What’s On
Looking for a fun and laid-back night out? You’ve come to the right place. We’re open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, serving up great food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. From themed dinners to amateur music nights from bingo to talks, there’s always something happening. Check out what’s coming up below, gather your mates, and join us for an evening of good eats, cold drinks, and top-notch entertainment.
Sofa Session w/ Candida Baker
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.
Latte Art Masterclass
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@thealternateroot.com.au to book your spot.
Cooking Demonstration!
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
Boot Scootin' Night
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!
Oktoberfest
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!
FREE entry, call or email to book a table!
6778 3185
events@alternateroot.com.au
Uralla Spring Fashion Parade!
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.
Book your spot now :
Call the cafe 6778 3185
OR email Grace: events@alternateroot.com.au
Amateur Original Music Night
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.
Music Industry Get Together "The Mix"
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.
Adam Newling "Love Takes Care Pt.2" Tour
“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!
Dobson's at The Alternate Root
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!
Cocktail Tasting + Food Pairing
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.
1920's Murder Mystery
Grab your pearls and pocket watches, slip into those glad rags and join us for an evening of murder and intrigue!
We are hosting our first ever Murder Mystery evening! Gather some friends and puzzle it out.
Tickets are $69 which includes:
Bubbles or OJ and grazing boards on arrival
Alternate Drop dinner
Participation in the Murder Mystery
Get your tickets here:
https://events.humanitix.com/murder-mystery-at-the-alternate-root
Sofa Sessions
Join us for an evening of thoughtful conversation and good food as we welcome philosopher Adrian Walsh. The night begins with a 30-minute talk exploring ideas that matter, followed by dinner and open discussion where guests can ask questions and dive deeper into the topic.
Entry is FREE with dinner and drinks available for purchase throughout the evening.
Coffee Tasting with Andy + Marco
FREE!
Do you fancy yourself a coffee lover? Wish you understood it more?
Join Andy + Marco for a journey into the delightful and delectable tasting notes of a variety of different blends and single origins. Become the coffee expert you’ve always wanted to be.
Christmas in July
Christmas in July at The Alternate Root! A night for family and friends to come together for a mid winter celebration.
With Christmas themed dinner and drinks specials, a Cookie Decorating Competition and an “Ugly” Christmas Sweater Competition it’s sure to be a fun winter warmer for you and your loved ones.
This is a ‘free to attend’ event with the option of buying a ticket to the Cookie Decorating Competition. Prizes are provided by The Sweet Shop Uralla and Little Birdy.
Book your cookie decorating tickets here (with only 30 cookies available be sure to get these early!):
https://events.humanitix.com/christmas-in-july-7wgqkr5r
Make sure to ALSO call the cafe to book your table. Ph 6778 3185
James Bennett
"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.
This is a free to attend event! Book your table now. Give us a call or hit the “contact us” button up above.
Dobson's Exclusive First Tasting
We are BEYOND excited to be offering you an exclusive first tasting of Dobson’s new Absinthe ‘Euphoria’.
“Transporting us to the realm of intoxicating beauty.”
This is a FREE to attend event!
Complementary first tasting will take place from 3 -7pm followed by live music by James Bennett.
Dobon’s Distillers will be on site to offer insight.
Book a table or pop down.
Get it Done!
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! Ph 6778 3185.
Charity Bingo Night
We just love our community SO much that we want to give back! Join us in the kick off of our upcoming series of Bingo evenings designed to raise money for the various charities and not for profits that provide so much for our community.
$5 buy in with a variety of prizes on offer through the evening.
Gather some mates and call the cafe to book a table! Ph: 6778 3185
Launch Night!
Did you hear? We are launch NEW opening hours, NEW dinner menus, NEW drinks and cocktails. Join us to explore our new offerings!
Friday and Saturday will now be open through the afternoon right into evenings with a bar menu available form 3pm.
Friday 7am - late.
Saturday 8am - late.
