Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.
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, Ballarat North, Buninyong, Creswick, Delacombe, Golden Point, Lake Wendouree, Soldiers Hill, Wendouree.
Upcoming events
89 matching events listed in the next 60 days. Admission prices are shown where supplied.
The Russell Hobbs British Film Festival, presented by Palace, will be screening at Palace Regent Cinemas in Ballarat. This year's sensational lineup showcases British brilliance at its best with hotly anticipated new releases, documentaries and retrospectives.
Festival highlights include Opening Night selection 'My Duchess' from acclaimed director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) starring Dame Joan Collins as Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor.
This year's Festival Centrepiece is 'Prima Facie'. Cynthia Erivo commands the courtroom in this gripping legal drama that follows a brilliant barrister forced to confront the justice system she once fiercely defended, adapted from Suzie Miller's award-winning play.
Directed by Anton Corbijn (Control), mystery thriller 'A Talent for Murder' stars Academy Award® winner Dame Helen Mirren as Patricia Highsmith, the legendary author behind The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Closing the festival is the Australian Premiere of the highly anticipated biographical drama 'Elsinore' directed by Australian Simon Stone and starring an unforgettable Andrew Scott as the legendary actor Ian Charleson as he embarks on his final role in London's National Theatre production of Hamlet.
This October, one2one Church of Christ Ballarat is transforming The Unicorn Collection into a vibrant showcase of local creative talent.
Created to Create brings together more than ten artists and makers from the community, spanning generations and disciplines, each with something unique to offer, and a shared passion behind their work. There will be an eclectic collection of paintings, drawings, woodwork, textiles, prints, photography, greeting cards, children's books and mixed-media pieces. Every work is available to purchase at accessible prices, with proceeds directly supporting young people for community ministry across Indonesia.
The Light on the Hill is Ross McMullin's acclaimed commissioned history of the Australian Labour Party. Hailed as a classic, it covers all states and the federal scene comprehensively and accurately while maximising liveliness and readability. The research is prodigious, the narrative is action-packed, and the scope and span of the coverage is sweeping. The warts-and-all story is told through the people who made it, and is full of illuminating pen-portraits and anecdotes.
The vivid story-telling blends the achievements and tribulations of Labor's governments with conflicts over organisation and policy, emotional highs and lows, and intrigue and intimidation behind the scenes. Prodigiously researched, captivating and powerful, The Light on the Hill, now right up to date including the 2025 election and beyond, is the most authoritative and monumental account of Labor's rich history.
Ross is an accomplished and entertaining speaker, and his talk will feature some of the best stories in The Light on the Hill.
Ross is an award-winning historian, biographer and storyteller. His biography Pompey Elliott won multiple awards, and his lost generation multi-biographies were also acclaimed — Farewell Dear People won awards including the Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History, and Life So Full of Promise won The Age Book of the Year Award.
Ballarat National Theatre brings one of contemporary theatre's most intriguing comedies to Ballarat this October, with a talented local cast taking on Sarah Ruhl's funny, strange and wonderfully human Dead Man's Cell Phone.
Presented at the historic Ballarat Mechanics Institute and directed by Benj Beatty, the story begins in a café.
Jean is sitting quietly when the mobile phone on the next table begins to ring. And ring. Its owner isn't answering.
So Jean does.
It's one small decision that draws her into the life of a man she has never met, and into the orbit of the complicated, surprising and often very funny people he has left behind.
Ruhl is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award-nominated playwright with a gift for finding comedy in unexpected places. Dead Man's Cell Phone is clever and gloriously offbeat, with a warm-hearted story about love, loneliness and the ways people connect.
For visitors looking to experience Ballarat after dark or on a Sunday afternoon for a matinee, it's an opportunity to enjoy contemporary theatre performed by local talent in one of the city's beautiful historic buildings.
Old school trivia with old school prizes is at Aunty Jacks.
Ballarat's favourite trivia night is at Aunty Jacks every Wednesday, hosted by Spud.
It's free to play, with prizes and trivia glory on offer each week.
Don't want to play trivia? No worries, you can still join in and enjoy the great beer, food and company.
Book your table for trivia today and test your knowledge.
Join the team at Hop Temple every Wednesday night for Ballarat's most entertaining trivia event!
