Best of Ballarat – December 2019

What’s On Guide

BEST BALLARAT BESTof BALLARAT of

find eat shop events art music

Summer Sundays

Chilled tunes. Delicious food. Relaxed vibes.

Sunday 5, 12 and 19 January 2020.

3.30–7.30pm at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Sunday 5 January

Maylene Slater Burns

Meraki Minds

Charm of Finches

Ali Barter

Sunday 12 January

Ari Lane

Purr Usual

Jayden Lillyst

The Gold Street Sound

Sunday 19 January

Anna Bilbrough

Tim Rogers

Kee’ahn

Sunnyside

A selection of food vendors will be available each week

CAKE INDUSTRIES

08:26AM (detail)

14 December 2019 - 22 March 2020

BEST BALLARAT of

Publisher: Paper Crow

ABN 42035083635

PO Box 1289 Bakery Hill VIC 3354

Editors: Scott Bain & Libby Drew info@bestofballarat.com.au Printer: Sovereign Press Ballarat

Best of Ballarat is produced on Wadawurrung country. We acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as the traditional custodians of this region and pay our respects to their elders past and present.

© BEST of Ballarat, your independent pocket guide to discover the best of Ballarat each month. All rights reserved including advertising, editorial and maps. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this guide, neither the publisher or producers can be held responsible for errors, changes or omissions to the information included. All information was correct at the time of publication. Advertising content is the responsibility of individual advertisers and not the guide’s publishers or producers.

#37 DECEMBER 2019

welcome to BALLARAT

The name “Ballaarat” is derived from the Wadawurrung Aboriginal name for the area, balla arat, meaning “resting place”.

Built on fortunes made from the 1850s gold rush, Ballarat is known for its rich history, culture and beautifully preserved Victorian era architecture.

Ballarat is still yielding treasure today, in the form of quirky shops, hidden bars and world-class cafés and restaurants... not to mention our lively music, art and performance scene.

Best of Ballarat has been created to help visitors and locals make the most of what Ballarat has to offer... so start exploring!!

Zambrero Ballarat

EAT & DRINK

Ballaratians are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. You’ll find a strong and vibrant cafe culture just like in the big smoke. Farm-gate to plate doesn’t come any fresher than direct from the heartland of regional Victoria. Gourmet menus matched with boutique local wines can be savoured in intimate restaurants, or sample hand-crafted beer and hearty pub fare in rejuvenated historic venues. Ballarat is a foodie’s delight.

Red Duck Brewery

A traditional Spanish tapas bar and restaurant, at Meigas it’s all about sharing and enjoying a different cultural experience, while sampling a variety of traditional dishes from all over Spain.

Tue – Sat 12pm – late, Sun 12 – 4pm

33 Armstrong St Nth

5331 9444

Aroma of India

North Indian Cuisine dine-in (BYO), take-away & delivery available ($30 min.)

Free rice with every curry. Lunch Deals: $9 veg thali, $10.50 non veg thali.

Lunch Mon – Fri 12 – 2:30pm

Dinner 7 Days 5 – 10pm 432 Sturt St 5340 0844

aromaofindia.com.au

Map1A4

Meigas Map1B3

Images: ChipShots Photography

Hop Temple is the place to eat, drink and socialise in Ballarat. Hop Temple pays homage to the frothy beverage itself. A place of appreciation, to worship beer – not just craft beer, but all beer –Hop does not discriminate. Rear of 24-28 Armstrong St 5317 7158

hoptemple.com.au

Ballarista

A small comfortable cafe serving excellent coffee, light meals and nice sweet things. The prices are low and the service friendly. A great escape from daily pressures, recommended by a large, loyal following of satisfied customers. Mon – Fri 7:30am – 4pm, Sun 8am - 3pm

2A Lydiard St Sth

Ballarista

Map1D5

The Gallery at Craig’s Map1

Enjoy incredible dining, featuring the best seasonal and local produce in The Gallery restaurant, relax in leather armchairs in the historic Wine Bar or pop in for a quick lunch at the Café & Larder. Breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days.

10 Lydiard St Sth

5331 1377

craigsroyal.com.au

Red Duck has been brewing craft beers for over 11 years. We offer a small cellar door experience where you can taste and purchase some of our many delicious all-natural beers. Open 12 – 5pm seven days a week.

11A Michaels Drive

Alfredton 5332 0723

redduckbeer.com.au

Red Duck Micro-Brewery Map2A7

D5

Experience our beers with a tasting paddle or by the glass. We also serve local cider, wine & cordials. Wood fired pizza now available all weekend. We offer a relaxing, family friendly environment for you to enjoy.

Wed-Thu 12 – 5pm, Fri-Sun 12 – 8pm.

884 Humffray St Sth

Mount Pleasant

CubbyHausBrewing.com.au

Map1C4 8

Kilderkin Distillery

Visit our welcoming Cellar Door and sample our range of medal-winning Larrikin Gins: the Scoundrel; the Original Larrikin; the Buccaneer; Barrel Aged gin and, on occasions, special limited release gins. Open 12 - 5pm seven days.

11A Michaels Drive Alfredton 5332 0723

kilderkindistillery.com.au

A welcoming den of fine wine, spirits, cocktails and European-influenced bar food. Our mellow, old-world ambience encourages you to linger in conversation and enjoy something delicious.

Wed - Fri 4 – 11pm, Sat 2 – 11pm, Sun 2 –7pm

14 Camp St (via alley) 4343 1754

thelostones.com.au

The Mallow

Unique in Ballarat, cool bar, indie beers. Pub grub & quality specials. Dining Room. Private parties. Sunny outdoor spaces. Pool tables. Open until 1am on weekends. Happy Hour until 7pm weekdays. Wednesday trivia.

