What's On in Ballarat This Spring/Summer

Located a 90-minute drive North West of central Melbourne, Ballarat's events scene continues to thrive as we approach the latter half of the year, with a series of highly anticipated events taking place in the region.

Visitors can expect an action-packed November, with the region's Made of Ballarat artisan masterclasses running all month; and Australian Gourmet Traveller Young Winemaker of the Year teaming up with Talbot Provedore & Eatery for their Spring Soiree seasonal dinner.

December will see Ballarat transformed into somewhat of a magical Christmas Wonderland, with Christmas farmer's markets taking place all through December, community Christmas Carols, as well as a Christmas-themed Cabaret Show at the Cabaret Club.

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

NOVEMBER:

BALLARAT INTERNATIONAL FOTO BIENNALE – From 10 November
What: The Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB) has joined forces with one of Ballarat's most acclaimed accommodation spaces to host a series of exclusive photo exhibitions year-round. Craig's Royal Hotel is set to host three photo exhibitions in its grand historic space every year, further solidifying the city's reputation as a hub of arts, culture and photography.
When: Saturday 10 November– Sunday 24 February, 2018
Where: Craig's Royal Hotel, 10 Lydiard Street Sth, Ballarat
How: Entry is free. https://ballaratfoto.org/

MADE OF BALLARAT: SALTBUSH KITCHEN EAT YOUR LANDSCAPE WORKSHOP – 10 November
What: Self-confessed bushfood addict, Brigid Corcoran from Saltbush Kitchen, will take participants on a sensory discovery through the Australian landscape, highlighting the incredible foods and flavours of our country.
When: Saturday 10 November, 2018
Where: Commercial Street, Buninyong – off Warrenheip Street (Look for the art covered walls)
How: https://madeofballarat.com.au/events/eat-your-landscape/

MADE OF BALLARAT: KILDERKIN DISTILLERY LARRIKIN GIN MASTERCLASS – 16 November

What: This masterclass covers a history of distilling gin in Ballarat and Victoria, while delving into the history of gin from its Dutch origins through to modern-day craft distilling. Participants will get insight into the gin-making process, and even have the chance to taste, sample and create their own cocktail masterpiece.
When: From 6.30pm – 9.00pm on Friday 16 November, 2018
Where: 11A Michaels Drive, Ballarat, VIC 3350
How: https://madeofballarat.com.au/events/larrikin-gin-masterclass/

NOVEMBER SUN AT BLUE PYRENEES ESTATE – 17 November
What: Blue Pyrenees opens its gates on November 17th for its first November Sun music event " a celebration of great wine, Australian music, local food & craft beer. The line-up features '80s rockers Dragon alongside ARIA award winner Oh Mercy, Batts and Grim Fawkner supported by Sweat Dreams DJs. Spread out a picnic rug on the hill and soak up some sunshine with an afternoon of exceptional Australian music. Enjoy dishes from the award-winning Talbot Provedore and Eatery, tapas and picnic boxes from the cellar door kitchen, wood-fired pizza, ice cream and more.
When: Saturday 17 November, 2019
Where: Blue Pyrenees Estate
How: Tickets are $70 + booking fee Kids under 12 years free. https://www.bluepyrenees.com.au/sun/

MADE OF BALLARAT: NOSE TO TAIL CHARCUTERIE EXPERIENCE – 17 November
What: Spend an afternoon with Mick Nunn from Salt Kitchen Charcuterie and John Harris of Mitchell Harris Wines and learn how to prepare pork dishes using every part of the pig, whilst enjoying matched wines by John.
When: From 12.30pm – 3.00pm on Saturday 17 November, 2018
Where: The Barrel Room at Mitchell Harris Wines; 38 Doveton Street North, Ballarat VIC 3350
How: https://madeofballarat.com.au/events/nose-to-tail-a-charcuterie-experience/

MADE OF BALLARAT: SAORI WEAVING WORKSHOP – 18 November
What: Find your zen and immerse yourself in the beautiful freestyle creativity of Japanese SAORI weaving in this four-hour workshop with one of only three accredited SAORI teachers, Prue Simmons.
When: From 1.00pm – 5.00pm on Sunday 18 November, 2018
Where: The Warehouse, Fraser Street, Clunes VIC How: https://madeofballarat.com.au/events/saori-weaving-workshop/

TALBOT PROVEDORE & EATERY SPRING SOIREE - 24 November
What: In collaboration with recently appointed Australian Gourmet Traveller Young Winemaker of the Year, Owen Latta, Talbot is hosting an intimate seasonal dinner this Spring. Owen will be matching sensational wines from both Eastern Peake and Latta Vino to the seven-course degustation.
When: From 6.30pm on 24 November, 2018
Where: 42 Scandinavian Crescent, Talbot VIC 3371

