Ballarat Heritage Festival

11/09/2026

03/09/2026

Lydiard Street Ballarat Looking North. Can you spot Craig's Royal Hotel?

Photo via Ballarat Heritage Services.

24/08/2026

See extraordinary photojournalism from around the world at the Ballarat Mining Exchange until 20 September.

Find out more about the free World Press Photo exhibition at bit.ly/4hEAgHU

10/07/2026

Ghost signs of Ballarat.

Image by

02/07/2026

Sturt Street Ballarat, 1938. Zoom in for some great detail on one of our most iconic streets.

Image credit: Source SLV via Ballaarat page.

29/05/2026

Vote #1 Ballarat as Victoria’s Top Tourism Town!

After winning bronze in 2024 and silver in 2025, we're again in the running for the coveted prize – but we need your help!

Show your love for Ballarat at https://bit.ly/4wXE5Ns and have the chance to win a luxurious Melbourne escape for two

And make sure you also vote for our Pyrenees neighbour Avoca, which is chasing the title of Top Tiny Tourism Town.

Voting closes Friday 26 June at 5pm.

24/05/2026

DAY FOUR

The final day of the festival is here! Your last chance to experience the stories, spaces and traditions that make Ballarat’s heritage so unique.

On today - Sunday 24 May:

🌾 Heritage Harvest Weekend at Sovereign Hill - Experience heritage cooking, traditional trades, local produce, workshops and demonstrations.

🚗 Vintage Car Displays - See historic vehicles and motoring favourites.

🏛 Ballarat Revealed: Hidden Histories, Shared Together - Discover untold stories from Ballarat’s past at the historic Mining Exchange.

🎭 Live music, talks & family activities - Enjoy performances, exhibitions, walking tours and activities happening across Ballarat throughout the day.

And so much more!

📍 Various locations across Ballarat
🎟 Free and ticketed events
🗓️ View the full program > https://bit.ly/4uGw3qk

23/05/2026

DAY THREE

Today is packed with some of the festival’s biggest events, bringing Ballarat’s streets, buildings and stories to life across the city.

On today - Saturday 23 May:

🚂 Steam Train Rides - Step aboard a heritage steam train for a nostalgic journey departing from Ballarat Station.

🚗 Vintage Car Show - Camp Street comes alive with classic vehicles and historic motoring displays celebrating early automotive history.

🧔 Ballarat Beard & Stache Competition - One of the festival’s most iconic events returns to Hop Temple with legendary facial hair, live entertainment and prizes.

🌾 Heritage Harvest Weekend at Sovereign Hill - A celebration of local food, heritage cooking, makers, workshops and live demonstrations inside Sovereign Hill.

And so much more!

📍 Across Ballarat
🎟 Free and ticketed events
🗓️ View the full program > https://bit.ly/4uGw3qk

22/05/2026

Step into a world of timeless treasures at the Ballarat Antique Fair.

From rare collectables and vintage finds to beautifully crafted curiosities, this much-loved fair is a chance to browse, discover and uncover pieces of history you can take home.

Whether you’re a serious collector or simply love the thrill of finding something unique, there’s something waiting to be discovered.

Learn more > https://bit.ly/3P1qkfA

22/05/2026

DAY TWO

The Ballarat Heritage Festival continues today with a full program of immersive exhibitions, tours, talks, and unique local experiences across the city.

On today - Friday 22 May:

🏛 Ballarat Revealed: Hidden Histories, Shared Together - Step inside the historic Mining Exchange and uncover the stories, people and moments that shaped Ballarat.

🧒 Mothers, Minors and Madness: The Hidden Lives of Women and Children on the Goldfields - A fascinating talk exploring the overlooked stories of women and children during the gold rush era.

🍽 Beard & Stache Competition Dinner at Aunty Jacks - An evening of great food, drinks and legendary facial hair ahead of the weekend competition.

🎭 Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Adventure - A live immersive theatre experience blending mystery, storytelling and suspense.

And so much more!

📍 Various locations across Ballarat
🎟 Free and ticketed events
🗓️ View the full program > https://bit.ly/4uGw3qk