Thursday Locals Night. Open Wed-Sun.

20 Skipton St 5331 1073

themallow.com.au

Come in and enjoy the good Craic at Irish Murphy’s, with hearty meals and live entertainment, right in the centre of Ballarat. Open 7 days from 11:30am – 2pm for lunch and 6 – 9pm for dinner.

36 Sturt St 5331 4091

murphysballarat.com.au

Map2F5

Irish Murphy's Ballarat Map1E4

Saigon Allée Map1C3

Take yourself back to the balmy nights of Vietnam with the warm environment and infused flavors of Saigon Allee, with a hint of France thrown in to add that extra little flair. Fully Licensed. Open Wed - Mon for lunch and dinner.

30 Armstrong St Nth 4373 1583

The Main Bar Map1i5

In a warm and relaxed atmosphere, we specialise in delicious sourdough pizza, local beer, wine and cocktails. Discover our fantastic alfresco deck and intimate upstairs function room with regular live performers. Open Thu - Sat 6pm - late.

26 Main Rd

0439 311 668

6 Pancho

Latin American Eatery + Bar + Takeaway. Think ceviche, empanadas, arepas, juices, sweets and late night cocktails! Traditional Latin street food at its best, with plenty of vegetarian options too.

Open Wed - Sun 12pm - late.

36 Armstrong St Nth

5309 3070

Map1C3

RETAIL THERAPY

The shopping hubs of Sturt St and Bridge Mall cater for almost anything you could need, but delve a little further and you’ll find some hidden gems. Ballarat’s shopkeepers bring colour to our streets in the form of beautifully curated spaces. Pay them a visit and find out why residents of our city love to #buylocalballarat.

Sweet Fern

The Crafty Squirrel

The shop & studio of textile artist & designer Morgan Wills, The Crafty Squirrel stocks pieces from the designer’s label + vintage treasures, craft kits, gorgeous haberdashery & gifts collected from around the world.

Mon-Fri 10 – 5, Sat-Sun 10 – 4

Cnr Errard & Urquhart Sts

5331 4548

thecraftysquirrel.com.au

A burst of colour that is the whimsy and quirkiness of Playing in the Attic, a curious extraordinarium of all wondrous things, sourced locally and globally, to encourage creativity. At the entrance of the iconic Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute.

Open Wed – Sat 10am – 4pm.

119A Sturt St 0428 580 309

Playing in the Attic Map1D5

Map2E6

Hattie and the Wolf offers a carefully curated selection of giftware, clothing, accessories and homewares from independent designers and makers. A ‘must visit’ creative hub for the social and eco conscious shopper. Tue 10-4, Wed – Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3, Sun 11-3

218A Skipton St

0429 852 438

hattieandthewolf.com.au

The Ballarat Shop specialises in Ballarat and Australian themed gifts and souvenirs. Also featuring a range of local artisan products, prints and paintings and Aboriginal Fine Art. Open Tuesday – Sunday.

332 Sturt St 0411 766 592

theballaratshop.com

The Ballarat Shop Map1B4

33

We are a small boutique specialising in clothing & homewares, located in Buninyong. Sourcing only the finest Australian labels, we personally select every item in store. Garden art decor now available. We look forward to welcoming you! Open Tue – Sat.

308A Warrenheip St, Buninyong

4344 4164

threetimesblest.com.au

• CUSTOM FURNITURE

DESIGNED & CRAFTED

• ART DECO, MID-CENTURY & ANTIQUE FURNITURE

RESTORATION

• RESTORED PIECES ALSO AVAILABLE

Sweet Fern is a treasure trove of luxurious fragrances, exclusive perfumes and the complete Aesop collection in the heart of Ballarat. A unique & contemporary perfumery which celebrates the artisanal, the unique & whimsical. Open Tue – Sat.

114 Armstrong St Sth

5332 9297

sweetfern.com.au

Three Times Blest Map2E7

36 Sweet Fern Map1B7

Map2F2 34

Rocket and Belle Map1

Rocket and Belle travel far and wide to find antiques, decorative vintage, farm and industrial pieces. Interesting new stock arrives weekly and best of all, prices are low. Open Friday & Saturday 11am – 5pm.

The Shed on Mair

37 Mair St 0402 032 088

rocketandbelle.com.au

Blossom Infusions

Blossom Infusions teas are created by naturopath and tea lover, Annabel Mason. Made in Ballarat with certified organic, locally grown or sourced herbs, chosen for their synergistic tastes and health supporting properties. See website for stockists.

blossomwellbeing.com.au/tea-shop

0409 215 582

ATTRACTIONS & TOURS

One of Australia’s best preserved heritage cities, Ballarat will have you intrigued with her grand historic buildings, beautiful gardens and cobbled laneways. Ballarat’s many museums and tours bring history to life, revealing secrets and stories of times past. With so much on offer in Ballarat you may just want to extend your stay!

AURA at Sovereign Hill

Escapade Puzzle Games

Escapade is a live-action escape experience that will test your mental strength in a fun & exhilarating environment. Pick a team of 2-6 people and try to solve the puzzle within 60 mins. Open every day by appointment only.

10% DISCOUNT CODE: BESTOFBALLARAT

3/61 Curtis St (rear)

0411 491 008

escapadepuzzle.com.au

THE BALLARAT SHOP PRESENTS

THE DIGGERS TRAIL

Join this fascinating 90 min. walking tour around the CBD to hear how Ballarat became one of the world's largest alluvial goldfields in the 1850s. See the sites and hear the stories of the famous Gold Rush from Ballarat author Doug Bradby and his team.

