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.
Haus Brewing
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. Open Tue – Thu 5pm – late, Fri – Sat 12pm – late. 33 Armstrong St Nth 5331 9444
We're a hand built brewery making great beer! Enjoy our beers on tap in our bar + local wines, cider & spirits. Kitchen always open. Our bar is cosy, relaxed & inclusive. Drop in for a meal or just drinks. See website for details.
884 Humffray St Sth Mt Pleasant 4343 1777 cubbyhausbrewing.com.au
Pic: ChipShots Photography Cubby
Saigon Allée
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. Check online for our current opening hours.
30 Armstrong St Nth 4373 1583
Pancho
A standout Latin Bar and Eatery focusing on dishing up some of the best Central and South American eats coupled with a lively atmosphere and drinks to match. Open Wed 5pm – late, Thu– Sun 11:30am – late.
Map1C3
Map1C3
Midtown Cellars and Bar is Ballarat’s premier go-to for craft beer and wine. With six rotating taps — and a choice of over 150 beers and a wall of wine to either drink in or takeaway — there’s something to please everyone, every day of the week.
Explore our award-winning gins and liqueurs. Enjoy a gin flight, gin drinks, local beer and cider, along with light food options. A pleasant walk or 5-minute drive from the CBD with easy parking. For bookings call 0423 000 166.
Open: Thurs 12 to 5 Fri & Sat 12 to 7, Sun 12 to 5 14A Hill St, Mount Pleasant
BEER -
OPEN 7 DAYS DRINK IN - TAKEAWAY 405 Sturt St, Ballarat Central 5312 7525
Follow the umbrellas down Hop Lane on Armstrong Street North to discover a place to eat, drink, socialise and explore 200+ craft beers.
Southern American style eats, including in house smoked meats.
Open Wednesday to Sunday
Rear of 24-28 Armstrong Street North Bookings at www.hoptemple.com.au
A one-of-a-kind saloon-style cocktail bar bringing back the glitz and glamour of the city’s goldrush era.
With an Asian style food menu to share (03) 5303 0733 | info@grainerylane.com.au 35 Armstrong St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350 www.grainerylane.com.au
Map1F5 17
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.
The Crafty Squirrel
A must visit when in Ballarat. The Crafty Squirrel stocks unique one-of-a-kind craft kits, vintage goodies, gorgeous haberdashery and treasures from around the world. Open 7 days 28 Nov – 21 Dec. Reopening 13 Feb: Thu – Fri 10 – 5, Sat 10 – 4. Cnr Errard & Urquhart Sts 5331 4548 thecraftysquirrel.com.au
Hattie and the Wolf is Ballarat’s go-to destination for handmade, local, ethical and artisanal gifts, fashion and accessories. A ‘must visit’ creative hub for the social and eco conscious shopper. Open Tue – Fri 10 – 5, Sat 10 – 4, Sun 10 – 3. 202 South St 0478 088 055 hattieandthewolf.com.au
Hattie and the Wolf
A truly niche fragrance perfumery housing a large collection of the finest perfumes from around world. We love to share our knowledge of fragrance, together with our beautiful ranges of botanical skincare for face & body. Open Thu – Sat 11am – 3pm. 27 Sturt St 5332 9297 sweetfern.com.au
Rocket and Belle sells an eclectic array of antiques, decorative vintage, farm and industrial pieces for your home and garden. Interesting new stock arrives weekly. Open Thu 11 – 2, Fri 11 – 3, Sat 11 – 4.
The Shed on Mair 37 Mair St 0402 032 088 rocketandbelle.com.au
Specialising in Goldwork and Stumpwork embroidery and carrying a large range of specialty threads, beads, fabrics, kits, accessories and books – we have your needs catered for! Open by appointment only.
At the historic Adam Lindsay Gordon Cottage the Crafts Council of Ballarat sells a wide variety of quality handcrafted items made by artisans in the Ballarat area. Open Thu –Mon from Sep to Jun, weekends in Jul & Aug.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Lake Wendouree 5334 2005 craftscouncilballarat.com.au
RAINTREE ART
Raintree Art
39 Map1D5
Map1E4 40
Bring the taste of Australia to your table. Ignite your senses and spark an Australian foodie adventure to enjoy in your own home. We offer a premium range of Australian cooking ingredients, art, bushfoods and condiments. Visit website for events & hours.
