BALLARAT INTERNATIONAL
Hill VIC 3354
Scott Bain & Libby Drew
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.
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.
RJM's Wine Bar
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 – Sat 12pm – late.
33 Armstrong St Nth 5331 9444
North Indian Cuisine dine-in (BYO & licensed), take-away & delivery available ($36 min.) Free rice with every curry. Lunch Deals: $10.50 veg thali, $12 non veg thali.
Lunch Mon – Fri 12 – 2:30pm
Dinner 7 Days 5 – 10pm 432 Sturt St 5340 0844
aromaofindia.com.au
Enjoy incredible dining featuring the best seasonal and local produce. Relax into the leather armchairs in the historic Wine Bar or pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Cafe.
Established in 2005, Red Duck is a small independent brewery located in Ballarat. Our cellar door offers a large selection of beers to taste and purchase.
Open Thu – Sun 11am – 5pm.
11A Michaels Drive
Alfredton 5332 0723
redduckbeer.com.au
We're a handbuilt brewery making great beer! Enjoy our unique range of beers in our brewery bar along with local wines, cider
Unique in Ballarat, cool bar, indie beers. Pub grub & quality specials. Dining Room. Private parties. Heated outdoor courtyard with pool table. Open until 1am on weekends. Wednesday trivia. Thursday Locals Night. See our website for opening hours.
20 Skipton St
5331 1073
themallow.com.au
9
Come in and enjoy the craic with hearty meals, traditional pub classics and cold drinks right in the centre of Ballarat. Open 7 days from 11:30am – 2pm for lunch & 6 – 9pm for dinner.
36 Sturt St
5331 4091
murphysballarat.com.au
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
saigon-allee.business.site
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
A gorgeous venue at the historic Ballarat New Cemetery. Specialising in Malteseinspired cuisine with gluten free and vegan options available. Check our socials for upcoming art exhibitions.
Open Mon – Fri 8:30am - 3:30pm
Sat - Sun 9am - 3:30pm
1201 Lydiard St Nth
5331 2714
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.
Nicola Cerini
Celebrating 10 years in 2021 as a must visit when in Ballarat. The Crafty Squirrel stocks unique one-of-a-kind craft kits, vintage goodies, and treasures from around the world. Open Thu & Fri 10 – 5, Sat 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
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. Tue 10–3, Wed-Fri
10 – 5, Sat 10 - 4, Sun 11 - 3
202 South St 0478 088 055
hattieandthewolf.com.au
A treasure trove of luxurious fragrances, exclusive perfumes, Sarah Murphy, Leif Body and the complete Aesop collection in the heart of Ballarat. A unique & contemporary perfumery which celebrates the artisanal, the unique & whimsical. Open Wed – Sat.
114 Armstrong St Sth
5332 9297
sweetfern.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 Monday – Thursday or by appointment.
32 Silverwattle Dr, Invermay
5333 1476
alisoncoleembroidery.com.au
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 – 4pm.
The Shed on Mair
37 Mair St 0402 032 088
rocketandbelle.com.au
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 Tramway Museum
Escapade is a live-action escape experience that will test your mental strength in a fun & exhilarating environment. Pick a team of 2-4 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
Explore the cultural impact of the gold rush and hear the stories of the men and women who risked their lives in the fight for miners' rights. Located on the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade and home to the historic Eureka Flag .
102 Stawell Street South, Ballarat (enter next to aquatic centre) Refer to eurekacentreballarat.com.au for hours & booking info.
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. Check website or Facebook for hours.
Wendouree Parade
5334 1580
btm.org.au
• 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)
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!
Ballarat Begonia Festival
The Australian Ballet Image: Kate Longley
UNTIL 12 JUN
Few things generate more wise and witty sayings, more creative memes, than hair. In support of the Ballarat Beard & Stache Competition and the Ballarat Heritage Festival, the Gallery has done a deep dive into the collection to find some impressive hair imagery and selected our best and bushiest works.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 13 JUN
EMILY VAN DER MOLEN: NEUROALCHEMY
A collection of abstract works exploring the transformation of negative energy into a force for positivity.
Art Space Ballarat 14 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 13 JUN
MOTHER AND SPIRIT
Works by Cherie Roessler exploring the many facets of what it is to be a parent, the many faces of motherhood and the recognition that even Mrs Brady would pull out her hair at times, without Alice.
The Gatehouse (Ballarat New Cemetery)
1201 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 20 JUN
TEGAN CROSBIE:
Tegan celebrates the native Banksia and it’s bright, sculptural, organic form.
Unicorn Lane off 133 Sturt St (viewing 24/7)
UNTIL 20 JUN
FROLIC FESTIVAL: DARK RAINBOW
Ballarat Frolic Festival is a Ballarat celebration of queer culture. In their fifth art show they present a selection of work which is likely to be darker, queerer, colder and more unsettling than the previous exhibition, responding to the theme of Dark Rainbow.