Sat 11am • Tue, Wed 4:30pm

Thu, Fri 10:30am & 4:30pm

Adults $20, Kids $10 Family

Departs from The Ballarat Shop 332 Sturt St

Bookings: 03 5374 0893

(Bookings close 60 min prior to tour)

Ride an authentic Ballarat tram (some over 100 years old). Buy real tram tickets from the conductor and travel 1.3km of original track through the beautiful Botanical Gardens on the west side of Lake Wendouree. Open weekends, school and public holidays.

Wendouree Parade

5334 1580

btm.org.au

AVRO Anson Air Museum

The historic gym of the WW2 RAAF base is the home, museum and workshop for a volunteer group dedicated to the restoration of an RAAF Avro Anson. See displays of uniforms, aircraft radios, memorabilia, artifacts, aircraft models and early aviation history.

1-5pm 0458 507 485

Image: Tony

WHAT'S ON

What’s on? Plenty!

Our mission is to make sure you never miss an event, and we love seeing visitors share these experiences with the locals. What better way to get under the skin of a city?

There’s so much to do each month in Ballarat: exhibitions, comedy, theatre, live music, festivals, markets and so much more. Get amongst it!

OZACT’s Twelfth Night Image: Lisa Widdop

EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITIONS

UNTIL 1 DEC

THE RAT ART GROUP: LOCUS

For the artists in the Rat Art Group, an exhibition space is a ‘locus’, a place where art happens, not simply a site where it squats, a passive presence for the all-consuming eye to roll over. David Bromfield, Scott Friedrichs, PJ Gregg, Diokno Pasilan & Pippa Tandy have broad-ranging practices: from sculpting and creating assemblages to painting, printmaking, photography & video.

Backspace Gallery

Alfred Deakin Place (rear Art Gallery of Ballarat)

UNTIL 1 DEC

EYES OF THE GATEKEEPER

An exhibition of photographs of the Ballarat New Cemetery as seen through the eyes of The Gatehouse owner Annmarie Sloane.

The Gatehouse (Ballarat New Cemetery)

1201 Lydiard St Nth

UNTIL 1 DEC

THE HEALING PALETTE

A solo exhibition of new works by Ballarat artist Laura Day.

The Gallery Lounge at Mercure Ballarat

613 Main Rd

UNTIL 1 DEC

HOTELS OF CRESWICK DISTRICT

A display of photographs and memorabilia of hotels from the early days of the district.

Creswick Museum 70 Albert St, Creswick

UNTIL 2 DEC

CRESWICK 7TH ANNUAL ART SHOW

Entries include painting, drawing, mixed media, fabric artwork, sculpture and photography. There's a People's Choice prize, and a raffle. Showcasing the varied works and high standards of the artists from our district.

Creswick Town Hall Water St, Creswick

2019 SUMMER EXHIBITION

1 – 21 DECEMBER 2019

Open Mon – Sun 10am - 4pm

TRADES HALL 24 Camp St, Ballarat

UNTIL 7 DEC

GEORGIA JANETZKI:

TRACES

OF THE FEMALE SELF

Georgia Janetzki’s experimental self-portraiture addresses the personal and at the same time examines the wider community of female artists and the gender balance within our public institutions. Exploring how women have always been present as artists but not often included within the canon of Western art history, Janetzki exposes this disconnect and asks the question, why the canon is also nothing like us.

Post Office Gallery

Cnr Sturt & Lydiard St

1 - 21 DEC

BALLARAT SOCIETY OF ARTISTS SUMMER EXHIBITION

The annual Ballarat Society of Artists Summer Exhibition will include framed and unframed artworks, merchandise and cards by local artists. All artworks are for sale.

Ballarat Trades Hall

24 Camp St

BALLARAT SOCIETY OF ARTISTS INC.

A summer of curious creatures

—

Troy Emery: After the gold rush | Cake Industries: 08:26am

Dark horse: Wild beasts & curious creatures | Geoff Bonney: Pangrams

— Image: Milan Milojevic Sea of monsters 2019 (detail), woodblock & digital print. Purchased with funds from the Joe White Bequest, 2019. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. © the artist and Tacit Galleries

artgalleryofballarat.com.au

14

GEORGIA

JANETZKI

1 - 28 DEC WHAT HAPPENS IN YARRAWONGA ... STAYS AT KALINGA?

Photographer unknown, Kodak 35mm transparencies printed by Scott Fredericks. We have never met yet strangely I share your memories. I too remember helping Tony with the sheep, when your sisters visited from Queensland and you cooked roast lamb in 40 degree February heat. And the mosquitoes ... how could anyone forget those mozzies in Yarrawonga?

RAT Art Space at Ballarista 2A Lydiard St Sth

2 DEC - 12 JAN

TRESS STREET ARTISTS

Tress Street Artists are a local group who have been painting for a number of years under the guidance of Kat Jens. They have a wide range of styles including floral, Australiana, and impressionist. They have had a number of successful local and Melbourne exhibitions.

The Gallery Lounge at Mercure Ballarat

613 Main Rd

5 - 22 DEC SHEILAS: FEELING GOOD

Inspired by The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood’s dystopian vision of the future, the titles refers to Nina Simone’s powerful 1965 rendition of the song Feeling Good which forms the musical backdrop to a critical scene of female courage and solidarity in the television adaptation of the novel. 52 female artists bring a wide range of age, experience and artistic practice to this venture. The result is a thoughtful and diverse exhibition celebrating the moral and creative strength of women working together towards a common goal –trust. Opening Fri 6 December, 6pm.