110 Urquhart St 0499 328 076
saltbushkitchen.com.au
42
Ross Creek Gallery Map2
Ross Creek Gallery showcases pottery by Ruby Pilven alongside monthly exhibitions spotlighting diverse contemporary 2D and 3D artists. Open Fri, Sat, Sun 11am - 4pm. Only 15 mins from Ballarat CBD.
183 Post Office Rd
Smythes Creek 0430 886 428
rubypilven.com
HAVE A WILD TIME
Take a relaxing walk around our picturesque park where you can learn and interact with our extensive collection of Australian native animals and reptiles as well as global and endangered species. Hand feed over 100 free roaming kangaroos, cuddle a koala, see Crunch the Super-Croc, Victoria's only Komodo Dragons, Tassie devils, snakes, penguins, our Siberian/Sumatran tigers and much more...
OPEN 7 DAYS 9am - 5pm
Go2000
ATTRACTIONS & TOURS
City & Region 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!
Ballarat
Escapade is a live-action escape experience that will test your mental strength in a fun, exhilarating environment. Pick your team of 2-6 people to escape one of 3 experiences within 60 minutes. Open 7 days - book online. 10% OFF CODE: BESTOFBALLARAT
3/61 Curtis St (rear) 0411 491 008 escapadepuzzle.com.au
Ballarat's New Tramway Museum is now open! See trams between 100 and 135 years old that ran in Ballarat, Melbourne and Geelong, plus other pieces of tramway equipment and memorabilia. Tue 10am3pm, weekends & public hols. 11am - 4pm. Wendouree Parade 5334 1580
btm.org.au
Map2J3
Be Active Walk 6km around scenic Lake Wendouree and stroll through the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Swim or Gym at Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre. Tackle Black Hill Reserve Mountain Bike Park & Walking Tracks. For the kids there are fun adventure playgrounds at Lake Wendouree and Victoria Park. Explore the historic Old Cemetery with early gold rush graves, Eureka Stockade monuments & Chinese graves.
WHAT'S ON
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? With festivals, live music, theatre, exhibitions, markets and so much more, Ballarat has it all. Get amongst it!
Kryal Castle Black Knight at Medieval to Metal - Art Gallery of Ballarat
Photo Nicole Cleary Photography
EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITIONS
UNTIL 8 DEC
DEBORAH WOOD: INTO THE MAW
Developed during her treatment at Ballarat’s world class cancer centre BRICC, Wood's intent was not to depict illness but to explore ways that the human mind can create a framework of meaning through imagination and magical thinking. This artistic process enabled Wood to both make sense of, and regain some agency over, a circumstance in which she was suddenly swept ‘into the maw’ of medicine’s marvelous machinery. A Backspace Gallery exhibition.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 19 DEC
FEDERATION UNIVERSITY
ARTS ACADEMY: EYE 2024
Work by Federation University’s graduating students enrolled in the Bachelor of Visual Arts, showcasing the skills and understanding acquired during their time at the Arts Academy. Unicorn Lane off 133 Sturt St (viewing 24/7)
UNTIL 28 DEC
SPECTRUM OF ARTISTRY
Experience a diverse collection from the Ballarat Art Collective's talented artists. Join us for a showcase spanning a range of styles and mediums. Dive into the eclectic world of local art.
Mercure Ballarat 613 Main Rd
UNTIL 7 JAN
SHAC'N NOT STIRRED
Works by members of Soldiers Hill Artist Collective. Presenting a diverse range of work in many formats, including painting, tapestry, photography, printing and weaving.
Kilderkin Distillery 14A Hill St, Mt Pleasant
UNTIL 28 JAN
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: BALLARAT CLAY COLLECTIVE
The Ballarat Clay Collective has taken over Art Hub Ballarat this summer. Meet ceramicists at work and buy locally produced creations.
14 Oct - 30 Nov: Maddison Trezise
1 - 31 Dec: BCC pop up shop
3 - 28 Jan: Kirsten Ives
Art Hub 10 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 31 JAN
RETRO RIFF
Assemblage art by Les Toth. Over 40 repurposed guitars influenced by his exciting musical career and featuring two specially designed Vegemite inspired guitars. Acoustic guitar performances in Beaufort on the Friday nights. Open Fri - Sun 10am - 2pm.
Group bookings by appointment.
