Ballarat Heritage Festival

Ballarat is set to come alive once again as the Ballarat Heritage Festival returns for ten days in May (17-26). The annual festival celebrates Ballarat's rich cultural history, inviting locals and visitors to discover hidden gems; uncover untold stories; and explore the vibrant tapestry of Ballarat's golden past and evolving future.

From night-time heritage walks to interactive exhibits; hands-on workshops, a tweed ride and a vintage car show, the Ballarat Heritage Festival offers exciting events and activities to fill a weekend getaway. Experience the city's diverse cultural landscape through live performances, traditional crafts and delicious local cuisine and produce.

KEY FESTIVAL INFORMATION

• When: 17-26 May 2024
• Location: Various sites across Ballarat
• Website: ballaratheritagefestival.com.au 

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

The Festival's 10-day program includes a variety of free events and installations. Highlights include:

• Monuments: Australian artist Craig Walsh will bring his globally renowned outdoor video installations to Ballarat with moving images projected on trees along Sturt Street. The installation's subjects will be drawn from Ballarat's past and will include First Nations artist, poet and singer Barry Gilson. Monuments will run nightly from Friday 17 to Sunday 26 May. 
• Craft Lab 24: In conjunction with Craft Victoria and the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Craft Lab returns to the Ballarat Mining Exchange over two weekends (18-19; 25-26). Craft Lab 24 will explore the moment where form and function meet, examining skill, design and reinterpretation through traditional artisanal techniques and contemporary treatments – from ceramicists, jewellers, leatherworkers and basket makers; to shoemakers, glass blowers, quilters, weavers and doll artists.  
• Joan Ross at Alfred Deakin Place: Big screens and lightboxes will illuminate the works of Australian artist Joan Ross exploring the effects of colonialism, running from Friday 17 to Sunday 26 May.
• Vintage Car Show: Join the Ballarat Classic and Vintage Car Club on Sunday 19 May for a cavalcade of historic vehicles, motorbikes and caravans set against the historic backdrop of the iconic Lydiard Street.
• Ballarat Old Gaol Tour: Uncover the former gaol's colourful history through artifacts, blueprints and images on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May.
  • Eureka Centre: Hosting a series of panels including a conversation between writer and documentary maker John Safran and historian Dr Sue Silberberg that will explore the Jewish influence on Ballarat's social, political and religious landscape in the nineteenth century. 
  • Tweed Ride: Journey through Ballarat's historic streets in vintage style on Saturday 18 May from 11am. A participation fee will apply.
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Don't miss this opportunity to journey back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Ballarat at the Ballarat Heritage Festival.