Backspace - Art Gallery of Ballarat
40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 4 JUL
Stacey is one of Australia’s leading photographic artists whose fascination with the still life genre has been inspired by her work with historical collections at the University of Sydney and Sydney Living Museums. Stacey brings these collections to life on a monumental scale, interrogating what they meant for the original owners and brilliantly interweaving personal historical narratives into sumptuous still lifes.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
Dr Carol McGregor is an artist of Australian Indigenous/Scottish descent based in Brisbane. Her family originates from the Geelong region and she continues to investigate her connection with Wadawarrung Traditional Owners. Wreath for Oodgeroo 2020, is an extraordinary possum skin cloak depicting native plants found on Minjerriba (Stradbroke Island, Queensland) to honour the leadership and insight of blackrights activist, poet, artist, environmentalist and educator Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker).
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 1 AUG
Born in Ballarat in 1866, Morris Cohen was a self-taught painter. He travelled extensively and painted in Egypt, Palestine, Spain, Italy and France. Though never a full-time artist, Cohen was a part of the thriving Melbourne art scene and exhibited at the Victorian Artists’ Society. This will be the first time these works have been shown and include a recent acquisition of an early work.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Works collected and commissioned by Robert House, a survivor of child sexual abuse, during the period of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Michael Peck
You and I (Double portrait of son and self) 2017 (detail). synthetic polymer paint on canvas. Collection of Robert House. © Michael Peck
UNTIL 1 AUG
Works collected, commissioned and curated by Robert House, a survivor of child sexual abuse. The memories of House’s childhood experiences have continued to haunt him and affect his mental wellbeing, but he has employed determination and resilience to become an advocate for survivors and work towards a more just society. Including works by Peter Daverington, John Forrest, Doug Heslop, Kelly Hussey-Smith, Kaff-eine, Scott Marsh, James Money, Sassy Park, Michael Peck, Glen Pierce, Rodney Pople and Marcus Wills.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 1 AUG
KAIT JAMES:
HANG US OUT TO DRY
Wadawurrung visual artist Kait James asks questions relating to identity, perception and our knowledge of Australia’s Indigenous communities. She takes Aboriginal calendar tea towels from the 1970s and 1980s showing stereotypical images of Indigenous people and
culture and subverts them from a contemporary perspective. James address the way white western culture has dominated Australia’s history and her personal reflections on her Indigenous heritage.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 1 AUG
A sedentary lifestyle is so last season – it’s time to get off the screen and move your body. You don’t need fancy new clothes or the latest tech accessories to move your body. You just need to spring across the floorboards like an acrobat, pick up a piece of rope and start skipping or dance like nobody’s watching. Body Moving includes works from the Gallery collection by George Baldessin, John Brack, Barbara Brash, Kristin Headlam, Evelyn Syme & Fred Williams.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 14 AUG
BEL WOODRUFF:
UN VANILLA - VARIOUS FLAVOURS
Eleven works from 2014 - 2021, reflecting on the raw emotional impact particularly related to loss, energy exchange and meaningful purpose.
Art Space Ballarat 14 Lydiard St Nth
Unicorn Lane off 133 Sturt St (viewing 24/7)
Highlighting emerging artists & makers from the Ballarat region. creativeballarat.com.au
This representation is a response to adjustment and unpredictable circumstances.
Webster's Market and Cafe 61 Webster St
UNTIL 22 AUG
LINDSAY FAMILY: COPLAND CONSERVATION
A selection of works by members of the Lindsay family of artists from Creswick, that have been recently conserved with a grant from the Copland Foundation.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
UNTIL 4 SEP
CRAIG BARRETT: THE BERRY CONSOLS
Craig Barrett’s paintings capture the changing colours and shapes of The Berry Consols –a series of abandoned gold mines, just north of Creswick. Craig has long been fascinated with the relationship between natural and human history. This place brought a lot of Craig’s interests together, with yet anotherthe aesthetics of the mining history. Entry fees apply, pre-bookings required.
Eureka Centre Ballarat
102 Stawell St Sth
UNTIL 28 JAN
GORDON MONRO:
EUREKA: SINGULAR AND PLURAL
Gordon Monro is an artist who makes images from data. He has used data about the 1854 Eureka Stockade to generate imagery from the mathematical fragmentation of an eight-pointed Eureka star. Eureka was a social revolution; part of a wider international struggle for democratic reform and civil rights. At the time of the Eureka rebellion, a technological revolution was also underway. Through a highly symbolic visual representation, Gordon explores the way these social and technological revolutions were intertwined. Artist talk and exhibition celebration Sat 5 June, 5pm.
Eureka Centre Ballarat 102 Stawell St Sth
1 JUN - 11 JUL
Works by members of Golden Plains Arts Inc. including photography, paintings, drawing, prints, sculpture and ceramics.
Opening Thu 3 Jun, 4 - 6pm.
Mercure Ballarat 613 Main Rd
1 - 30 JUN
Local artists Menzies (photography) & Heron (3D works) convey their shared appreciation of the elegant functionality, mysterious, complex and grotesque beauty of the insects & arthropods cohabiting the world in which we all live.
Macspace@Radmac 110 Armstrong St Sth
4 - 6 JUN
TARA POOLE: THRUM
Charcoal works on Wadawurrung Country, ancestral home of Carringum balug. Large-scale charcoal & conte works that suggest difficult tales of a land that bears witness, merged with a torrid, complex beauty. Opening Fri 4 Jun, 4-7pm.