Cyril Callister Museum 23 Neill St, Beaufort
UNTIL 2 FEB
MEDIEVAL TO METAL: THE ART & EVOLUTION OF THE GUITAR
Exclusive to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 iconic guitars on loan from the National Guitar Museum (USA) + photographs, paintings, drawings, illustrative designs and objects. The collection of classical to contemporary works on display track the history of the world’s most popular instrument from its medieval beginnings through to the guitar’s pivotal role in blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll. See rare guitars and artefacts in this epic exhibition narrating the history, evolution and design of the guitar covering all music genres and all uses.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL
JXSH
2 FEB
MVIR: FOREVER I LIVE
Josh Muir was a Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Barkindji artist, born in Ballarat who passed away suddenly at the young age of 30.
Josh’s artistic career spanned 12 years, during which he became a prolific artist. The works in the exhibition reflect Josh’s ongoing artistic legacy, emphasising Josh’s love of family and community, drawing on themes including cultural identity, the impacts and legacies of colonisation, mental health, addiction and grief.
Victoria's quirkiest gallery with an acre of outdoor sculptures, art & characters guaranteed to make you smile. Family & tourist friendly bar & food.
2142 Western Hwy Burrumbeet
See web for hours flyinggoolie.com
Only 20 mins from Ballarat 0432 832 917
UNTIL 2 FEB
NELL
NELL’s multidisciplinary practice pits iconography against societal binaries: birth & death, masculine & feminine, western & eastern spirituality and materiality’s impermanence. In her video work QUIET/LOUD, the artist sits atop an amplifier, peacefully meditating in a robe while guitarist Bec Machine riffs, jumps and struts. NELL’s AC/DC homage to It’s a Long Way to the Top (if you wanna Rock and Roll), is a near identical rendition of the iconic 1975 tune and music video – with the original bagpipe players featured but an all-female band performing, including the artist herself.
Art Screen - Art Gallery of Ballarat Alfred Deakin Place (at rear of the Gallery)
UNTIL 2 FEB
SASSY PARK: I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN SUNSHINE
Sassy Park plays with the history of domestic ceramics to explore ideas of vulnerability and fragility through scale, intimacy and humour. The ceramic surface becomes a place for
commentary on which she paints, writes and draws as a way of memorialising the small stages of life and the intimacies of the everyday.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 2 MAR
ANTHONY WHITE: AFTER EUREKA: THE STUDIES FOR MANIFESTATION
Energetic highly key coloured explorations made in response to Sidney Nolan’s 1966 Eureka Stockade mural. Painted in France during a period marked by widespread public protests, these works continue White's wider thinking around the painterly gesture as a form of dissent, as well as an act of civil disobedience.
Eureka Centre Ballarat 102 Stawell St Sth
30
NOV
- 22 DEC JOY SMITH: HERE & THERE
These little woven tapestries are strongly influenced by what is happening around me. Having recently moved to Ballarat, close to Lake Wendouree, I go there often and have become intrigued by the location, especially the swans who feature in my latest work. Other tapestries depict landscapes, windblown trees, native animals, produce from my garden and jugs.
Old Butchers Shop Gallery 112 Seymour St
30 NOV - 7 FEB
REVEAL: WORKS FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION
Federation University’s Cultural Collection includes the Historical Collection, alongside the Art Collection of over 2000 high-quality works of art featuring many renowned Australian artists, as well as the work of staff and students associated with Federation University and its predecessor institutions. Featuring Deborah Klein, Robert Jacks, Leslie Dumbrell, Lyn Onus, Dean Bowen, Wendy Stavrianos and others, this exhibition celebrates significant Australian artists' work that traces unseen relationships and draws on diverse lived experiences while responding to a myriad subjects and ideas.
Post Office Gallery
Cnr Sturt & Lydiard St Nth
Sara Nash: DeSign
Art Hub: Ballarat Clay Collective
Soldiers Hill Artist Collective & Kilderkin Distillery Present
SHAC ’
rs Hill Artist Collective &
Not Stirr
Caroline Fredericks
Helmut Stenzel
Kat Pengelly
Ollie Fraser
ilderkin Distillery Present
Keith Wilson
Abigail Robertson
Wendy Whitford
John Sullivan
Maria Cook
Launch Event:
Ian Kemp
Kilderkin Distillery Present
Soldiers Hill Artist Collective & Kilderkin Distillery Present
Alan Leishman
Friday 29th Nov at 6
Donna Crebbin
Christine Nordenadler
Judith Bryce
HAC ’ N
Jannine Bennett
Therese Moloney
28 Nov - 7 Jan
t Stirred
Kilderkin Distillery 14A Hill St
Mount Pleasant
Launch Event:
Thur 12-5 Fri 12-7 Sat 12-7 Sun 12-5
ay 29th Nov at 6pm
7 - 22 DEC
INFUSE ART PRIZE
SoldiersHillArtistCollective
The Infuse Art Prize seeks to promote collaboration among artists, providing a platform for the exchange of skills and ideas. Through this shared learning, they aim to strengthen and unite the art community, fostering meaningful dialogue and creative growth. Join in to explore an inspiring exhibition showcasing 50 collaborative works across multiple mediums, including the winning piece selected by Julie McLaren.