At their trivia night, they're all about turning up the fun factor with quirky rounds and exciting mini-games. Say goodbye to mundane questions and hello to fun filled evening, paired with laughter and surprises.
Best of all, it's absolutely free to play! Plus, they've got a fantastic prizes up for grabs each week, including beer, vouchers and the coveted title of trivia champion.
Not in the mood for trivia? No worries! You can still come along and enjoy their delicious food and top-tier beverages while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Secure your spot by booking a table for trivia today.
You've most likely heard of it before, it's Piano Bar Ballarat's Drag Bingo happening every Thursday night.
Join two of their amazing Drag Queens as they take you through what they like to call Trivia for Dumb people - Drag Bingo.
It's six games of bingo, each with the chance to win fun prizes or gift vouchers and fabulous Drag performances throughout. Grab a bite from their delicious menu, sip away on a cocktail (or two, or three) and enjoy your company before the competition begins and your competitive side starts to show.
There's a break every couple of rounds and spots for photos with the queens for your Instagram feeds. There may also even be a cheeky time to push your friend on stage to celebrate their birthday, hen's day, retirement day, even their divorce day.
Bookings are essential. Prepare for laughter, surprises, and the chance to win fantastic prizes throughout the evening.
Every Thursday night at Hop Temple's Bingo with a twist- Musical Bingo.
Instead of your standard old bingo numbers, they play all your favourite new and old school hits, and you mark them off your card until someone gets Bingo.
There are vouchers up for grabs, and fun games with the hilarious and talented host, Luke.
It's $2 to play and each week they raise money for a different cause.
Kaze Karaoke is at The Sporting Globe Ballarat on Thursday Nights.
From power ballads to party anthems, they've got the tracks — all they need is your voice. Grab your mates, grab a drink, and turn The Sporting Globe into Ballarat's biggest singalong.
The Sporting Globe is a place where fans, fanatics, friends and families can gather and celebrate their passion for sport.
They're more than a sports bar. With a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks, over 50 screens at every location including private booths with touchscreen televisions, The Sporting Globe is the best place to eat, drink and catch a game.
Immerse yourself in a beer experience like no other as you familiarize yourself with a range of craft and accessible beers from Aunty Jacks.
This premier brewpub is fashioned of upcycled materials and curiosity, with guests able to tour the brewery’s niceties before sitting back as the staff guide them through the tasting paddle - providing unique insights into the tales behind the ales.
Savour your fresh brews right from the source, all paired with matching food from local producers and bread created by 1816 Bakehouse from the same grain used to brew the Aunty Jacks beers. With sustainable processes key to the Aunty Jacks ethos, this brewpub experience will be one to remember.
Further details: Dietary needs can be met. Wheelchair accessible. Children welcome, however not catered for in the package.
Beer - Liquid Bread at Aunty Jacks is part of a new series of hands-on experiences that celebrate what Ballarat is made of. Join artisan producers to learn more about what is made and grown in the region. Taste, roast, dig and blend your way through a diverse series of seasonal experiences. From truffle hunting to beekeeping, find a workshop that feeds your curiosity.
Fr8 Fridays is Freight Bar and Rooftop's weekly live music experience, kicking off every Friday night in the heart of Ballarat.
Enjoy live performances from a rotating lineup of local and touring musicians, delivering familiar classics, sing-along favourites and relaxed Friday-night vibes. Each week brings a different performer, making Fr8 Fridays the perfect way to ease into the weekend.
While the music plays, guests can enjoy Freight Bar's full food and drinks menu, along with Friday night drink specials, creating a lively yet laid-back atmosphere ideal for after-work drinks, casual catch-ups or a night out with friends.
Whether you're starting your evening or settling in for the night, Fr8 Fridays offers live music, great drinks and a welcoming vibe in one of Ballarat's most popular venues.
A delightful, decadent and delicious evening of drag, sideshow, burlesque, comedy and clown at the Crypt in Ballarat.
This event will have performances by Starling Strix, Mara Maya Devi, Neptune Henricksen, and Aleksandra The Great. Hosted by Choking Hazard.
There will be a prize for Best Dressed. Merch will be available after the show.
