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Historic clock tower and railway architecture in Ballarat

Local events · Attractions · Places to explore

Things to do in Ballarat

Find things to do in Ballarat. Explore local events, attractions, markets and family activities, with dates, places and prices.

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

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

Classes & Workshops

Introduction to African Beading

Sat, 21 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

Ballarat · From $185

This workshop is an introduction to traditional beading styles as practiced across the African continent. The session begins with a presentation about the heritage and traditions of beading styles from Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya, and how they have influenced the development of other cultural expressions such as African wax cloth. Providing a traditional design, Ethiopian/Sudanese artisan Nyibol Deng will guide students through the basics of pattern counting, colour mixing and threading techniques to create an individual interpretation of that model.

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Live Music & Concerts

DIESEL By Request Tour

Sat, 21 Nov, 7:30 pm AEDT

Ballarat Central · From $77.5

You pick the songs. He plays them. Experience a one-of-a-kind concert where the fans choose the setlist. With song choices ranging from the debut album, 1989's Johnny Diesel and The Injectors, through to his most recent LP, Bootleg Melancholy, enjoy some of his collaborations from his 400-strong song catalogue, alongside eclectic covers from the artists who have shaped DIESEL's expansive career. An intimate, electric and completely audience-driven experience, the By Request tour is a bespoke affair, with a guarantee that no two shows will be the same.

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Classes & Workshops

Ikebana Vessel Ceramics Workshop

Sun, 22 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

Ballarat · From $370

Expand your ceramic hand-building skills with artisan Minna Graham. In this one day session you will practice traditional slab and pinch building techniques to fashion a shallow vessel celebrating the Japanese aesthetic and learn to make decorative slips to personalise your work. At the end of the workshop Minna will arrange to glaze and fire your Ikebana Vessel before delivering it to your address with a guarantee to keep your precious florals fresher longer.

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Festivals & Fairs

In Conversation with Richard Glover

Mon, 23 Nov, 6:30 pm AEDT

Ballarat Central · From $11

Richard will be talking about his latest book, How to Ruin a Child and will be hosted by local radio presenter, Prue Bentley. A Journey into the alarming, hilarous and ever-changing advice given to Australian parents. Possibly the funniest and most astonishing book you will read all year. For anyone who has had a child or been a child. Richard Glover has been this country's documenter of family life and the perils and triumphs of raising kids (and grandkids). So who better to cast a probing but humourous eye over the army of experts – magazine columnists, authors, nurses, priests and government agencies – who berated generations of Australian parents and shaped their children? As Richard discovered, most of the experts were very certain about their own rules. Any deviation would produce a dire result: you'd ruin a child. Yet, over time, the advice kept changing. Each generation was told that the last generation had it all wrong. Find out about other author talks at the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute on their website.

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Classes & Workshops

Twilight Talks - Understanding the Language of your Body

Wed, 25 Nov, 5:30 pm AEDT

Ballarat Central · From $9

Create Better Health by Understanding the Language of Your Body: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science and the Microbiome Connection. This presentation explores how ancient wisdom and modern science can help you better understand the body's signals and the factors that influence health and wellbeing. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, microbiome research, nutrition, functional medicine and Eastern medicine, Dr Meredith O'Loughlan examines the interconnected relationship between the gut, brain, immune system and whole body. Participants will be introduced to the Neurobiome Wheel, an innovative framework that brings together common physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms into recognisable Biopatterns. Rather than viewing symptoms in isolation, the Neurobiome approach helps identify underlying patterns that may contribute to fatigue, stress, digestive issues, anxiety, inflammation, poor sleep and other chronic health concerns. This engaging presentation offers practical insights into understanding the body's innate intelligence and provides a fresh perspective on creating greater health, resilience and wellbeing from the inside out.

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Festivals & Fairs

SpringFest Ballarat - Movie Fundraiser - Focker In Law

Thu, 26 Nov, 6:30 pm AEDT

Ballarat Central · From $18

Get ready for a hilarious night out at the movies and help support the community at the same time. SpringFest Ballarat is excited to present Focker in Law, a fun-filled movie fundraiser guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs and entertainment to your night. Gather your family, friends, workmates or your favourite movie-loving crew and join them for a special screening of this comedy classic. It's the perfect excuse to enjoy a great night out while supporting the community initiatives and projects made possible through SpringFest Ballarat. Whether you're a long-time SpringFest supporter or simply looking for something fun to do, this is a movie night you won't want to miss. Expect plenty of laughs, a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to get behind one of Ballarat's much-loved community events. Tickets are limited, so don't miss out. All funds raised from this night is donated back into the local community.

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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.

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Classes & Workshops

Introduction to Beekeeping Course

Sat, 28 Nov, 1:00 pm AEDT

Ballarat Central · Check price with organiser

The Introduction to Beekeeping Course is a four-hour session covering fundamental beekeeping theory, practical hands on training with two beehive openings, time to answer your questions and participate in discussion, honeybee biosecurity for the detection and management of honeybee pests and diseases, including varroa destructor. The course is held in their purpose-built on-site training workshop and backyard apiary. As an introductory course no previous beekeeping experience is necessary to register and is also relevant for beekeepers starting out with a Flow Hive. The course features how to light a smoker (using you own smoker if you already have one, or borrow from them), open and reassemble a bee hive safely, hold and manipulate frames within the hive, identify developmental stages of a honeybee, honey, nectar, pollen and honeybee castes, biosecurity awareness, including Honeybee Biosecurity Code of Practice is a key element of this course.  Protective equipment is supplied and a take home copy of Bee AgSkills as your resource guide. If you have a known anaphylactic reaction to bee stings, they will not accept your registration for this course.

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Live Music & Concerts

Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley: Together Alone Tour

Sat, 28 Nov, 7:30 pm AEDT

Ballarat Central · From $93.75

Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley, whose individual and collective footprints in Australian music are deeply respected and have contributed richly to the nation's musical landscape, will venture out on the road once again, bringing their songs and stories to fans across Australia on the Together Alone Tour 2026. On paper, a rock musician and a country singer might not seem like a natural fit, but their chemistry makes it work effortlessly. Their styles blend seamlessly, creating spontaneous moments that are one-of-a-kind and never repeated.

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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.

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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.

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Live Music & Concerts

Staged Play Readings at the Creswick Theatre Company

Sun, 29 Nov, 2:00 pm AEDT

Creswick · From $10

Creswick Theatre Company proudly presents a monthly series of staged play readings held on the last Sunday of each month. Join in as the ensemble of actors brings compelling scripts to life through expressive readings and minimal staging, putting the spotlight on bold storytelling and fresh voices. The staged play reading afternoons will present a script, either a new work or a classic piece, in a simple, text-focused format. There will be no production elements of costumes, sets, or extensive blocking. The emphasis is on the words, characters and story rather than visual spectacle. Local actors will bring the scripts to life through expressive readings and minimal staging, allowing the words and characters to take centre stage. Experience local talent and innovative stories. Every month brings a new story to the stage. The October play reading is 'Pinter's Son, Jim' the only completed full-length play written by the iconic Australian author and bush poet Henry Lawson. Lawson wrote the play while living in New Zealand around 1893–1894, after it was commissioned by theatrical entrepreneur Bland Holt. However, it was ultimately deemed too unwieldy or difficult to stage at the time. It blends a love story, a detective story, slapstick comedy, and tragedy all into one narrative. The story features some of Lawson's best-loved recurring outback characters, most notably the irrepressible wanderer Mitchell.

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Tourism listings supplied by the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse. Listings retain their existing detail URLs.