Ross Creek Gallery
183 Post Office Rd, Smythes Creek
7 DEC - 6 JAN
REET RITA DANKO
Scenes and inspiration from Estonia, Hungary, Melbourne (Kulin nation), Teddy Bear dreaming, birdsong and flax-seed. Paintings on silk, canvas and paper on show and for sale. All proceeds will go towards Rita's aged care costs.
Opening Sat 7 Dec, 2pm.
Kank Wolverang Records
30 Main Rd
13 DEC - 12 JAN
LEE TOUZEAU: IN THE FOREST
Lee invites you into her magical world of wonder, dreams and poetry through her painted and collage works.
Art Space Ballarat 14 Lydiard St Nth
14 DEC - 2 FEB
EVIE CAHIR: BENNY’S
Drawing on her 2023 artist residency at Skopelos, Greece, Cahir returned to create a large-scale triptych that repeats and distills the same scene three times across each canvas; to be ‘read’ from left to right then absorbed as a whole. ‘Benny’s’, is an abbreviated take on the phrase ‘beneficial rays’, which underscores the importance of light and colour; both of which act as vehicles for emotional and spatial awareness within Cahir’s ever-expanding practice. A Backspace Gallery exhibition.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
20 DEC - 29 JAN
TARA RAINBOW: DANCING CRITTERS
Tara’s imagined sea creatures and wildlife are created in bold and vibrant abstract forms with hidden details to discover within.
Unicorn Lane off 133 Sturt St (viewing 24/7)
31 DEC - 30 JAN
CHRISTINE SEGAERT & GEORGIA
BRAIN: PERMISSION GRANTED
This exhibition celebrates our journey as disabled female artists who embrace the freedom to create without boundaries.
Mercure Ballarat 613 Main Rd
4 - 26 JAN
JOSHUA MACK: AN UNFINISHED CIRCLE
In zen calligraphy, the artist seeks harmony through a single gesture. In a similar way, through my practice I explore what emerges in the immediacy of the unplanned mark, brush stroke, cut or gouge. Painting and sculpture from Joshua’s Misery Creek Studio.
Old Butchers Shop Gallery 112 Seymour St
Patrick Duffy & Peter Sparkman
‘What’s on the tele tonight honey?'
Infuse Art Prize - Ross Creek Gallery
11 - 27 JAN
MADDISON LAUREN TREZISE: FORGOTTEN REALMS
A ceramic exhibition. Mystical landing places or altars that can be used to hold jewellery or as objet d’art, Maddison plays with the intersection between fine art and functional craft. “I am interested in exploring fairytale and myth through my work and hope to awaken the inner child of my audience as an act of feminist advocacy in a world numb to its softest voices.”
Opening Sat 11 Jan, 1pm.
Ross Creek Gallery 183 Post Office Rd, Smythes Creek
17 JAN - 2 FEB
PUBLIC ART WALKS
Launching the new City of Ballarat Public Art Walks, designed for children to discover our city’s public art through imaginative play.
Art Space Ballarat 14 Lydiard St Nth
31 JAN - 17 MAR
ANNIE WONG: FANTASY FUN
Explore Annie’s fantastical world and lives of imagined characters through her digital work and elaborate stories.
Unicorn Lane off 133 Sturt St (viewing 24/7)
1 - 23 FEB
MAREE HEAP: WALLFLOWER
Maree Heap's first solo exhibition is a colorful, dopamine-inducing mixture of garden flowers in vintage vases, kitsch wallpapers and linens. Wallflower provides the opportunity to personally connect to a particular original acrylic painting that will incorporate the warm memories of yesteryear into today.
Old Butchers Shop Gallery
112 Seymour St
1 - 28 FEB
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY?
An exhibition dedicated to the exploration of text-based art. This exhibition aims to highlight the unique intersection of language and visual expression, inviting artists to engage with the power of words in their creative practice. Opening Sat 1 Feb, 2pm.