Carngham Uniting Church
954 Linton-Carngham Rd, Snake Valley
5 - 27 JUN
Inspired by his move to Ballarat five years ago, Axel presents a series of small en plein air impressionistic paintings featuring Mt Warrenheip as seen from different viewpoints around Ballarat. Axel will demonstrate his painting techniques at the gallery, open weekends in June or by appointment.
Old Butchers Shop Gallery
112 Seymour St, Soldiers Hill (ph 0408 235 973)
17 JUN - 16 JUL
Work of immense beauty & contemplation by lecturers, teachers, research associates and research fellows who, as artists, also sustain a rigorous artistic research and/or teaching practice at Federation University, whose work expresses complex ideas related to fact & fiction, empathy, politics & global unrest and ideas surrounding Indigenous art & iconography. Post Office Gallery Cnr Sturt & Lydiard St
20 JUN - 25 JUL
Featuring collections from Imogen Kolbe’s Night Shift & selected curated pieces from her archive. Night Shift explores the world from the view of a night shift worker and the things better left in the dark. Join them on their journey through the dark and try to stay in the light.
The Gatehouse (Ballarat New Cemetery)
1201 Lydiard St Nth
24 JUN - 1 AUG
Nyagak Yang is a young Nuer South Sudanese artist based in Ballarat and Geelong. She came to Australia at the age of 4 from a refugee camp in Ethiopia. From an artistic family, Nyagak uses her work to explore the challenges of growing up black in a dominant white culture. She has previously shown her powerful larger-thanlife portraits in cafes and community-run art spaces, but this will be her first opportunity to show work in a regional gallery.
Backspace - Art Gallery of Ballarat
40 Lydiard St Nth
25 JUN – 15 AUG
Led by City of Ballarat Youth Council, this exhibition wants to put community conversation on sexism, women’s rights & safety front and centre, creating change through art. Young people aged 14–25 have been invited to contribute artwork that reflects a call to action for what needs to change in our society for women to feel safer and be treated as equal.
Unicorn Lane off 133 Sturt St (viewing 24/7)
26 JUN - 18 JUL
37 local artists have created 100 mini works of art. They are all faces made using different mediums and styles, grouped together to showcase our amazing local talent. You may find amongst these faces local identities, storybook characters, famous people & animals.
Playing in the Attic (window) 119A Sturt St
21 JUL – 15 AUG
An exhibition of a 3D printed sculpture and artworks created in collaboration with community. The project has united local, national and international participants and highlight the powerful individual voices and stories that express resistance for survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones.
Art Space Ballarat 14 Lydiard St Nth
29 JUL - 20 AUG
The Post Office Gallery’s important annual exhibition presents innovative, inspired and bold ideas by Ballarat’s Arts Academy
undergraduate Visual Art students across a range of media, styles and disciplines including drawing, painting, printmaking, design, sculpture, ceramics, digital media & installation.
Post Office Gallery Cnr Sturt & Lydiard St
1 - 31 AUG
CHERYL CHAPLIN
Cheryl paints to allow colours, shapes and textures to blend to create their own story. Cheryl has completed an Art Diploma at Melbourne University.
Macspace@Radmac 110 Armstrong St Sth
5 AUG - 12 SEP
STELLA CLARKE, JESSICA DE SISO, DEBORAH KLEIN: NATURE WORKS
Stella Clarke’s landscapes celebrate a wellwatered environment which supports abundant life. Jessica de Siso transforms overlooked and discarded objects, re-purposes what has been damaged by pollution and decay to create intricate compositions with fresh meanings. Deborah Klein brings together cut-paper illustration, natural science specimens and Asian decorative traditions to explore the infinite variety of life on earth.
Backspace - Art Gallery of Ballarat
40 Lydiard St Nth
7 AUG - 31 OCT
ROBERT FIELDING: MIIL-MIILPA
Robert Fielding is a contemporary artist of Pakistani, Afghan, Western Arrente and Yankunytjatjara descent, who lives in Mimili Community in the remote APY Lands. In two distinct bodies of new photographic work making up the exhibition miil-miilpa (sacred), Fielding continues his work connected to the significance of Elders in his community, their stories and their understandings. One body of work showcases Elders in his community through intimate portraits. The other explores Country through landscape images produced by experiments with UV exposure.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
8 - 29 AUG
As Anne says "I did a series of bird and flower paintings because I love nature and so do my family. My paintings and screen prints are
17 JUN – 16 JUL 2021
VISUAL ARTS LECTURERS. TEACHERS & HONORARIES
29 JUL – 20 AUG 2021
colourful and express my feelings, showing me who I am. Come to my opening and I will talk to you about my work". Opening Sun 8 Aug 2 - 4pm and open every Sunday 2- 4pm or by appointment (ph 0408 235 973).
Old Butchers Shop Gallery
112 Seymour St, Soldiers Hill
14 AUG - 14 NOV
Ondormohol is a Bengali word referring to the inner or private areas of a house. Ballarat-based artist Anindita Banerjee has assembled visual imaginings of a Bengali girl, prompted by inheriting a piece of antique Bengali embroidery while living in Ballarat. The exhibition encompasses themes of displacement, memory and home, as Banerjee negotiates the imagined experience of being in multiple places at the same time. She finds herself in Ballarat today; in Kolkata as a girl and young woman; and finally in Kolkata in the early 1900s - drawing from both her own family's stories and those of Bengali writer Rabindranath Tagore.