Backspace Gallery

Alfred Deakin Place (rear Art Gallery of Ballarat)

7 DEC - 29 MAR CRESWICKIANS: SETTLERS OF THE DISTRICT

Images and stories of early residents who made their home in Creswick and surrounding district. Also on display, a collection of carte de visite by Herman Moser, a pioneer photographer in the area. In 1866 Moser produced photographs of the area for the Melbourne Intercolonial Exhibition. One image was probably the first panoramic view of Creswick.

Creswick Museum 70 Albert St, Creswick

8 - 30 DEC

FACES IN THE FOREST

Lay Kathleen & Deshka Kruger welcome you to experience a world of nature, mythology and fantasy. The exhibition – including supernatural characters, brilliant landscapes and mythical animals – is not only art, but an experience! Many subtle elements make you feel, just for a moment, like you have really stepped into a magical forest. Opening Sun 8 December, 1pm. The Gatehouse (Ballarat New Cemetery)

1201 Lydiard St Nth

14 DEC - 18 JAN

REVERB: RETURN TO THE 90S

Federation University Australia Visual Arts alumni and former 1990s art school graduates from Ballarat College, University of Ballarat and Ballarat TAFE, showcase a diverse range of work and celebrate their past as well as their more recent achievements.

Post Office Gallery Cnr Sturt & Lydiard St

14 DEC - 22 MAR

CAKE INDUSTRIES: 08:26AM

Local artists Cake Industries explore the complexity of the human psyche in a dark and humorous work which balances weirdness, whimsy and grotesquerie. 08:26am is a complex and dense installation piece in the form of a caged, mechanical zoo. A series of robotic sculptures will come to life in an immersive display of choreographed theatre which incorporates automated movement, sound, light and projected video. Experimental artist duo Jesse Stevens and Dean Petersen have worked together since 2006 as Cake Industries. Their human/object hybrid forms are players in a surreal mechanical theatre that is equally strange, disturbing and beautiful.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

TROY EMERY: AFTER THE GOLD RUSH

Troy Emery is a Melbourne-based artist who uses sculpture, painting, drawing and embroidery to explore the ways animals can be viewed as decorative objects. In this immersive installation, he addresses the gold-rush history of Ballarat, making reference to the cultural value of an art gallery and its contents and the value and rarity of native wildlife. Emery’s works are presented alongside works showing the 1850s Ballarat gold rush and decorative arts from the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s collection.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

DARK HORSE: WILD BEASTS AND CURIOUS CREATURES

Animals – we love them, fear them, live with them, work with them and eat them. This exhibition draws from the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s collection to reveal some of the complicated ways animals have been depicted throughout history – from the prey of hunters to mythological creatures, from symbols of danger to emblems of love, from reminders of environmental threats to political caricatures. Artists include: Eric Thake, William Strutt, Patricia Piccinini, Ginger Riley Munduwalawala, Rick Amor, Bruce Armstrong, Lorrain Jenyns, Pam Hallandal, James Gilray, Norman Lindsay, Guelda Pyke & Reginald Ward Sturgess.

Art Gallery of Ballarat

40 Lydiard St Nth

GEOFF BONNEY: PANGRAMS

Geoff Bonney is a painter and sculptor living near Learmonth, north-west of Ballarat, who has had a lifelong interest in text. In this playful exhibition, he uses the alphabet as a repeated motif in an investigation into colour, form and communication, with each letter taking on an abstract colour-field quality. Cryptic titles add to the intrigue of what the letters spell out and invite the viewer to study the paintings more thoroughly. The ‘pangrams’ of the title are sentences which contain each letter of the alphabet, such as the well-known example ‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog’. Artist talk: Sat 7 Dec, 2:30pm.

Art Gallery of Ballarat

40 Lydiard St Nth

THE FLAG OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS: AN ICON

A selection of photographs by Peter Solness. In 2003 and 2004, Solness produced a series of photographs documenting the commemoration of the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat and the many ways in which the icon of the Eureka flag has become a symbol through clothing, tattoos and its use as a political symbol by organisations including trade unions and bikie gangs.

Eureka Centre Ballarat

102 Stawell St Sth

SUMMER CELEBRATION

Featuring a variety of local and regional artists. Red Door Gallery on Fraser

69 Fraser St, Clunes

Troy Emery After the Gold Rush

ALLENDALE STUDIO

Dianne Coulter has built, lived and worked in her creative space for over 40 years where she has designed her own range of unique hand dyed garments, jewellery, ceramics, paintings and sculptures. The studio is surrounded by wonderful gardens and is now open weekends from 11am - 4pm or by appointment.

Allendale Studio

4154 Creswick-Newstead Rd, Allendale

POSE

Ballarat has a rich history of photography. By the early 1890s, the city boasted over a dozen photographic studios capturing the city’s landscape, events & people. The Gold Museum’s photographic collection represents a variety of photographic studios which operated in Ballarat from the 1870s onwards. While some portraits feature prominent Ballarat figures whose stories are etched in local history, other people are less well known. Many of the portraits came into the collection with little information about their subjects, but are still significant for the stories they tell about Ballarat society including popular tastes, fashion choices and the

development of photographic technology. Pose captures the people of Ballarat through the lens of its talented studio photographers.

Gold Museum

Bradshaw St, Golden Point

PRASHANTH NAIDOO: TOP DOWN

This exhibition aims to portray the beauty of Ballarat and its surrounding regions from a novel perspective, made possible by the use of drones to create breathtaking aerial photography. From the iconic Lake Wendouree to agricultural surrounds, experience a unique view of regional Victoria from new heights.

Craig's Royal Hotel

10 Lydiard St Sth

BLACK AND WHITE PLUS ONE

Works by Sharmaine Riches.