TBH Studio
57 Bridge Mall
VICTORIA
Autumn Leaves Seminar 2025
Visit our website or call 0425 871 665 for more info.
2 - 27 FEB
GAIL TREMBATH & ANNE MARIE
LYNZAAT: FIGURE AND FORM
A collection of recent works, both imaginative and representational, including paintings, prints, drawings and collage. Mercure Ballarat 613 Main Rd
7 FEB - 9 MAR
EMILY HEARN: NITIMUR IN VETITUM (WE STRIVE FOR THE FORBIDDEN)
Discover medieval myths, heroes and landscapes through Emily’s illustrations, meticulously crafted using traditional pen and ink techniques.
Art Space Ballarat 14 Lydiard St Nth
8 - 23 FEB
TAMZIN RASMUSSEN: NATURE’S CADENCE
Nature’s Cadence explores the beauty of light and nature, delving into the fleeting yet profound moments that shape our experiences. Each piece draws inspiration from land and seascapes, inviting you to step into a serene space, filled with vibrant colours and textures that reflect the rhythm of the natural world. Opening Sat 8 Feb, 1pm.
Ross Creek Gallery 183 Post Office Rd, Smythes Creek
15 FEB - 15 MAR
PEN, PAINT & INK: A VISION ENSEMBLE
A group exhibition by three friends - Andrew Sutherland, Melinda Williams and Daria Betley, encompassing their most recent visual artwork. Opening Sat 15 Feb, 3pm.
Kank Wolverang Records 30 Main Rd
Unfinished
Reet Rita Danko The
Painting (detail)
LIVE MUSIC LIVE MUSIC
Check websites & social media of venues for more shows & updates over the Summer period.
summersundaysballarat.com.au
CIVIC HALL
300 Mair St • 5333 5888 • hermaj.com
SUN 1 DEC 2pm Vic Opera - Big Christmas Sing
FRI 6 DEC 8pm Jack White
EUREKA CENTRE BALLARAT
102 Stawell St Sth • 5333 0333 eurekacentreballarat.com.au
SUN 1 DEC 1 - 4pm EUREKA SUNDAY Shane Howard Band & Emma Donovan Duo
ART GALLERY OF BALLARAT
40 Lydiard St Nth • 5320 5858 artgalleryofballarat.com.au
SUN 8 DEC 11am Slava & Leonard Grigoryan
SAT 14 DEC 6pm Kee’ahn, deborahN
SUN 12 JAN 11am Black Square Quartet with Robert Davidson, Samuel Vincent & Thomas Green
SAT 18 JAN 6pm CASH: A Journey through the American Recordings with Henry Wagons & The Tennessee Studs
Free concert series with live music, food trucks and Garden Bar in the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Bring your friends and family, relax and soak up the sounds.
SUN 5 JAN Allysha Joy, Dayfever, Nasal Spray, Owelu Dreamhouse
SUN 12 JAN Immy Owusu, Osska Perrett, The Hot Lemons, The Rookies
SUN 19 JAN Danika, La Descarga, Pullover, The Thing From Spring
SUN 26 JAN Aaliyah Bise, The Sinsemillian, The Yachtski Brothers
THE GOODS SHED
Terminus Theatre • 200 Lydiard St Nth thegoodsshedballarat.com.au
SUN 1 DEC 2:30pm Boîte Voices: MAIEM Songs of the Torres Strait Islands
HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE
17 Lydiard St Sth • 5333 5888 • hermaj.com
FRI 6 DEC 7:30pm Daryl Braithwaite
SAT 21 DEC 7:30pm GYPSY - The Australian Fleetwood Mac Show
SUN 8 DEC 3pm The Elvis Big Band Xmas Spectacular
SAT 1 FEB 7:30pm Solid Gold Hits of 70’s & 80’s
SAT 22 FEB 8pm Southern Sons
ORGANS OF THE BALLARAT GOLDFIELDS
Program & tix: ballaratorgans.com.au
10 - 14 JAN An internationally acclaimed festival of fine music held in historic venues in the Ballarat region.
