Free things to do — Ballarat

Explore the region

Explore Ballarat and nearby goldfields towns. Creswick and Buninyong are separate outings; Daylesford and Bendigo are not Ballarat suburbs.

Listings across Ballarat, Ballarat Central, Ballarat East, Buninyong, Delacombe, Lake Wendouree, Soldiers Hill, Wendouree.

Free things to do

28 matching events listed in the next 60 days. Admission prices are shown where supplied.

Theatre & Shows

Bush Royalty

Sun, 1 Nov, 11:00 am AEDT

Ballarat Central · Free admission

In her first solo exhibition, Ballarat artist Brigid Corcoran delivers a vibrant reminder that nature remains at the very heart of the Australian story. For the past 15 years Brigid has been on a sensory quest exploring what it means to be Australian - a quest driven by food and art that has been heavily, and delightfully, shaped by the Australian landscape. For this exhibition Brigid repurposes paper images of Australian cities, landscapes, Australian fashion and culture. She uses these familiar scenes to shift focus back to the Australian Bush. Creating vibrant majestic works that celebrate the native birds and wildlife as Australia's Bush Royalty. This exhibition will lead you into the magic of the Australian bush and its Noble Creatures.

View event

Live Music & Concerts

Blues, Brews and BBQ

Sun, 1 Nov, 1:30 pm AEDT

Ballarat Central · Free admission

Join Hop Temple each Sunday as Australian artists take the stage with original and blues covers, all while you explore their lineup of over 200 craft beers. The kitchen team will be serving up smoked barbecue classics from brisket and sausage to pulled pork and wings.

View event

Festivals & Fairs

Christmas in Ballarat 2026 - Decorations

Sat, 7 Nov, 12:00 am AEDT

Ballarat Central · Free admission

Ballarat comes alive this Christmas as festive decorations take over Sturt Street, Bridge Mall and the Ballarat Information Centre. Wander through the city and discover a trail of enchanting displays, from the glowing Archway of Stars to the shimmering Waterloo Stars. Snap a photo with Rudolph and his reindeer friends, step into Santas boots with fun illuminated cut outs and capture your perfect Christmas snap in the Giant LED Bauble. Don't forget to explore Ballarat's Christmas displays located in the Bridge Mall. This year, the Bridge Mall will feature a five metre illuminated Christmas Tree, an awesome photo opportunity for family and friends on the Bauble Bench and a four metre long Merry Christmas Ballarat Sign. For the full Christmas in Ballarat program and for more ideas of where to eat, drink and shop, please visit the Christmas in Ballarat website.

View event

Markets & Expos

The Bridge Market

Sat, 7 Nov, 12:00 am AEDT

Ballarat Central · Free admission

The Bridge Market is a Ballarat Farmers Market held on the first Saturday of the month at Ballarat Bridge Mall. Ballarat is central to everywhere, Melbourne, Bendigo Daylesford, you name it you’re close by. The Bridge Market sells a wide range of essential foods, gourmet items, hot food and locally made design ware. There’s plenty of parking that’s free for the first two hours in The Coles and Woolworths Carpark, The Big W Carpark and Cheap as Chips Carpark. Dogs are welcome at The Bridge, they are allowed provided they are kept in control on a short leash at all times. Hosted by the Bridge Mall Traders and operated by Rotary Wendouree Breakfast, every dollar raised from the market goes back into supporting this great monthly event. As well as supporting local community groups and independent traders, The Bridge Farmers Market supports and encourages community initiatives. They encourage you to bring along your reusable bags to minimise impact. This is a dog friendly event.

View event

Markets & Expos

Ballarat Farmers Market

Sat, 14 Nov, 9:00 am AEDT

Lake Wendouree · Free admission

The Ballarat Farmers Market runs all year round and has 80 to 130 or more stalls depending on the season. Enjoy a coffee, chai, or hot chocolate, hot food cooked on the spot, fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, olive oil, cheese, jams, chutneys and sauces, clothing, fudge, gifts, health bars, eggs, honey, wine, Cornish pasties, fresh ground coffee, yummy biscuits, and hand-made jewellery. Craft, clothing and gift stalls are available, as well as a range of dry goods (flours, grains, pulses, dried fruit, herbs, herbal teas, nuts and much more). Plants are available, including natives, edibles, and succulents. Ballarat Farmers Market (BFM) operates on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. There is a huge Twilight Christmas Market (250 stalls and 10,000 people) on a Friday before Christmas. BFM operates in the North Gardens Reserve, Lake Wendouree. In Winter, BFM continues with indoor markets at the Ballarat Showgrounds. The Showgrounds is only 10 minutes from the usual market venue.

View event

Theatre & Shows

Invisible Connections - A Botanical Art Exhibition on Pollination and Seed Dispersal

Sat, 14 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

Lake Wendouree · Free admission

This botanical art exhibition allowed their artists to choose from a wide selection of flora and was designed to investigate how plants have adapted to increase their chances of pollination and reproduction, using a wide variety of mechanisms such as pollination and seed dispersal. A surprising diversity of living things have lives that are intimately interconnected with plants. From pollination to seed scattering, and their botanical artists explore the complex and often hidden symbiotic relationships between plants and other organisms. Seed dispersal syndromes are parallel to pollination syndromes, as they both help the plant. The pollinator helps the plant reproduce and the seed disperser helps a plant's seeds. The pollinator moves the pollen which leads to the reproduction of a plant whereas the animals move the seeds in seed dispersal. A wide range of pollinators include bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, birds and bats and even a tiny honey possum, whereas seed dispersal has many different types including from wind, water, animals and explosive mechanisms. These botanical illustrations include the plant and its pollinator or seed disperser, and a brief description of the artwork.

