What's On In Ballarat

Located a 90 minute drive North West of central Melbourne, Ballarat's events scene continues to thrive in spring with a series of highly anticipated events taking place in the region. In September, Melburnians can escape the AFL finals weekend and immerse themselves with 150 art pieces at Biennale of Australian Art (BOAA) or enjoy Ballarat National Theatre's Pride and Prejudice. The entertainment continues in October where people can dance to Jazz music whilst eating Paella in the Pyrenees; Enjoy food and live music at the re-opening of Warrenmang Vineyard & Resort; and celebrate Spring Racing at the iconic Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup.

For a full and up-to-date listing of Visit Ballarat events and information on travelling to Ballarat, visit www.visitballarat.com.au.

September: ESCAPE THE AFL FINALS WEEKEND - 28 September To 30 September

Artisan Master Class – The Secret Life Of Bees – Saturday 29 September
What: In this exclusive open hive experience, Amanda Collins and Scott Denno of Backyard Beekeeping, will guide you through an intimate exploration of a live honeybee hive. See, hear and smell the aromas of the hive at work as Amanda and Scott talk you through the fascinating machinations of the colony – the captivating world of the most industrious insect in the world, the European Honeybees. Tastings will also be available.
When: 29 September, 2018
Where: Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat – 306 Errard Street South, Ballarat Central, Victoria
How: $45 pp, backyardbeesballarat.com.au

Biennale Of Australian Art (BOAA)
What: BOAA, the largest ever showcase of contemporary Australian art, will stage works from 150 Australian artists across 65 curated solo exhibitions. Special events and exhibitions include the Living Sculpture Fashion Parade, BOAA Dark and the Lake Sculpture Walk that will see the renowned Lake Wendouree turned into an outdoor art gallery with 36 sculptures sited along its 6-kilometre track.
When: Between 21 September-6 November, 2018
Where: Across 14 heritage venues around town
How: https://www.boaa.net.au

Mr Jones Restaurant Re-Launch
What: Ballarat chefs Damien and Danielle Jones, owners of the hatted restaurant Catfish, have reopened their venture as Mr Jones – serving up modern Australian cuisine in true paddock-to-plate style. The new restaurant features a rotating menu that changes daily based on local and seasonal ingredients.
When: Now
Where: 44 Main Rd, Bakery Hill VIC 3350
How: mrjonesdining.com.au

Village Markets – Every Month
What: Bridge Mall Farmers Market (first Saturday of the month)/ Ballarat Farmers Market (second Saturday of the month)/ Creswick Market (third Saturday of the month)/ Talbot Farmers Market (third Sunday of the month)/ Avoca Riverside Market (fourth Sunday of the month).

When: Every month – ongoing throughout August, September, October
Where: Ballarat and surrounding villages
How: https://www.visitballarat.com.au/events/markets

Pride And Prejudice
What: Ballarat National Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice.
When: Between 29 – 30 September & 3 – 6 October, 2018
Where: The Courthouse Theatre – 6 Grant Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
How: http://www.bnt.org.au/past-productions/231-pride-and-prejudice

A Victorian Silhouette - Now Until 4 November
What: A Victorian Silhouette: fashion exhibition providing a glimpse into the trends and role of women in the Victorian era.
When: Now until 4 November, 2018
Where: Gold Museum - Bradshaw Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
How: http://www.sovereignhill.com.au

October:

Jazz And Paella In The Pyrenees – 6 October
What: Join the Summerfield family and team for their half–yearly Paella event. Bring a chair, have a glass of wine or cheese platter and enjoy the picturesque back drop of the Pyrenees ranges. This year they have secured one of Victoria's best Jazz Bands "The Maryborough Jazz Ensemble" to play throughout the day.
When: 6 October, 2018
Where: Place Summerfield Winery – 5967 Stawell-Avoca Road, Moonambel VIC 3478
Cost: Adult $20, Kids 5-12 years $10. Fee includes Paella and entertainment
How: https://www.trybooking.com/
Re Opening Of Warrenmang Vineyard & Resort – 19 October
What: Nestled up in the spectacular surrounds of the Pyrenees Ranges, Warrenmang 5-star Winery & Resort is preparing to reopen with fresh new look. The 85 seat restaurant, wine bar, cellar door and function room revamp will retain its timber bones. A Day Spa overlooking the vines with treatment rooms will be introduced, the cabins and ski-like chalets that accommodate up to 80 guests will be restructured and a bottling line in the winery will be installed.
When: 19 October, 2018
Where: Warrenmang Vineyard & Resort - 188 Mountain Creek Rd Moonambel 3478
How: TBC: http://warrenmang.com.au/Entry

Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup – 20 October
What: Be entertained, dance the day away and experience true country racing at the iconic Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup. A day to focus on fun with friends, embrace the race day action as the Avoca Cup kicks the Spring Racing Carnival into gear. Held on Caulfield Cup Day, there are plenty of reasons to party with live bands, kids' activities, big screen viewing plus camping at the racecourse for $15 per site per night.
When: 20 October, 2018
Where: Avoca Racecourse – 307 Racecourse Road, Avoca Vic 3467
How: https://country.racing.com/calendar/2018-10-20/blue-pyrenees-estate-avoca-cup

November:

Zocalo Cafe At Grape Farm Winery – 24 November
What: Grand opening of French and Spanish inspired grape farm winery café, Zocalo. Their menu will include tapas and small plate offerings designed to share and made with seasonal, local produce. On pour will be a range of boutique wines, all of which are produced from their vineyard, which the cafe overlooks.
When: 24 November, 2018
Where: 107 McAdams Lane, Moonambel VIC 3478
How: http://www.grapefarmwinery.com.au/about-us/