Art Gallery of Ballarat
40 Lydiard St Nth
VISUAL ARTS
The Ballarat International Foto Biennale returns with an exhibition of exclusive works by world famous, award winning American photographer Linda McCartney. The retrospective features over 200 remarkable photographs from 1965–1997 depicting the evolution of youth pop culture and capturing raw moments of history’s most famous rock stars. Personally curated by Paul, Mary & Stella McCartney, the retrospective displays intimate images of the McCartney family and a series of never before exhibited prints from their trips to Australia in 1975 and 1993.
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
28 AUG - 24 OCT
Ballarat is immersed in photography for 60 days with exhibitions and events showcasing works by Australian and international artists in 100+ venues. The full program will be released on 17 June 2021. Info & program: ballaratfoto.org
THU 10 & SAT 19 JUN
Explore the world of boutique fragrances and discover your perfect perfume whilst indulging with a glass of champagne and a beautiful sharing platter. Bookings: sweetfern.com.au
Sweet Fern 114 Armstrong St Sth
19 & 20 JUN 10am – 3pm
With Susan Clarke. Come along and enjoy the historical art of printmaking. Beginners and those returning always welcome. All materials supplied. Further sessions in July and August.
Bookings: 0409 431 960
Trades Hall 24 Camp St
THU 24 JUN 5 – 8:30pm
Create your own stylish and simple tote bag with leather straps from your choice of Nicola's printed fabric. Nicola will provide all materials but if you have some of your own fabric you’d like to use, feel free to bring it along. No experience necessary. Age 14 and over. Bookings: nicolacerini.com
Nicola Cerini 36A Main Rd
SAT 26 JUN, 31 JUL, 28 AUG 1 – 4pm
A free event to share skills and fix items that would otherwise go to landfill. Our skilled volunteer repairers are back on board and keen to have a go at repairing the broken items you have been collecting around the house during lockdown. Info: repaircafeballarat.com.au
Barkly Square 25-39 Barkly St
WED 7, 14, 21, 28 JUL 10:30am – 1pm
With Geoff Roderick. A series of painting basics workshops, structured to suit each attendee's standard. Bookings: ballaratmi.org.au
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117 Sturt St
WED 7 JUL 10am – 12pm
How can you tell a story through song without the right instruments? Come in out of the cold for a drop-in instrument making workshop for kids. Take home a drum, tambourine, rain stick or bell shaker that you build and decorate yourself! Cost is $10. No bookings necessary.
Eureka Centre Ballarat
102 Stawell St Sth
THU 15 JUL 5:30 – 8:30pm
Spend a relaxed and fun evening delving into the technique of monoprinting. Using a variety of substrates including found objects, you'll create original prints on paper and fabric exploring an age old printing technique. Suitable for beginners and people with some experience alike. Recommended for age 14 and over. Bookings: nicolacerini.com
Nicola Cerini 36A Main Rd
SUN 18 JUL 10am – 1pm
With Maggie Dannatt. Learn how to create your own artworks using pastels, how to choose between different papers and grounds and understand the different types of pastels. You will even look at how to make your own pastels!
Bookings: artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth
SUN 25 JUL 10am – 1pm
With Maggie Dannatt. This class is designed for those who have done the Introduction to Pastels class or who want to further explore the medium of soft pastels, looking particularly at the differences between different materials.
Bookings: artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Art Gallery of Ballarat
40 Lydiard St Nth
10, 19, 24 AUG
Casual classes in Goldwork and Stumpwork embroidery for beginners to advanced. Day and evening classes available.
Bookings: 5333 1476 or alison@alisoncoleembroidery.com.au
Alison Cole Embroidery
32 Silverwattle Dr, Invermay
Check the websites and social media of venues for more shows and updates over the winter period.