I personally love the advantages of using black, white and one colour. Your eye has more time to travel across the whole canvas, before something else distracts you. You get the full painting in a softer and less busy way.

Macspace @ Radmac Gallery

110 Armstrong St Sth

WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS

SAT 7 DEC 10am – 12pm

CHRISTMAS WREATH CREATIONS

Create a festive Christmas wreath from Mother Nature's bounty using natural flowers and other foraged Ephemeral Art from outdoors. No skills required; come along and have some creative fun! All materials supplied. Feel free to bring your own if you like too! Tix: eventbrite.com.au

Food Is Free Inc. Green Space

212 Ripon St Sth

TUE 10 DEC

THU 12 DEC 10:30 – 11:30am

THU 19 DEC

MAKE A TEENY TINY CHRISTMAS WINDOW

Inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas Windows created by six Ballarat artists that have been installed around the CBD, children will have the opportunity to make their own teeny-tiny Christmas window. Christmas Window artist and founder of MAKE, Emily Van Der Moelen, is the creative behind the teeny-tiny windows and will be on hand to help you to create your own. Info: christmasinballarat.com.au

Parent Place

Cnr Albert & Sturt St

THU 12 DEC 7 – 9pm

BALLARAT LIFE DRAWING

Join us for our final drawing event of the year! A laid back un-tutored session where all abilities and levels are welcome to participate. BYO materials. Grab a glass of wine or a coffee and come join us for some relaxed drawing in a warm and welcoming space. Join our Facebook group for more info: Ballarat Life Drawing. The Main Bar 26 Main Rd

SAT 14 DEC 1 – 4pm

BALLARAT REPAIR CAFE

A free event to share skills and fix items that would otherwise go to landfill. If you have a broken item, come in with what you think you will need to fix it. You'll be paired with a volunteer fixer to work on the repair while learning how to do it yourself along the way.

Info: facebook.com/ballaratrepaircafe

Ballarat Tech School

136 Albert St

Un-tutored life drawing in a relaxed licensed venue Thu 12 Dec 7pm The MAIN BAR 26 Main Rd facebook.com/groups/ballaratlifedrawing

Ballarat Life Drawing

HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY

Get set for the perfect yuletide adventure as Ballarat comes to life this Christmas! Get into celebration mode and explore the many events, decorations and art installations on offer this festive season.

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

This collection of temporary artworks is inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas and will be a nod to local traditions, with an emphasis on our city, our heritage, our First Nations peoples and our shared future. The City of Ballarat has commissioned six local artists to create the 12 Christmas Windows to fill our shops and streetscape with Christmas joy and creativity. Follow the trail of 12 Christmas windows, starting with the Partridge in a Pear Tree at Central Square and continue down through the streets to 12 Drummers Drumming in the Bridge Mall.

THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Come and see this delicious-looking gingerbread house layered with candy and lollies. Children's faces will light up when they push the button and see the gingerbread house come to life! Ballarat is set to become a festive storybook scene with this new installation which has been created by local artists Zlatko Balazic and Margie Balazic.

Parent Place, Cnr Sturt & Albert St

12

CHEEKY

CHRISTMAS ELVES

Enjoy lunch with the 12 Cheeky Christmas Elves between 14-21 December. The elves will roam Ballarat's CBD and get you into the festive mood with face painting, festive hair spray and Christmas cheer. Ballarat's youngsters might also be lucky enough to receive a ‘Make Your Christmas Decoration' they can take home. Don't forget to take a selfie with the Christmas elves!

SANTA’S RED TELEPHONE BOX

Who doesn't love the idea of calling Santa to tell him what they want for Christmas?!

Hear your child's wishes when they call Santa from the Red Telephone Box outside Myer and leave a message for Santa. Calls are free. This experience is brought to you by Hackerspace and Telstra.

CHOIRS & BANDS

Music will fill the streets with the sounds of Christmas this December. Performers include the Christmas Brass Band, Sweet Mona's Choir, Ballarat Grammar School Choir and the Ballarat Central Uniting Church Choir. Visit website for full program details.

FULL PROGRAM:

christmasinballarat.com.au

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth 5320 5858 • artgalleryofballarat.com.au

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117 Sturt St 5331 3042 • ballaratmi.org.au

Ballarat Mining Exchange 12 Lydiard St Nth • 5333 5888

Ballarat Trades Hall 24 Camp St • 5332 3666

Civic Hall 300 Mair St Cubby Haus Brewing 884 Humffray St Sth, Mt Pleasant 4343 1777 • cubbyhausbrewing.com.au

Her Majesty’s 17 Lydiard St Sth 5333 5888 • hermaj.com

Hop Temple Rear of 24 Armstrong St Nth 5317 7158 • hoptemple.com.au

Irish Murphy’s 36 Sturt St • 5331 4091 murphysballarat.com.au

VENUES

Regent Cinemas 49 Lydiard St Nth • 5330 5555 regententertainment.com.au

The Cabaret Club 4/9367 Western Hwy, Warrenheip 5334 8150 • thecabaretclub.com.au

The Eastern 81 Humffray St Nth theeasternballarat.com

The George Hotel / The Lane 27 Lydiard St Nth 5333 4866 • georgehotelballarat.com.au

The Lost Ones Basement Bar 14 Camp St (via alley) 4343 1754 • thelostones.com.au

The Main Bar 26 Main Rd • 0439 311 668

The Munster Arms Hotel 10 Victoria St, Bakery Hill 5340 0017 • munsterarms.com.au

The Printers Room 60 Lydiard St Nth (entry on Mair St)

Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts (WCPA) 1220 Howitt St, Wendouree 5338 0980 • wcpa.com.au