The Art Gallery of Ballarat Shop: open while the main gallery is closed for building works. With a focus on Victoria and Ballarat-based gifts and homewares, it's made for the curious.
With an ever-changing range of handmade and one-of-a-kind ceramics, jewellery, clothing and more, the Art Gallery of Ballarat Shop delights locals and visitors alike.
While the main building is closed, visitors are still able to enter the front door as usual and see the latest range. Can't decide on a gift for yourself, or someone else? Gift cards are also available.
Goanna Ground and Camp Site Mural are significant public artworks the celebrating the enduring culture, history and presence of Aboriginal Peoples in Ballaarat.
Goanna Ground, by Ballaarat-based artist Aunty Diana Nikkelson (Gunditjmara), inspired by the artist's totem, is attributed to the first artists of the region, the Wadawurrung People. Originally installed as an outdoor artwork, the goanna was etched into basalt paving at the back of the Gallery in 2006 as part of the cultural festival of the Commonwealth games As you walk down Police Lane footsteps morph from human footprints to goanna prints. When Federation Olaza was enclosed to create the Gallery's McCain Annexe, part if the original artwork was incorporated into the interior space. The work acknowledges Aboriginal survival and the dynamic regeneration of the Aboriginal art and culture in the region.
Campsite is a re-commissioned version of the original Campsite Mural installed in Alfred Deakin Place for the Commonwealth Games in 2006. Campsite mural features Bunjil (wedge-tailed eagle) the creator and spiritual leader for Aboriginal people of this land. The Baarlijan (platypus) is a representation of the local Aboriginal community who have come from different Aboriginal nations and have made Ballaarat their home. The circular motifs represent campsites of different sizes located across Ballaarat, indicating that Ballaarat was and continues to be an important meeting place. Commissioned by the City of Ballarat.
The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and most engaging regional gallery. It is currently closed for building upgrades. It's anticipated that the works will be completed in mid-2027.
You can still get your art fix at the Art Gallery of Ballarat's Backspace Gallery on Mair Street. This permanent space hosts exhibitions celebrating local and early-career artists.
Don't miss the pop-up gallery shop, along with family-focused art activities such as Art Bites and Early Start taking place off-site.
To stay up to date with the building works and external program of activities please visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat's website.
Located next to Ballarat train station, The Goods Shed offers the city a new social, cultural, and hospitality hub, all housed inside a beautifully refurbished heritage space.
The Dining Hall is Ballarat's new and exciting dining and entertainment venue. Inside, you will find Railway Smash Burgers, Grano and distillery Itinerant Spirits.
The state-of-the-art Events Hall, managed by Atlantic Group, offers private event spaces unique to The Goods Shed. Available for bookings are the 300-person Lydiard Hall, the 321-seat Terminus Theatre, and the Carriage Rooms, which can accommodate up to 150 guests. Step out of the Events Hall onto the Events Plaza, a beautifully landscaped outdoor area that can be hired independently or in conjunction with other event spaces. The Goods Shed Events Hall was awarded Bronze in the Business Event Venue category at the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards, further cementing its reputation as a premier venue for high-quality events.
Experience the eclectic charm of Ballarat's Bridge Mall heritage precinct.
There's something for everyone, ranging from unique speciality stores and exclusive boutiques to the big brand stores you know and love.
The newly redeveloped Bridge Mall features a vibrant entertainment space perfect for gatherings, a dynamic new playground where the kids can run free, and plenty of seating areas to enjoy afternoon tea at one of the many cafés.
Don't miss the monthly Bridge Market on the first Saturday of the month, which delights with its vast range of fresh produce, gourmet items, and locally made design ware.
Throughout the year, the mall also hosts seasonal events around Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Ballarat Heritage Weekend.
Stroll along the tree-lined boulevard and enjoy the smart lighting that highlights Ballarat's architectural history. Located in central Ballarat with plenty of parking, why not experience regional living for yourself?
Discover Ballarat's striking Hop Lane. It is hard to miss the magical umbrellas floating from the sky.
Located along the vibrant Armstrong Street North, nestled between bars Roy Hammond and Hop Temple you will find Hop Lane. A canopy of colourful umbrellas hang overhead, and are on display all year-long, with their colours changing throughout the year.
As you move further down the laneway you will find the Hop Queen herself, an iconic mural created by local illustrator Travis Price.