MADE OF BALLARAT: THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES WORKSHOP – 24 November
What: See, hear, smell and taste the aromas of the hive at work as Amanda Collins and Scott Denno, of Backyard Beekeeping, talk you through the fascinating machinations of the colony – the captivating world of the most industrious insect in the world.
When: From 2.00pm – 4.00pm on Saturday 24 November, 2018
Where: 306 Errard Street South, Ballarat Central VIC
How: https://madeofballarat.com.au/events/the-secret-life-of-bees-nov/

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/

SOVEREIGN HILL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NIGHT – 30 November
What: Bring your family and friends to Sovereign Hill's annual Christmas Shopping Night. Enjoy the festivities, browse for Christmas gifts, meet Saint Nicholas and enjoy the atmosphere. When: November 30 - from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Where: Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Golden Point
How: Free entry. www.sovereignhill.com.au

DECEMBER:

VILLAGE MARKETS – ALL DECEMBER
What: Ballarat will host a number of village markets throughout December, including; 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); Brown Hill Farmers Market (fourth Saturday of the month); Avoca Riverside Market (fourth Sunday of the month).
When: Throughout December, 2018.
Where: Ballarat and surrounding villages
How: visitballarat.com.au/events/markets
Please Note: Some markets may not run during the Christmas period. Make sure you check prior to your visit.

BALLARATCAT COMEDY – 7 DECEMBER
What: Ballarat's own comedy club, BallaRatCat, will be showcasing Australia's finest comedians for an evening of laughs, food and wine this December.
When: Friday, December 7 at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm
Where: The George Hotel Lounge, 27 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
How: www.ballaratcat.com.au

A VERY VAUDEVILLE XMAS CABERET SHOW – 15 December
What: The 'Old Married Couple' will present a Very Vaudeville Xmas Variety show at The Caberet Club this December. The vintage-styled novelty duo will fill your stocking with cheer as they share a night of distinctive 20s inspired Dixieland toots and hoots with some extra special Christmas treats thrown in.
When: Saturday, December 15 at 8pm
Where: The Cabaret Club, 4/9367 Western Highway, Warrenheip
How: ballarattickets.com.au/event/7935
Please note: This show is not suitable for children (rated M).

RELOAD: BACK TO THE 80's EXHIBITION – 15 December
What: The Post Office Gallery are throwing it back to the 80's - where the hair was high, the jeans skin tight and the shoulder pads broad - in this unique art exhibition. Entry is free. When: December 15, 2018 to February 2, 2019
Where: Post Office Gallery, corner Sturt Street and Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
How: www.federation.edu.au/pogallery

BALLARAT CHRISTMAS CAROLS – 16 December
What: This free community event presented by Ballarat Churches and the City of Ballarat will see the story of Christmas celebrated in a joyous and uplifting musical program. Food and drink vans will be present on the evening from 5PM.
When: Sunday, December 16 from 6.30pm.
Where: MARS Stadium, Creswick Road, Ballarat VIC
How: www.facebook.com/BallaratCarols

ROBIN HOOD AT KRYAL CASTLE – 21 December
What: Robin Hood will be making a special appearance at Kryal Castle during the Summer School Holidays
When: December 21 – January 29, 2018
Where: Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Road, Warrenheip
How: www.kryalcastle.com.au

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH – 25 December
What: Take the hassle out of Christmas and indulge in an impressive Christmas buffet at The George Hotel this year, with all the flavours of the Christmas season. Bookings are essential.
When: Tuesday, December 25 from 12pm – 3pm.
Where: The George Hotel Lounge, 27 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
How: www.georgehotelballarat.com.au.

AURA SOUND-AND-LIGHT SHOW – 26 December
What: AURA is Sovereign Hill's new sound-and-light show, telling the story of gold throughout the ages; from its original formation, to the enduring allure of gold today. Audiences will be instantly transported into an immersive multi-sensory experience as they are guided through pastoral settlements to the rich cultural tapestry of life on the goldfields.
When: Starting 26 December, 2018
Where: Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Golden Point
How: http://www.sovereignhill.com.au

AUSTRALIAN JAZZ CONVENTION – 27 December
What: Ballarat will come alive with the sounds and colours of jazz between Christmas and New Year, when more than 1,000 musicians and delegates attend the 72nd Annual Jazz Convention.
When: December 27 – 31, 2018
Where: Various locations around Ballarat. Visit the link below to find out more.
How: www.2017jazzconvention.org.au