PIANO BAR BALLARAT
31 Sturt St • 5229 4086 pianobar.com.au/ballarat
FRI & SAT NIGHTS 6pm Live music + dinner
WED NIGHTS 6pm Bitches with Balls Drag Bingo
SUN NIGHTS 6pm Pitch Please! Drag + music
THU 3 JUN 6pm Gretta Ziller & The Anywheres
THU 10 JUN 6pm Drag Trivia with Sasha Starr
SUN 20 JUN 1pm The Songs and Stories of Piano Man John Watson
THU 24 JUN 6pm 90’s Bangers
THU 8 JUL 6pm Christmas In July with Dolly Diamond
THU 15 JUL 7pm The Sweethearts
VOLTA
15 Field St • voltaartsandculture.com.au
FRI 4 JUN 8pm Barracouta + Esoteric
SAT 5 JUN 8pm Blue Vedder + Tim Currie, SLOMO
FRI 11 JUN 10pm Blankë Pøp
SAT 12 JUN 8pm The Moving Stills
SUN 13 JUN 7pm Mammal + Sterling Moss
THU 17 JUN 7:30pm Don West
FRI 18 JUN 7:30pm My Safe Word is Murder + Lazerlips, Nurse Ratchet
SAT 19 JUN 8pm Didirri
FRI 25 JUN 8pm Majak Door + The Shang
TUE 29 JUN 7pm Valhalore
SUN 4 JUL 7pm Alice Skye & Elizabeth
FRI 16 JUL 8pm Stand Atlantic
SAT 17 JUL 7:30pm Orpheus Omega + Triple Kill
SAT 24 JUL 7:30pm Mick Thomas' Roving Commission
SAT 31 JUL 8pm Sweat Dreams DJs + Wax’o Paradiso, Slyshun, DJ SBS, GBOMM
FRI 6 AUG 7pm Lloyd Spiegel
THU 19 AUG 8pm Psycroptic
AN AFTERNOON AT THE
WENDOUREE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS (WCPA)
SAT 4 SEPT. 2PM
A MUSICAL SPECTACULAR
IAN
BLUE DANUBE
CUBBY HAUS BREWING
884 Humffray St Sth • 4343 1777
1st SAT EACH MONTH 2:30pm BCMA Acoustic
SATURDAYS 7pm Live Music
SUNDAYS 3pm Live Music
THE GATEHOUSE
1201 Lydiard St Nth • Tix: trybooking.com
SUN 6 JUN 2pm Peter & Kristine Allan
THE EASTERN
81 Humffray St Nth • 0483 809 906 theeasternballarat.com
SAT 5 JUN 7pm Lettuce Prey
SUN 6 JUN 4pm Jakson
FRI 11 JUN 7pm Drunk Mums + Dumb Punts
SAT 12 JUN 7pm Garlic Nun + Loser
SUN 13 JUN 2:30pm Benedict, Bluehouse, DJ Hot Wheels (Frolic Festival closing party)
FRI 18 JUN 7pm Mick Daley's Corporate Raiders + Jules Sheldon
SAT 19 JUN 7pm Nunchukka Superfly
SUN 20 JUN 4pm Jakson
FRI 25 JUN 7pm Good Morning
SAT 26 JUN 7pm Juan Alban
SUN 27 JUN 4pm Ballarat Hip Hop Nights
BOOKINGS: 5338 0980
ONLINE: WWW.WCPA.COM.AU
ADULT $79 | CONC: $77 | GROUPS 8+: $75
THE PROMS - A MUSICAL SPECTACULAR
7pm Dr Sure's Unusual Practice
7pm Kino Motel
FRI 16 JUL 7pm Distorta + Fall & Resist
FRI 23 JUL 7pm The Meanies
RJM'S WINE BAR
95 Mair St East • 4313 4949
rjmswinebar.com.au
SUN 6 JUN 1pm Lyndon Kriss
SUN 27 JUN 2pm Amie Brûlée
SUN 11 JUL TBC
SUN 25 JULY 2pm Amie Brûlée
SUN 15 AUG TBC
SUN 29 AUG 2pm Amie Brûlée
BALLAARAT
MECHANICS' INSTITUTE
117 Sturt St • 5331 3042
ballaratmi.org.au
SAT 6 JUN 1pm Small Space Music Series
FRI 11 JUN Lance TV "In Concert"
THE CABARET CLUB
4/9367 Western Hwy, Warrenheip • 5334 8150
Tix: ballarattickets.com.au
SAT 19 JUN 6pm The MacNamarr Project
36 Sturt St • 53314091 • murphysballarat.com.au
MON NIGHTS 7:30pm Pub Trivia
FRI NIGHTS 9pm DJ Stevie K
SAT 5 JUN 9:30pm Bitter Sweet
SUN 6 JUN 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 12 JUN 9:30pm MissBehavin'
SUN 13 JUN 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 19 JUN 9:30pm No Mistake
SUN 20 JUN 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 26 JUN 9:30pm Mad Azz
SUN 27 JUN 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 3 JUL 9:30pm Mad Cow
SUN 4 JUL 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 10 JUL 9:30pm Miss Behavin'
SUN 11 JUL 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 17 JUL 9pm Midnight Special
SUN 18 JUL 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 24 JUL TBC
SUN 25 JUL 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 31 JUL 9:30pm Deluxe
SUN 1 AUG 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 7 AUG 9:30pm Mad Cow
SUN 8 AUG 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 14 AUG 9:30pm Geezers
SUN 15 AUG 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 21 AUG 9:30pm Miss Behavin'
SUN 22 AUG 3pm Celtic Jam Session
SAT 28 AUG TBC
SUN 29 AUG 3pm Celtic Jam Session
1220 Howitt St • 5338 0980 • wcpa.com.au
THU 17 JUN 7:30pm Human Nature
SAT 26 JUN 8pm Creedence Clearwater Survival
SUN 27 JUN 4pm Pauline Pidgeon Recital
FRI 2 JUL 7:30pm 1927
TUE 20 JUL 8pm The Sweet Caroline TourTribute to Neil Diamond
SUN 1 AUG 8pm The Australian Bee Gees
SAT 28 AUG 8pm Adam ThompsonBohemian Rhapsody Soundtrack Live
issuu.com/bestofballarat
SAT 5 JUN 7:30pm
COSENTINO – DECEPTION
SAT 5 JUN 7pm
THE SPOOKY MEN'S CHORALE
Presented by Asking for Trouble & Clunes Neighbourhood House
The Spooky Men’s Chorale is a vast, rumbling, steam-powered and black-clad behemoth, capable of rendering audiences moist eyed with mute appreciation or haplessly gurgling with merriment. Based on the twin pillars of grand foolishness and the quest for the perfect boofchord, the Spooky Men seek to commentate on the absurdity and grandeur of the modern male armed only with their voices, a sly collection of hats, and a twinkle in the eye. It is not so much comedic as hilarious, not so much shimmeringly perfect as pleasingly and deeply human. Tix: eventbrite.com.au
Clunes Town Hall 98 Bailey St, Clunes
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. Tix: hermaj.com
Her Majesty's 17 Lydiard St Sth
TUE 8 JUN 10am and 1pm
ZOOOM BY PATCH THEATRE