Hop Lane offers memorable moments for everyone to enjoy, so don't forget to bring your camera.
Keep an eye out for a special pop-up in Hop Lane for Ballarat's new immersive art experience, Sunnyside.
Welcome to the Ballarat Chocolate Experience Store, where every visit promises a sweet adventure. Indulge your senses in a world of decadent chocolates, delightful lollies and irresistible treats that will make your taste buds dance with joy. All day lunch is available, choose from loaded waffles, toasties, pizza subs and much more.
Every corner is filled with the magic of confectionery delights. From scrumptious chocolates to mouth-watering sweets and desserts, they've got something to satisfy every craving, including creamy gelato, indulgent cakes and slices, rich coffee, and a variety of gourmet foods.
And that's not all – brace yourself for a taste sensation like no other with their monster shakes, towering sundaes and velvety hot chocolates that will warm your soul.
But wait, there's more. Discover the Sweet Owl Hampers, a beautifully curated selection of goodies that make the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether you're treating yourself or someone special, these hampers are guaranteed to spread sweetness wherever they go locally and across Australia using local Australian products.
So why wait? Join the team at Ballarat Chocolate Experience Store, your ultimate destination for all things delicious. Come hungry, leave happy – and with a heart full of dessert-induced joy for the young and young at heart.
The Pottage is a community pottery and craft studio in Ballarat that offers relaxed, hands-on creative experiences. People can choose ceramic pieces to paint, attend wheel throwing workshops, or book group sessions such as parties and team events. They also offer studio hire for the artist who wants to tinker on a project in their own time.
The studio provides all materials, guidance, glazing, and kiln firing, so visitors can focus on enjoying the creative process. It is designed to be welcoming to beginners while still engaging for experienced makers. The space encourages creativity, connection, and slowing down through making something by hand, combining art, leisure, and social experience in a friendly studio environment.
The Art Club Hub is a venue for creative minds to come together and express themselves through art.
Led by qualified artists, they run weekly art classes for all ages -kids, teens and adults. They provide everything you need to explore different mediums and art styles.
They offer kids art classes, adult art classes, art workshops, casual painting sessions, school holiday art workshops, kids party venue, corporate functions, Christmas functions and work break-ups.
Please visit their website for more information on the Casual Canvas Paint Sessions, which is offered every Saturday, and everyday during school holidays.
RE.NU Social Wellness is located in the heart of Ballarat.
This modern wellness destination offers a unique blend of relaxation, recovery and reconnection. Guests can enjoy traditional dry saunas, magnesium hot pools, and cold plunge therapy across three distinct temperature zones.
Signature experiences combine guided breathwork, yoga-inspired movement, and contrast therapy to energise or unwind the body and mind. The beautifully designed space also features a tranquil lounge, infrared saunas, massage therapy and compression boots.
With a focus on holistic wellbeing, re.nu invites visitors to slow down, recharge and experience wellness in a new way. Whether you are seeking post-adventure recovery, mental clarity, or deep rest, re.nu delivers a memorable experience unlike any traditional spa or gym.
The Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum and Paddle Boat are operated by the volunteers of the Golden City Paddler Steamer Museum Society Inc.
Enjoy a cruise on the Golden City Paddle Boat (a replica of the original Golden City Paddle Steamer). Enjoy the beautiful views, and bird life and listen to the history of the lake and the original paddle steamer, while relaxing to the beat of the paddles. For charter services of the boat, for corporate or private cruises, contact the society by phone. View the history of paddle boats, the digital photographic images and watch new and old videos of activities held on the lake at the Lake Wendouree Museum.
View the photographic display of Ballarat Buildings from their past. The Ballarat Society of Artists are showcasing their art of the lake.
The Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum and Paddle Boat is located on the foreshore of Lake Wendouree, opposite the Lake View Hotel.
Through hands-on experiential workshops and classes, the Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades (Rare Trades Centre for short) shines a light on contemporary trade and craft practices that derive from historic, or artisan trades.
The Rare Trades Centre invites people to build their skill and create a viable practice in artisan crafts. Working with world-leading practitioners and with partnership as key, the Rare Trades Centre protects, conserves and encourages people to learn more about Australia’s rare trades.
