From its stunning architecture to its golden history, there’s a lot to love about Ballarat. Dive into the city’s reputation as a historic destination, and uncover plenty of interesting stories and fun activities at the Ballarat Heritage Festival. Celebrate this regional town with unique experiences, special events, live performances and more. The festival will run from Friday May 16 to Sunday May 25.
Ballarat Heritage Festival
This festival first began in 2006, and has since grown into a marvellous tourist attraction. The theme this year is ‘Heritage Unfolds, Entertainment Awaits…‘, and the festival will explore the different ways that entertainment has shaped Ballarat over time.
Highlights include:
Entertainment of the Air
When: Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18
Where: Ballarat Airport
This free event will offer plenty of fun for the whole family! Experience the thrill of vintage air travel with joy rides across the weekend. Learn about the history of aviation, then have more fun with live performances from retro singing trip, The Pacific Belles. Don’t forget to take a vintage photo alongside a DC-3 aircraft. Stick around for the ‘Legends of the Air’ musical, a ticketed event that will celebrate aviation icons.
Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition
When: Saturday May 24
Where: Hop Temple
Celebrate and show off your facial hair at this fun competition, and look forward to live music, craft beer, whisky tastings and food. Registrations are open here.
Heritage Conversations: A life in photos – John Gollings
When: Saturday May 24, 3pm to 4:30pm
Where: Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute
Listen to a conversation with renowned architectural photographer, John Gollings. His work offers a visual history of the buildings and places that have shaped Ballarat. Bookings are required, and tickets are $7.
Vintage Car Show
When: Sunday May 19
Where: Lydiard Street
Stroll along Lydiard Street and see an array of carefully restored classic vehicles.
Ballarat Antique Fair
When: Friday May 16 to Sunday May 19
Where: Ballarat Civic Hall
Visit this classic art deco building and discover collectibles, period pieces and more from a wide range of antique dealers.
That’s just scratching the surface of all the exciting things you can look forward to at the Ballarat Heritage Festival. The full program will be revealed later this April.