Combining old school whimsy with state of the art technology, ZOOOM is an enchanting story of a child alone in her bedroom, unable to sleep and curious to understand. She begins a transformational journey with light and discovers that the dark is a magical place. Part music video, part dream, ZOOOM is a show about all sorts of perspective. Perfect for 3–10 year olds. Tix: hermaj.com
Her Majesty's 17 Lydiard St Sth
FRI 11 JUN 6pm
Frolic Cabaret is back for the Frolic Festival opening night! Always a sell-out, and always pushing the limits, this year’s Frolic Cabaret is going to be something else as we bring a darker edge to the stage as a harbinger for the weekend to come. Hosted by Aurora Kurth and featuring special guest, recent Adelaide Fringe Award Winner The Leather Lungs, you’re going to see a downright dirty selection of local and out of town acts that will have you on your knees begging for more by the end of the night.
Tix: frolicfestival.org
Piano Bar Ballarat 31 Sturt St
FRI 11 JUN 7:30pm
Starring dancers from the West End’s Lord of the Dance, Riverdance & Gaelforce Dance, A Taste of Ireland brings all new sets, costumes, tunes and effects hot off its premiere New York City run. With revamped classics like Danny Boy and Tell Me Ma, the show’s live, energetic blend of jaw-dropping acapella tap battles, world-class dancing, melodic folk music mash-ups and craic galore transports you through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history. Tix: wcpa.com.au
WCPA 1220 Howitt St, Wendouree
SAT 12 JUN 3:15pm
A concert of new classical music written by, about, and for regional LGBTIQ+ Victorians. Premiering a new work by Naima Fine about new and established Ballarat queer lives, inspired by conversations with Sage Akouri & Rick Youssef; selections from Ballarat composer Wally Gunn and Maria Zajkowski's epic oratorio based on the life, love and misadventures of Captain Moonlite; and works by Joe Twist and Bendigo composer Louisa Trewartha. Four new works for voices, strings, and percussion performed by The Consort of Melbourne and Victoria's most in demand instrumentalists. Homophonic! is composing your stories, singing your songs and celebrating the long and proud history of composers being as gay as the day is long. Tix: frolicfestival.org
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
117 Sturt St
SUN 13 JUN 1pm
Early Days by DL Turnbull is a one act play depicting the blossoming intimacy between Tam, a young trans masculine podcaster and Marcus, a slightly older cisgender art teacher. Following a year in their lives they navigate power, privilege, grief and trauma as they try to understand how much of themselves they owe to each other and the relationship they’re building. Funny, poignant and relatable this play seeks to explore the mundanity and romance of everyday lives. Early Days is a testament to the power, loves and passion of trans and queer creatives. Tix: frolicfestival.org
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
SUN 13 JUN 5:45pm
117 Sturt St
Welcome to Marie Antoinette’s lavish feast! It’s one powerful woman with an hour of nonstop debauchery. 'Let them eat cake'... That’s old news, we’re beyond that, it’s time to treat ourselves and get messy. So join us on this feast of tantalising gossip, intimate secrets and raucous desires. This high energy performance has been written and performed by Melbourne's most popular life model and liberator of the female body, Marija Herceg. Her work as an erotic performance artist has brought boundless joy and hilarity to the girls and the gays... and much confusion and delight to the dear sweet straight boys. Tix: frolicfestival.org
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
117 Sturt St
›Be Encouraged to find your truth as an actor ›Strengthen your connection with other actors.
›Begin to investigate script analysis and how to apply it in the scene › Work through your personal blocks
›Using basic exercises to focus on the other actor › Applying your emotions and impulses to connect to the truth of the scene
Bernadette is an amazing teacher. She has the ability to direct you to perform authentically without fear. Our course wasn't just a series of drama games that I had experienced in other acting courses - it was high level acting, skill based and thorough. Bernadette wrote a play for us to perform, creating characters that extended our skills. Her tremendous writing and keen directing made the play a huge success. I was encouraged to push through personal barriers, allowing me to grow and develop in ways I would never have thought possible.I would have no hesitation in recommending Bernadette to aspiring actors…
Dates: 16th June - 21st July 2021
Where: 608 Drummond St South, Redan
See Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad as you’ve never seen them before… Join The Heelers in their first live theatre show created just for you with puppetry, live actors and iconic Australian sets. It’s a little bit different and a little bit beautiful. Bluey’s Big Play is an original story written by Bluey’s creator Joe Brumm with new music created by Joff Bush. Tix: hermaj.com
Her Majesty's 17 Lydiard St Sth
FRI 18 JUN 7:30pm
With a cast of internationally recognized artists, Don Quixote will bring to the stage the superb and highly skilled ballet technique of original choreography by Petipa, re-staged by Victorian State Ballet’s director Michelle Sierra.