LIVE MUSIC MUSIC

SUN 1 DEC

Eureka Centre Ballarat

EUREKA SUNDAY 12pm

COMMUNITY DAY

THE HARDIES HILLBILLIES,

FREYA JOSEPHINE HOLLICK

Hop Temple

BLUES & BREWS 1:30pm

The Cabaret Club

ELIZABETH 2pm

STEWART’S MUSIC SCHOOL

Irish Murphy's

CELTIC JAM SESSION 2:30pm

Cubby Haus Brewing

SHELL YEAH! 3pm

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

VICTORIANA GAYE 3pm

The Eastern BRODIE & 5pm

THE OXY CLINIC

SUPPORTS: GROVE, BROAD ARROWS

The Gatehouse

WENDY RULE 6:30pm

SUPPORTS: MATT MALONE, SARAH EIDA

WED 4 DEC

Meigas

LIVE FLAMENCO 6:30pm

Craig's Royal Hotel

AMIE BRÛLÉE 7:30pm

SINGS TOM WAITS

The Printers Room

CARTA AUDIO 8pm

OPEN MIKE FOR MUSOS

THU 5 DEC

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

GRETTA ZILLER 8pm & MICHAEL WAUGH

Munster Arms Hotel

TRAD SESSION 8pm

FRI 6 DEC

The Lane @ The George Hotel KEVIN ANTONIO 6:30pm

The Eastern ZEITGEIST FREEDOM 8:30pm

ENERGY EXCHANGE

SUPPORTS: PURR USUAL, BEATNIK COLLECTIVE

Irish Murphy's BEATTIE BOYS 9:30pm

SAT 7 DEC

Hop Temple BAR CHOIR 2pm

Cubby Haus Brewing LIAISON 3pm

The Lost Ones Basement Bar RILEY CATHERALL 3pm

Ballarat Trades Hall

THE FAT THING, 7pm THE PUSH REGGAE BAND

The Main Bar

HIGH HAVOC 8pm

The Lane @ The George Hotel

UNTAPPED DUO 8:30pm

Irish Murphy's MISSBEHAVIN 9:30pm

SUN 8 DEC

Hop Temple BLUES & BREWS 1:30pm

Ballarat Library

ALISON THOMSON & 2pm

JACQUELINE CLEVERLEY

Irish Murphy's

CELTIC JAM SESSION 2:30pm

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

A MINER 3pm

The Eastern

YEAH NAHHH XMAS 3pm

MICK PORTER, JEROME KNAPPETT, FIZ EUSTANCE

TUE 10 DEC

Ballarat Library

U3A CHRISTMAS CHOIR 2pm

WED 11 DEC

The Printers Room

CARTA AUDIO 8pm

OPEN MIKE FOR MUSOS

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

TIM MCMILLAN 8:30pm & RACHEL SNOW

THU 12 DEC

The Eastern

SORE POINTS (CANADA) 7pm

SUPPORTS: TSUGNARLY, AGENT 37 & MORE

Munster Arms Hotel

TRAD SESSION 8pm

FRI 13 DEC

The Lane @ The George Hotel

KIERAN TOBIN 6:30pm

JESSE ZAHRA 9:30pm

Ballarat Trades Hall

SINGERS OF 7pm

THE BLACK BOOK

Munster Arms Hotel

BRODIE GLEN 8:30pm

Irish Murphy's

URBAN MYTH 9:30pm

SAT 14 DEC

The Lost Ones Basement Bar SHOE SHINE 3pm

Art Gallery of Ballarat

LUCIA BRIGHENTI 6pm & KAVISHA MAZZELLA

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

MOTOR CITY SOUNDS 8pm

The Eastern

TOO METAL 8pm FOR MEREDITH

FALL AND RESIST, BUNYIP DEMONHEAD, DISTORTA, BLOOD MOUNTAIN

The Lane @ The George Hotel DAVID ANDERSON 8:30pm

Irish Murphy's ROTHSCHILD 9:30pm

SUN 15 DEC

Hop Temple

BLUES & BREWS 1:30pm

Irish Murphy's CELTIC JAM SESSION 2:30pm

The Lost Ones Basement Bar BASEMENT SESSION 3pm

WED 18 DEC

Meigas

LIVE FLAMENCO 6:30pm

The Printers Room

CARTA AUDIO 8pm

OPEN MIKE FOR MUSOS

THU 19 DEC

Munster Arms Hotel TRAD SESSION 8pm

FRI 20 DEC

The Lane @ The George Hotel ABE ANDERSON 6:30pm HARRY LAMB 9:30pm

Munster Arms Hotel

NORTH KILT TOWN 8:30pm

Irish Murphy's FAT & THE HEADS 9:30pm

SAT 21 DEC

The Lost Ones Basement Bar EMILY SOON 3pm & BEN LANGDON

The Lane @ The George Hotel DOUG JOLLY 8:30pm

Irish Murphy's THE AVERAGE BAND 9:30pm

SUN 22 DEC

Hop Temple BLUES & BREWS 1:30pm

Irish Murphy's CELTIC JAM SESSION 2:30pm

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

MICK TREMBATH 3pm

FRI 27 DEC

The Lane @ The George Hotel

DAN WEST 6:30pm

TROY MCMINN 9:30pm

Irish Murphy's ROCK, 9:30pm

PAPER, SCISSORS

SAT 28 DEC

The Lost Ones Basement Bar BASEMENT SESSION 3pm

Irish Murphy's NO MISTAKE 9:30pm

SUN 29 DEC

Hop Temple BLUES & BREWS 1:30pm

Irish Murphy's

CELTIC JAM SESSION 2:30pm

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

BASEMENT SESSION 3pm

TUE 31 DEC

NEW YEARS EVE WELCOME IN 2020 AT:

