
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, interactive exhibits, live performances and more. The festival will run from Friday May 17 to Sunday May 26.
Ballarat Heritage Festival
This festival first began in 2006, and has since grown into a marvellous tourist attraction. This year, there’s over 40 events to look forward to across ten days.
Highlights include:
1. Parrwang Lifts the Sky
When: Friday May 24 at 6pm and Saturday May 25 at 12pm
Where: Ballarat Civic Hall
This opera for all ages is based on an original Wadawurrung creation story. Learn how Parrwang the magpie helped lift the darkness to create the first dawn. Performed by Victorian Opera, in association with Short Black Opera and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, this show will be performed in both English and Wadawurrung. It will also be the first original Wadawurrung creation story performed on Country.
2. The Great Takeaway
When: Thursday May 23 from 6:30pm
Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange
Dine among some of the finest materials, textiles, glassware and ceramics produced in the region at this exclusive three-course dinner. At the end of the meal, you’ll get to take the handcrafted materials home. This experience costs $275 per person.
3. Monuments
When: Friday May 17 to Sunday May 26
Where: Sturt Street, Ballarat CBD
See Monuments, an outdoor video installation, by Australian artist Craig Walsh. Moving images will be projected onto the trees along Sturt Street. The people portrayed include figures from Ballarat’s past.
4. Craft Lab 24
When: May 18, 19, 25 and 26 from 10am to 5pm
Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange
17 curated practitioners from around Ballarat will share their knowledge and trade secrets. Free to attend, you’ll find weavers, metalworkers, ceramicists, jewellers and more.
5. Heritage Harvest Weekend
When: Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26
Where: Sovereign Hill
Celebrate the harvest with fresh produce, demonstrations, masterclasses, family entertainment and more at this charming food festival.
6. Steam Train Rides
When: May 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26
Where: Various locations
If you’re going to Ballarat for the heritage festival, you might as well do it in style. Hop aboard The Vintage Train and travel like you’re in the 1920s.
7. Ballarat Antique Fair
When: Friday May 17 to Sunday May 19
Where: Ballarat Civic Hall
Visit this classic art deco building and discover heirlooms, period pieces and more from over 25 antique dealers. You’ll find things like jewellery, furniture, artwork and ceramics.
That’s just scratching the surface of all the exciting things you can look forward to at the Ballarat Heritage Festival. With over 40 events, you’ll find something for everyone, including adorable dog beard competitions, historic tours, tweed rides, car shows, talks and more. Explore the full program here.