HOP TEMPLE
Rear of 24-28 Armstrong St Nth • 5317 7158 hoptemple.com.au
WED NIGHTS 7:30pm Hop Trivia
THU NIGHTS 7pm Music Bingo
FRI NIGHTS 8:30pm Beats, Brews & BBQs + DJ
SATURDAYS 9pm Live Music
SUNDAYS 1:30pm Blues & Brews
SUN 1 DEC 1:30pm Anna Scionti
SAT 7 DEC 1:30pm Untapped
SUN 8 DEC 6:30pm L. R. Marsh
SAT 14 DEC 9pm Cut Lunch
SUN 15 DEC 1:30pm Gilbert L Kealy Trio with Brett Garsed
SAT 21 DEC 9pm Bec & Marty
PIANO BAR BALLARAT
31 Sturt St • 5229 4086 pianobarballarat.com.au
FRI & SAT NIGHTS 7pm Piano Bar by Request
THU NIGHTS 6pm Drag Bingo
THU 5 DEC 6pm Drag Bingo! Kath & Kim Edition
SUN 8 DEC 1pm The Beatles Legacy Show
SUN 15 DEC 1pm Motor City Sounds Christmas Show
SAT 21 DEC 1pm Real Drag Brunch
SUN 16 FEB 1pm The Whispering Jack Show: A Tribute to the Music of John Farnham
SUN 23 FEB 1pm Goddess of Pop: CHER Tribute
TRADES HALL
24 Camp St • tradeshallevents.au
FRI 6 DEC 7pm Live at Union Square: The Darlings Family Trust, Mal Beveridge
SAT 7 DEC 7pm Live at Union Square: Roy Darby Trio, Trevor Ludlow & The Hellraisers
FRI 13 DEC 7pm The Solo Lounge: The Cartwheels Duo, Penny Burke
SAT 14 DEC 7pm The Solo Lounge: deborahN Duo, Jack Shilvock
FRI 14 FEB 7pm Live at Union Square
SAT 15 FEB 7pm Live at Union Square
FRI 21 FEB 7pm The Solo Lounge
FRI 28 FEB 7pm The Solo Lounge
THE EASTERN
81 Humffray St Nth • 0483 809 906 theeasternballarat.com
FRI 6 DEC 7pm Mimi Gilbert
SAT 14 DEC 4:30pm Too Metal For Meredith: Eye Of The Enemy, Distorta, The Ascended, Spacegoat, Coffin Carousel, Terrestrials, Emerge Yeah, Sick!
FRI 20 DEC 7pm Frenzee (Greece), River of Snakes, DDS
CHISHOLM ST.
Black Hill, Ballarat • chisholmst.com
FRI 6 & SAT 7 DEC 6pm Hecho en Argentina: Stephen Cuttriss & Bronwyn Blaiklock
KILDERKIN DISTILLERY
14A Hill St, Mt Pleasant • 0424 791 790 kilderkindistillery.com.au
FRI 6 DEC 7:30pm Peter Daffy & Peter Baylor
VOLTA
15 Field St • voltaballarat.com.au
SUN 1 DEC 7pm Katchafire (NZ), Laughton Kora (NZ)
THU 5 DEC 7:30pm Andy Shauf
FRI 6 DEC 9pm Fred again Appreciation Night
FRI 13 DEC 8pm Christmas Carnage: Nicolas Cage Fighter, Circle Of Blood, Vexation, Slowburn
FRI 17 JAN 8pm SPEED
FRI 7 FEB 8pm Keli Holiday
SUN 9 FEB 7pm Xibalba (USA)
WED 19 FEB 7pm In Hearts Wake, Ocean Sleeper, Reliqa, Inertia
FRI 28 FEB 7pm DZ Deathrays, Drunk Mums, Mannequin Death Squad
STAGE STAGE
SUN 1 DEC 2pm
BIG CHRISTMAS SING
Presented by Victorian Opera
A musical event in partnership with the Ballarat Choral Society and Ballarat Symphony Orchestra, featuring local singers alongside Victorian Opera Emerging Artist Prize winners. Expect a touch of Christmas mixed in with renowned opera choruses, arias and duets, with a chance to sing and participate. Come along and begin the festive season with cheer!
Tix: hermaj.com
Civic Hall 300 Mair St
26 - 27 DEC 6:30pm
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
Presented by Ozact Theatre Company
Trouble arises in Athens, when young lovers Hermia and Lysander flee to escape Duke Theseus’s justice. In hot pursuit are Demetrius, who is in love with Hermia, and Helena who is in love with Demetrius. Chaos! In the forest, the lovesick foursome encounters the chaotic fairy Puck whose penchant for mischief goes a little too far! Fairy King, Oberon is unhappy with his fairy Queen, Titania. This contest of wills is just too much for a poor group of amateur actors who fall victim to their magic! A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and widely performed plays.