Time: 7pm-10pm Wednesdays
Contact: 0400 621 850
Cost: $360
Don Quixote is a spectacular rendition of this most festive and flamboyant of ballets. The story is retold through excellent staging, simple & direct mime, superb classical ballet technique and choreography which honour the spirit of this great classical work. Tix: hermaj.com
Her Majesty's 17 Lydiard St Sth
MON 21 JUN 12:30pm and 7:30pm
Snow White and Rose Red are two sisters named after their mother’s favourite roses. The two are as close as sisters can be. But as the world around them becomes strange and unfamiliar after their father’s death, the two girls seek solace in a world of their own making. A work full of magic, fear and unbelievable courage, Snow and Rose will change the way you think about your own greatest challenges in life. Tix: hermaj.com
Her Majesty's 17 Lydiard St Sth
SAT 26 JUN 8pm
Creedence Clearwater Survival recreate the atmosphere and energy of a real 'LIVE' John Fogerty/CCR concert. Playing all the hits everybody has come to know and love, Green River, Born on the Bayou, Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Fortunate Son, Old Man Down The Road to name a few. So “hitch a ride to the end of the highway” and let Creedence Clearwater
Survival entertain you with classic songs they just don’t make anymore. Tix: wcpa.com.au
WCPA 1220 Howitt St, Wendouree
7 - 10 JUL
This warm-hearted musical tells the story of an imaginative little girl named Wanda and her unexpected bond with a fuzzy monster. Based on the award-winning children's book by Eileen Spinelli, Wanda's Monster features music and lyrics by singer, songwriter and superstar children's recording artist Laurie Berkner, including fan favourites Monster
Boogie and Wanda, Whatcha Wanna Do?
Tix: creswicktheatre.com.au
Creswick Courthouse Theatre
4A Raglan St, Creswick
THU 8 JUL 5:30pm
Facing Up, is socially relevant theatre that promotes an understanding of the wider Australian community’s shared history with First Nations people. The performance uncovers the Federal Governments’ historical attitude towards and treatment of the First Nations people of Australia from Federation to the present day. The performance will be followed by a panel discussion with cast and crew chaired by Ballarat Indigenous musician and educator, Deb Clarke. Tix: eventbrite.com.au
Eureka Centre Ballarat 102 Stawell St Sth
THU 8 JUL 6pm
Australia's reigning Queen of Cabaret will have you in stitches as she lampoons the yuletide season as only Dolly can. And, of course, Andy
Pobjoy is on hand to play the piano and pour the eggnog. A show for the whole family. Except the children. Definitely don’t bring the children. Tix: pianobar.com.au/ballaratbookings
Piano Bar Ballarat 31 Sturt St
WED 14 JUL 7:30pm
The World of Musicals brings the very best of musical theatre to life, including such classics as The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Cats, Evita, Wicked, The Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Greatest Showman, Jersey Boys, Boy from OZ, Hairspray, Les Misérables, The Blues Brothers and more. Colourful, inspiring and memorable musical classics, all performed by an international starstudded cast. Tix: wcpa.com.au
WCPA 1220 Howitt St, Wendouree
15 - 25 JUL
Presented by Ballarat Lyric Theatre
Over 16 million theatregoers in 19 countries have been thrilled by this awe-inspiring production, based on the songs of Queen with a book by Ben Elton. We Will Rock You
is an hilarious, eccentric and moving story of outsiders rising up against the establishment. In a post-apocalyptic future, the world is controlled by a mighty corporation…. rock music and all musical instruments are banned. It’s up to two revolutionaries, Galileo and Scaramouche, to break free, restore individuality and bring back the power of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Tix: hermaj.com
Her Majesty's 17 Lydiard St Sth
6 - 7 AUG
The Australian Ballet celebrates 40 years of taking ballet to regional centres all around the nation with a ‘greatest hits’ gala. Featuring key works from four decades of touring, along with a divertissement program of crowd-pleasing classical pas de deux. The icing on this 40th birthday cake will be Swan Lake variations, a never-before-seen piece choreographed by David McAllister. It’s a last gift to regional audiences from this beloved icon, as he passes the baton to new Artistic Director David Hallberg. Tix: hermaj.com
Her Majesty's 17 Lydiard St Sth
AUTHOR TALK
WED 2 JUN 5:30pm
ROSS GARNAUT
In conversation with Prue Bentley. Reset: Restoring Australia after the Pandemic Recession presents a bold new vision for the Australian economy. Presented by BMI & The Wheeler Centre.
