company.

There are two timing sessions available for this event.

5.30pm or 7.30pm. Each session is available for up to 10 people.

Tickets for this event are $59 and include:

• 3 x cocktail tastings (1 cocktail combined total)

• 3 x mini meals paired to each cocktail

• Expert demonstration and instruction by Lucy

Get your tickets here!

Want to hold a private Cocktail Tasting + Food Pairing just for you and your friends? Reach out to events@alternateroot.com.au to book in your private event.