Tix: ozact.com
Kirks Reservoir Park 255 Daylesford Rd, Gong Gong
SUN 12 JAN 1pm
OPERATION OUCH!
Following four sell-out Australian tours and two smash hit seasons in London’s West End, Dr Chris and Dr Xand are back with the epic “Quest for the Jurassic Fart!”. Join the twins on a dino-mite adventure to unearth the most dangerous, most powerful, most important fart in history—the Jurassic Fart!! This roarsome show will be packed with all-new crazy
experiments that will take you back to the age of the dinosaurs as the doctors explore the fascinating world of science like never before. It’ll make you laugh-a-saurus and gross you out all at the same time!
Tix: hermaj.com
Civic Hall 300 Mair St
TUE 14 JAN 7:30pm
COSENTINO: DECENNIUM
Join Cosentino as he performs death-defying escapes that will thrill your senses, mindboggling stage illusions and cutting-edge street magic that twists your view of reality. His trademark blend of dance and magic with a touch of hilarious audience participation will take you on a journey that will captivate fans, new and old, until the very last mind-bending moment. Now recognised as Australia’s most successful magician, Cosentino has spent the last four years touring to packed houses and rave reviews around the world, while his prime-time TV specials have now been seen by over 100 million people across the globe.
Tix: hermaj.com
Her Majesty’s Theatre 17 Lydiard St Sth
Cosentino: Decennium
7 - 16 FEB
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
Presented by The Bard in Buninyong
When Sir John Falstaff and his entourage of rogues arrive, the once peaceful village of Windsor becomes a place of frenzy, farce and fun. They thieve, feast, fight, run up bills and seek to seduce the women. Sir John woos two best friends, provoking extreme jealousy, awful disguises, cross dressing and humiliation. However, the wives prove as cunning as they are merry. Join us (and some faux fairies) for 90 minutes of entertaining, family friendly mayhem. Bring a bite to eat, something to sit on and get there early to enjoy our pre-show music. Follow The Bard in Buninyong on Facebook for more information.
Tix: trybooking.com or at the gate
Buninyong Botanic Gardens
Scott St, Buninyong
27 FEB - 9 MAR KINKY BOOTS
Presented by Ballarat Lyric Theatre
29/10/2024 4:35:04
Kinky Boots features a joyous score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner, Harvey Fierstein. Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realised… and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world.
Tix: ballaratlyrictheatre.com.au
Her Majesty’s Theatre 17 Lydiard St Sth
Ozact: A Midsummer Night's Dream
MORE TO DO MORE TO DO
ONGOING
AURA
AURA immerses you in the story of gold in a 90 minute high impact, graphic presentation which explores the creation, discovery and impact of the precious metal then and now. Tix: sovereignhill.com.au
Sovereign Hill Bradshaw St, Golden Point
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS IN BALLARAT
Festive fun awaits you in Ballarat as the city comes alive with dazzling decorations, live music and more! Info: christmasinballarat.com.au
EUREKA
RACES
SUN 1 DEC 1 – 4pm
EUREKA SUNDAY
Join us to mark the 170th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade with kids activities, lawn games and live music featuring the Shane Howard Band and the Emma Donovan Duo. Eureka Centre Ballarat 102 Stawell St Sth
THU 5 DEC 7pm
GOODWILL COMEDY CLUB
With Sarah Bartolo, Chris Demos, Gemma Celeste & Charlotte Johnson, hosted by Neptune Henriksen. Tix: trybooking.com
Ellington's Wine Bar 405A Sturt St
SAT 7 DEC from 11am
BALLARAT CUP
Enjoy the up-close racing action that you'll only get in the country. A unique day of fun, fashion and outstanding racing. Info & tix: country.racing.com
Ballarat Turf Club 240 Kennedys Rd, Miners Rest
SUN 8 DEC 10am – 3pm
DESIGN EXCHANGE
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Explore unique small businesses, handmade gifts, ethical products, and creative works in a festive, welcoming environment.
Ballarat Mining Exchange 12 Lydiard St Nth
WED 11 DEC 7pm
ROCKUMENTARY FILM
Don't Look Back (1967)
D.A. Pennebaker documents Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England. Tix: ballaratmi.org.au/film
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117 Sturt St
FRI 13 DEC 4 – 8pm
BARKLY SQUARE
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Featuring local stallholders, live music & entertainment, scrumptious food trucks AND a visit from the big man in red!