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
117 Sturt St
FRI 4 JUN 4:30 – 8:30pm
LIGHTS
BALLARAT GETS ITS GLOW ON LED animal sculptures placed throughout the event lighting up the grounds, roving performers and a spectacular light show at the end of the night. Tix: 123tix.com.au
Ballarat Showgrounds Creswick Rd, Wendouree
FRI 4 JUN 8pm
COMEDY
BALLARATCAT COMEDY
With Nick Cody & more! Tix: ballaratcat.com.au
The George Hotel 27 Lydiard St Nth
11 - 13 JUN
FROLIC DARK RAINBOW
Bold, edgy, dark and unapologetically queer. It will be unlike anything Ballarat has seen before. Come Frolic with us under the Dark Rainbow. Info & program: frolicfestival.org
SAT 12 JUN 11am – 6pm
BALLARAT BEER HOP
BEER
Work your way through 6 of Ballarat’s favourite venues featuring 12 of Ballarat and Victoria’s top Breweries. Tix: ballaratbeerhop.com.au
SAT 19 JUN 9am – 2pm
BMI MAKER AND COMMUNITY MARKET
Join us in the Minerva Grand Hall for a community and makers market,
with stalls from local community groups and businesses. Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117 Sturt St
SAT 19 JUN 8pm
VERY MATURE
Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh’s light-hearted split bill show. Tix: ballaratcat.com.au
The George Hotel 27 Lydiard St Nth
26 JUN - 18 JUL
BALLARAT WINTER FESTIVAL
Ballarat transforms into a winter wonderland with Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill, ice skating, Knights of Fire and much more. Full program and info: ballaratwinterfestival.com.au
FRI 2 JUL 8pm
BALLARATCAT COMEDY
Acts to be announced, check website! Tix: ballaratcat.com.au
The George Hotel 27 Lydiard St Nth
SPORT
MARKET
10 - 11 JUL
DESIGN EXCHANGE MARKET
Amazing independent designers, artists and creators.
Ballarat Mining Exchange
8 Lydiard St Nth
FRI 23 JUL 8pm
RAW COMEDY 2021
The country’s largest and most prestigious open mic comedy competition. Tix: ballaratcat.com.au
The George Hotel 27 Lydiard St Nth
SAT 24 JUL
AFL FOOTBALL
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows. Tix: ticketmaster.com.au
Mars Stadium Creswick Rd, Wendouree
SAT 31 JUL 2 – 6pm
BUNINYONG VILLAGE MARKET
Enjoy our quarterly Village Market with gorgeous handmade stalls, plants, food stalls and more!
Buninyong Town Hall
309 Learmonth St, Buninyong
TUE 17 AUG 8pm
ROSS NOBLE
His exuberance, spontaneity and cerebral style have established him as one of the world’s best-loved comedians. Tix: hermaj.com
Civic Hall 300 Mair St
27 - 28 AUG
BUNINYONG FILM FESTIVAL
Buninyong’s big weekend of film! Great films, friendly atmosphere and delicious supper in between sessions. Buninyong Town Hall
309 Learmonth St, Buninyong
28 AUG - 24 OCT
BALLARAT INTERNATIONAL FOTO BIENNALE
Ballarat is immersed in photography for 60 days with exhibitions and events showcasing works by Australian and international artists in 100+ venues. The full program will be released 17 June 2021. Info & program: ballaratfoto.org
• Circulation: 12,000 copies
• Distribution: Over 200 Venues in Ballarat, Creswick, Buninyong, Clunes & Daylesford
Best of Ballarat is a local independent small business dedicated to showcasing Ballarat and surrounds. Since 2016 we’ve been working collaboratively, on the ground with local businesses to highlight the very best our city has to offer. We'd love to work with you too...
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.
BRIDGE MALL FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET
1ST SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm
Bridge Mall, Ballarat
BALLARAT MARKET
SUNDAYS 8am – 1:30pm
Ballarat Showgrounds, Cnr Creswick Rd & Howitt St
BALLARAT FARMERS MARKET
2ND & 4TH SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm
Zoo Drive, Lake Wendouree (off Wendouree Pde)
CRESWICK MARKET
1ST & 3RD SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm
Victoria St, Creswick (18km from Ballarat)
SMYTHESDALE COUNTRY MARKET
3RD SAT OF THE MONTH 10am – 3pm
Glenelg Hwy, Smythesdale (19km from Ballarat)
CLUNES FARMERS MARKET
2ND SUN OF THE MONTH 9am – 2pm
Fraser St, Clunes (35km from Ballarat)
BALLAN FARMERS MARKET
2ND SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm
96 Inglis St, Ballan (39km from Ballarat)
DAYLESFORD SUNDAY MARKET
SUNDAYS 8am – 3pm
18 Raglan St, Daylesford (45km from Ballarat)
BEAUFORT TOWN MARKET
4TH SAT OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm
Memorial Gardens, Beaufort (49km from Ballarat)
TALBOT FARMERS MARKET
3RD SUN OF THE MONTH 9am – 1pm
Scandinavian Cres, Talbot (52km from Ballarat)
26 JUNE – 18 JULY WINTER WONDERLIGHTS ICE SKATING
KNIGHTS OF FIRE + MORE