The Mallow Hotel

Irish Murphy's

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

Hop Temple

STAGE STAGE

29 NOV - 7 DEC MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

Presented by Creswick Theatre Company

When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court and a little girl’s belief makes the difference in the ‘miracle.’ With live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols, Miracle on 34th Street is a beloved musical that will melt even the most cynical of hearts. Tix: creswicktheatre.com.au

Creswick Courthouse Theatre

4A Raglan St, Creswick

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 7

30 NOV - 7 DEC

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Presented by Ballarat National Theatre Inc. So the season of goodwill is upon us and everyone is feeling the Spirit of Christmas. Except that’s not quite true. Some of us are greedy and grumpy and not filled with good will. What does it take to change a heart? For Scrooge, it is an encounter with the truth – his own truth. This play is a celebration of Dickens’ rich storytelling as well as celebration of the goodness of people, and the power of truth. In a world of fake news and bullies, there is a message for all of us.

Tix: hermaj.com

Ballarat Courthouse Theatre

Lydiard St Sth

SUN 1 DEC 2pm

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS

Presented by Cordelia's Potted Opera

Amahl and the Night Visitors is a delightful short opera written by Gian Carlo Menotti, sung in English. The cast includes 3 Kings, a Page, a mother and her lame son Amahl and a parrot. The opera tells the story of the 3 Kings travelling

to Bethlehem. They stop for a rest along the way at the cottage of the mother and her sonwhen everyone is asleep trouble ensues.

Tix: trybooking.com

Christ the King Cathedral 49 Lydiard St Sth

6 - 7 DEC 8:30pm

THE CHRISTMAS VARIETY SHOW WITH SASHA

STARR

Presented by The Cabaret Club

Enjoy a sensational lineup of drag, comedy, music, song and more, with two side splitting acts of entertainment from some of the hottest in the business. Nothing will be left to the imagination and anything is possible. Performances from the most unpredictable host

SASHA STARR, drag king extraordinaire SEXY

GALEXY, comedy queen EUREKA RICE and more.

Tix: thecabaretclub.com.au

The Cabaret Club

4/9367 Western Hwy, Warrenheip

13 - 14 DEC 8:30pm

THE PRICE IS WRONG CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

Presented by The Cabaret Club

Tis' the season to be naughty, so get your group together and laugh til ya bum falls off! The Price Is Wrong Trivia Game Show presents nothing short of an hilarious and quite naughty night of trivia, games, music, audience participation and prizes with popular daggy 70’s style hosts Freddie Fandango & Adriana Obsceneties. It’s a trivia night with a twist and the perfect way to celebrate the end of the year with your friends and work colleagues.

Tix: thecabaretclub.com.au

The Cabaret Club

4/9367 Western Hwy, Warrenheip

Kirks Reservoir Park

DEC 26 & 27 at 6.30pm www.ozact.com

TWELFTH NIGHT

Presented by OZACT

Shakespeare in the Great Outdoors

A moving kaleidoscope of mistaken identities, larger than life characters, highly charged situations, swashbuckling duels and flashing wit. Orsino loves Olivia (who won't give him the time of day). Olivia loves Viola (whom she thinks is a boy), Viola loves Orsino (who doesn't know she's a girl). Malvolio loves himself (of course), and Sir Andrew, Sir Toby and Maria love life to the fullest (and its most outrageous). It's all hilarious confusion and rollicking laughs in this comedy, from its unforgettable first line to its deliriously comic conclusion, Twelfth Night is a masterpiece of disguise, deception and desire.

Tix: ozact.com

Kirks Reservoir Park

Ballarat-Daylesford Rd

Shakespeare’s masterpiece of disguise, deception and desire.

MORE TO DO MORE TO DO

FESTIVAL DANCE

SUN 1 DEC 10:30am – 2:30pm

EUREKA 165: EUREKA

SUNDAY COMMUNITY DAY

Commemorate the 165th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade at the Eureka Centre and the beautiful Eureka Stockade Memorial Park. Eureka

Soapbox debates, pop-up bar, food trucks, face painting, petting zoo, kids' activities, live music and more.

Eureka Centre Ballarat

102 Stawell St Sth

MON 2 DEC 8 – 9pm

NO LIGHTS NO LYCRA

A bi-monthly one-hour endorphinpumping dance party in the dark.

Victorian Railways Institute Hall

Cnr Lydiard St Nth & Nolan St

WED 4 DEC 7pm

ANOTHER COUNTRY

Aboriginal actor David Gulpilil has spent his adult life trying to navigate his way through two very different cultures: that of his Yolngu people and that of the colonising Australian culture. Tix: eventbrite.com.au

Showbiz Cinemas

315 Glenelg Hwy, Smythes Creek

Hardies Hillbillies

Eureka 165

FILM

FILM

FESTIVAL

THU 5 DEC 7:30pm

NOT OK

+

Q&A

Since the early 20th century Iceland’s 400+ glaciers have been melting steadily. One of Iceland’s smallest known glaciers is named “Ok.” Not Ok is its story. Film followed by a Q&A with the creators. Free entry.

Ballarat Trades Hall

24 Camp St

FRI 6 DEC 4 – 8pm

FORTY WINKS CHRISTMAS FEST BY THE LAKE

Presented by Pleasant Street Primary School, this event brings you loads of market stalls, rides, food, fun & more. Pleasant Street Primary School

Lake Wendouree

FRI 6 DEC 8pm

BALLARATCAT COMEDY

COMEDY

With Rhys Nicholson, Kirsty Webeck, Aaron Gocs and more!