Barkly Square 25 Barkly St
FRI 20 DEC 4 – 8pm
TWILIGHT XMAS MARKET
A very special market focusing on gifts, artwork, jewellery, homewares, clothing, woodwork, leather goods, pet gifts, garden art, gourmet food, sweets & treats, wine, gin & more!
Zoo Drive, Lake Wendouree
SUN 22 DEC
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
A 60+ year tradition of Christmas celebration in Ballarat. Info: ballaratcarolsbycandlelight.org.au Mars Stadium Creswick Rd, Wendouree
TUE 31 DEC 9:30pm
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS
Ballarat’s biggest fireworks display is back with a bang this New Year’s Eve! A free event.
Lake Wendouree
5, 12, 19, 26 JAN 3 – 7pm
SUMMER SUNDAYS
Enjoy live music in the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens, with food vendors & pop-up garden bar to quench summer thirsts. Free entry. Info & lineup: summersundaysballarat.com.au
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Gillies St Nth
10 - 14 JAN
ORGANS OF THE BALLARAT GOLDFIELDS
An internationally acclaimed festival of fine music held in historic venues in the Ballarat region. Program & tix: ballaratorgans.com.au
13 JAN - 16 FEB
FORAGE & FEAST
A taste of summer in the Central Highlands. Spend your summer with our passionate growers, artisan producers & culinary talents. Farm tours, degustation dinners, artisan classes, cocktails, live music & more! Info: centralhighlandsgrowers.com.au
WED 15 JAN 7pm
ROCKUMENTARY FILM
This is Spinal Tap (1984)
Parodies its direct cinema predecessors in a film Dave Grohl dubbed “the only rock movie worth watching.” Tix: ballaratmi.org.au/film
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117 Sturt St
SAT 18 JAN from 5pm
BALLARAT PACING CUP
Showcasing the best in harness racing action + entertainment and dining. For updates and info visit: ballarattrottingclub.com.au
Ballarat Trotting Club Bell St, Redan
WED 22 JAN 7pm
ROCKUMENTARY FILM
Gimme Shelter (1970) The Maysles brothers are ‘flies on the wall’ to the Rolling Stones’ 1969 American tour. Tix: ballaratmi.org.au/film
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117 Sturt St
FRI 24 JAN 2 – 8pm
BEAUFORT SUMMER FEST
Enjoy local produce, food demos, gin tastings, craft stalls, live music, kids' activities & more. Info: cyrilcallisterfoundation.org/events Servo@23 23 Neill St, Beaufort
THU 6 FEB 7pm
GOODWILL COMEDY CLUB
A rotating line-up of local and Melbourne acts, hosted by award-winning comedian Neptune Henriksen. Tix: trybooking.com
Ellington's Wine Bar 405A Sturt St
SUN 23 FEB 10am – 3:30pm
SMART LIVING EXPO
Your gateway to embracing sustainable practices, our 11th expo will focus on education, community resilience & inclusivity. Celebrate progress, while building a resilient future. Info: smartlivingexpo.com.au
Royal Park Cnr Hedrick & Warrenheip St, Buninyong
• Close to Ballarat CBD, Sovereign Hill & Wildlife Park
• Public Transport at our front door
• 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Villas
• Powered & Ensuite Sites
• FREE WiFi & Foxtel • Games Room
• Camp Kitchen
• Playground & FREE Mini-Golf
• FREE Eureka Pool Next Door (Nov-Apr)
Member Discounts for G'Day Park Members Dogs welcome (contact us for details)
Stay with us in the heart of the
COMEDY
MARKETS
FOOD • PRODUCE • LOCAL SEASONAL • ORGANIC
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH BRIDGE MALL • BALLARAT
Visit our website or social pages for full schedule
thebridgemarket.com.au
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.
BARKLY SQUARE GLOBAL MARKET
FRI 13 DEC 4 – 8pm Barkly Square, 25 Barkly St
THE BRIDGE MARKET
1ST SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm Bakery Hill, Ballarat
BALLARAT FARMERS MARKET
2ND & 4TH SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm Zoo Drive, Lake Wendouree (off Wendouree Pde)
CRESWICK MARKET
3RD SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm Victoria St, Creswick (18km from Ballarat)
SMYTHESDALE COUNTRY MARKET
3RD SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm Glenelg Hwy, Smythesdale (19km from Ballarat)
CLUNES FARMERS MARKET
2ND SUN OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm Fraser St, Clunes (35km from Ballarat)
BALLAN FARMERS MARKET
2ND SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm Inglis St, Ballan (39km from Ballarat)