Tag us in store in your social on the evening to receive a free “mini dessert” to celebrate.
Pop on in or call the cafe to book a table 6778 3185
Italian Night
Join us for an evening of Italian themed cuisine! Dinner service from 5pm and happy hour from 4.30pm - 6.30pm with $12 cocktails!
Call the cafe to book your table 6778 3185
Live Music
MC & the Squares are gracing our ears with their groovy tunes and we will grace you with cocktails & treats till your heart's content!
Solstice Trivia
Do you know which ancient structure is aligned with the Winter Solstice sunset? Join us for an evening celebrating the Winter Solstice! Gather some friends, book a table and come in for an evening of Solstice celebration, dinner and drinks.
Call the cafe to book your table 6778 3185
Paint and Sip Workshop
$65 Per person for a Subject Study with Sam. With all equipment provided come in for a night with award winning artist Sam Cowley. This workshop will be a unique chance to get creative and level up your art with tips and trick from a local star.
Complete registration and get your tickets at :
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/paint-and-sip-w-sam-registration-1406886548539?aff=oddtdtcreator
Your ticket price includes a glass of Petersons White Sparkling on arrival, a cocktail (or mocktail) of your choice and happy hour prices extended throughout your ticketed time.
We're open from 5:00 for dinner and drinks alongside the event.
Cocktail Masterclass
$49 per person for a one hour session with mixologist Lucy, there are two sessions on offer starting at 6:00pm and 7:30pm.
Learn some top bartending skills and tips as Lucy steps you through the process of 3 classic cocktails at their best. Your ticket price includes antipasto platters for the table and tastings of the drinks as you go.
Our bar and kitchen will be open for regular service alongside your package.
Call the cafe to book your spot! 6778 3185.
Or email us on events@alternateroot.com.au.
Dobson's Feature Night
New cocktails just dropped for the Dobson’s Feature night 🍸 Featuring Dobson’s finest, a G&T flight worth the ride, and whiskey on the rocks. All with the smooth sounds of Dusky Buzz floating through the air. Come get your sip on.
Trivia
First Friday of the month is Trivia! $5 entry—good vibes guaranteed. Round up your sharpest mates (max 8 per team), grab a drink, and battle it out for bragging rights and awesome prizes. Questions start at 6:45pm, with food and drinks flowing from 4:30pm.
Bottomless Banquet
Book a table in to secure two hours of unlimited food and drinks. A perfect oppurtunity to try our beautiful tapas dishes and eat until you can’t anymore! Keep an eye peeled on our socials for the menu and more details.
Bits of Buzz
This duo brings groovy jazz, pop & soul covers to the table; beautifully paired with cocktails, great food and the best atmosphere in town.
Open Mic Night
Open Mic night is back this month! Come down and support our local talent
Yhan Leal
Yhan Leal is a modern folk singer-songwriter based in Bellingen, a peaceful riverside town on the east coast of Australia. Originally born in Cali, Colombia, then immigrating to Australia at 6 years old, Yhan sings in both Spanish and English. “I’m influenced by so many great artists from many genres around the world. I channel their inspiration, then I feel my own experience and create something new, in the now. It really brings it all home for me” Yhan’s love of sharing his songs has him roaming the east coast and beyond for nearly two decades, mostly under the radar but at times coming into the spotlight through album launches, radio releases and music festivals. Yhan is currently working on two albums, releasing one song at a time as they are finished: ‘Rising’ in English and ‘Mirando al Cielo’ in Spanish, Both poetic expressions of his inner and outer life, they tell of beautiful rich visions of nature, soothing the soul, and inspiring one to see the simple beauty of life. “my most joyful musical memory is when my elder brother Alexander encouraged me to have his guitar and go learn to write my own songs, I did and It’s been my anchor, lighthouse and horizon ever since” both albums are available at yhanleal.com
Trivia
We’re closed for a private function the first Friday of this month so have pushed our trivia back to make sure no-one misses out!