Tix: ballaratcat.com.au

The Lounge at The George Hotel

27 Lydiard St Nth

22-23 FEB 2020

Ballarat Polocrosse Grounds

Airport Rd, Mitchell Park

• Jousting

• Skill-at-Arms

• Medieval Market

Tix: vicgoldmedievalfaire.com.au

SAT 7 DEC 3 – 7pm

BUNINYONG VILLAGE

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping with lots of gorgeous handmade stalls, plants and food gifts plus yummy food trucks! Held in conjunction with the Buninyong Carols in De Soza Park.

Buninyong Town Hall

Learmonth St, Buninyong

THU 12 DEC 7pm

Ballarat Film Society presents LUCKY (USA)

Membership required. ballaratfilmsociety.weebly.com

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

117 Sturt St

FILM

VICTORIAN GOLDFIELDS

Proudly Fundraising for the

MARKET

Swimming Pools & Water Play

Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre

Gillies St Nth, Lake Gardens • 5334 2499

Black Hill Aquatic Centre

Chisholm St, Black Hill • 5334 4641

Brown Hill Aquatic Centre

Humffray St Nth, Brown Hill • 5338 8663

Buninyong Aquatic Centre

Forest St, Buninyong • 5341 3302

Eureka Aquatic Centre & Outdoor Water Play

Stawell St, Ballarat • 5334 4641

Midlands Outdoor Water Play

SUMMER FUN

Midlands Reserve, Doveton St, Ballarat North

Sebastopol Outdoor Water Play

Victory Park, Vickers St, Sebastopol

FRI 13 DEC 5 – 8pm

TWILIGHT MARKET

A family friendly event celebrating community, with multicultural market stalls, entertainment, food and much more!

Ballarat Welcome Centre

25-39 Barkly St, Bakery Hill

FRI 13 DEC 7pm

DRAG DIVAS: CHRISTMAS

EXTRAVAGANZA

Their last show for the year and it’s sure to sleigh the house down. See some amazing talented drag queens - get your tickets now!

Tix: eventbrite.com.au

The George Hotel

27 Lydiard St Nth

SAT 14 DEC 1 – 6pm

ART GALLERY OF BALLARAT

SUMMER LAUNCH

Join us to celebrate the festive season and the opening of our new summer exhibitions. With petting zoo & animal circus for the kids,

live music, art activities, bar, artist talks and a sale in the gallery shop.

Art Gallery of Ballarat

40 Lydiard St Nth

MON 16 DEC 8 – 9pm

NO LIGHTS NO LYCRA

A bi-monthly one-hour endorphinpumping dance party in the dark.

Victorian Railways Institute Hall

Cnr Lydiard St Nth & Nolan St

WED 18 DEC 5:30 – 9pm

COUNTRY CAROLS

AT THE CHURCH

Loads of fun with carol sing-a-long, Creswick Brass Band, Cliffy's Choir, Daylesford Recorder Group and more. Picnic on the lawns, or support the local CFA sausage sizzle. There'll be Mother Christmas, fairy floss, popcorn, Judder Bar Eats and a bar.

Scrub Hill 1869

1713 Daylesford Ballarat Rd, Newlyn

FRI 20 DEC 4 – 8pm

BROWN HILL

CHRISTMAS MARKET

A market with a focus on items suitable for Christmas gifts, including food, wine, plants, homewares and personal pampering. Coffee van and hot food on site too!

Brown Hill Hall

375 Humffray St Nth, Brown Hill

SUN 22 DEC 4 – 9:30pm

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

Join host Daryl Somers and a cast of national and local talent to celebrate Christmas. Carols begin at 7pm, with the McCafe Kids Carnival running from 4pm + local food trucks. The night will be capped off with the spectacular Central Square Ballarat Shopping Centre Fireworks Finale. City Oval

1431 Mair St, Lake Wendouree

SAT 28 DEC 5 – 7pm

A-LEAGUE SOCCER

Hyundai A-League Round 12 with Western United v Wellington Phoenix.

Mars Stadium

Creswick Rd

MARKET

MARKETS

Discover the very best fresh food and produce and buy direct from local farmers and producers. Join the slow food revolution and you’ll see why foodies only source their ingredients from local farmers markets.

BALLARAT MARKET

SUNDAYS 8am – 1pm

Ballarat Showgrounds

Cnr Creswick Rd & Howitt St

BRIDGE MALL FARMERS MARKET

SAT 7 DEC 9am – 1pm

Bridge Mall

DAYLESFORD FARMERS MARKET

SAT 7 DEC 9am – 1pm

Daylesford Primary School (45km from Ballarat)

CLUNES FARMERS MARKET

SUN 8 DEC 9am – 1pm

Fraser St, Clunes (35km from Ballarat)

BALLAN FARMERS MARKET

SAT 14 DEC 9am – 1pm

96 Inglis St, Ballan (39km from Ballarat)

BALLARAT FARMERS MARKET

SAT 14 DEC 9am – 1pm

Wendouree Pde (opp. Botanical Gardens)

TALBOT FARMERS MARKET

SUN 15 DEC 9am – 1pm

Scandinavian Cres, Talbot (52km from Ballarat)

CRESWICK MARKET

SAT 21 DEC 9am – 1pm

Victoria St, Creswick (18km from Ballarat)

SMYTHESDALE COUNTRY MARKET

SAT 21 DEC 9am – 1pm

Glenelg Hwy, Smythesdale (19km from Ballarat)

BEAUFORT TOWN MARKET

SAT 28 DEC 8am – 1pm

Havelock St, Beaufort (49km from Ballarat)

BROWN HILL MARKET

SAT 28 DEC 9am – 1pm

375 Humffray St Nth, Brown Hill