View event

Festivals & Fairs

Open Day at the Rare Trades Centre

Sat, 21 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

Ballarat · Free admission

Ever wondered what the Rare Trades Centre is all about? This is your chance to find out. Step inside Australia's beating heart of heritage arts and trades at the Rare Trades Centre Open Day, an annual event that opens the workshop doors to the public. Meet some of the makers keeping rare trades alive and see traditional skills in action through live workshops, exhibition displays, and tours. Whether you're a seasoned maker, curious beginner or simply love seeing skilled makers at work, come along and get a closer look at the skills, stories, and people behind rare trades.

View event

Markets & Expos

Ballarat Preloved Fashion Market

Sat, 28 Nov, 11:00 am AEDT

Ballarat East · Free admission

The Ballarat Preloved Fashion Market is a quarterly fashion event that provides shoppers with an opportunity to browse an eclectic mix of quality preloved clothing ranging from current through to vintage styles. Explore over 50 stalls filled with women's, men's and children's clothing as well as shoes, handbags, hats, belts and jewellery. Mark your calendar and get along to this free indoor event with cafe on site and a friendly vibe sponsored by the not-for-profit Ballarat Wholefoods Collective. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

View event

Festivals & Fairs

SpringFest Ballarat - Show n Glow

Sun, 29 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

Wendouree · Free admission

Get ready for SpringFest Ballarat – Show n Glow, returning in 2026 to the North Gardens Precinct. Proudly presented by Bedggoods Motor Group, Show n Glow is a celebration of all things automotive, inviting car enthusiasts to bring along their pride and joy. From Hot Rods, Customs and Classics to Historic and Specialty Vehicles, there's a place for everyone. Please visit their website for information on vehicle entry. Gold coin donation is appreciated from spectators. Trophies and awards will be presented at this event. Enjoy a fantastic day featuring spectacular cars, live music and plenty of community spirit. Presented by the Rotary Club of Ballarat, SpringFest Ballarat is a much-loved community celebration, marking its 31st year in 2026. The event fills the picturesque Gardens Precinct with more than 450 market stalls and activities for the whole family. Discover delicious food trucks, handmade treasures, art, jewellery, live entertainment, kids' activities, car displays and much more. A huge thank you to the Ballarat Road Rodders for their continued support of Show n Glow. They welcome you to SpringFest Ballarat 2026 – and see the amazing vehicles on display.

View event

Festivals & Fairs

SpringFest Ballarat Market Sunday

Sun, 29 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

Lake Wendouree · Free admission

Get ready to celebrate 31 years of SpringFest Ballarat's Market Sunday. What began in 1994 has grown into one of Ballarat's much-loved annual celebrations, bringing thousands of people together for a huge day of shopping, entertainment, food and family fun. In 2026, the Rotary Club of Ballarat is thrilled to once again present SpringFest Market Sunday at the beautiful Gardens Precinct, Lake Wendouree, where the whole precinct comes alive with the sights, sounds and colour of SpringFest. With more than 450 stalls, there's plenty to discover. Browse unique handmade creations, local artisan products, gifts and goodies, enjoy delicious food and drinks, listen to live music and soak up the buzzing festival atmosphere. Whether you're hunting for that perfect gift, treating yourself to something delicious, discovering local makers or simply enjoying a great day out with family and friends, SpringFest has something for everyone. And the best part? Entry is free. Free parking is available at Victoria Park, just a short walk or hop, skip, scoot or jump across to all the SpringFest action. Come along, explore, shop local, enjoy the entertainment and celebrate 31 years of SpringFest Ballarat.

View event

Festivals & Fairs

Eureka Day Ceremony at Ballarat Old Cemetery

Thu, 3 Dec, 10:00 am AEDT

Ballarat Central · Free admission

Join the community as everyone comes together to remember and honour the brave diggers and soldiers who gave their lives during the Battle of the Eureka Stockade on 3 December 1854. Together, everyone will reflect on their courage and celebrate the lasting legacy they left behind. This ceremony, commemorating the 172nd anniversary of the battle, features speeches, volunteers from Friends of Sovereign Hill dressed as diggers and soldiers, a bagpipe procession to the Diggers' and Soldiers' historic graves, the reading of the names of those killed in the battle, and the raising of flags at each site. The contributions of the men, women, and children of Eureka to democracy are also acknowledged. Any changes to the program will be posted on Ballarat Cemeteries' social media accounts.

View event

Festivals & Fairs

Sovereign Hill Christmas Shopping Night

Fri, 4 Dec, 6:00 pm AEDT

Ballarat · Free admission

Sovereign Hill are throwing open the doors for their most popular community event, Christmas Shopping Night. Enjoy free entry, a one-stop Christmas shop for your gift list, and special evening access to iconic daytime experiences like candle dipping, gold panning, confectionary demonstrations, and more. Wander through market stalls and stores packed with festive treats, locally made gifts, and classic Sovereign Hill goodies. Think personalised Raspberry Drops, sweets, candles, and other treasures.

View event