See & do

01 Jun 25

What’s on in Ballarat this winter

Sovereign Hill's Winter Wonderlights

Rug up in your winter woollies and escape to Ballarat to experience a myriad of winter-themed events, activities and entertainment to warm hearts, souls and bellies.

Read on to explore our winter calendar of events....

Coming up

Thumbnail for HSBC Spanish Film Festival

HSBC Spanish Film Festival

BallaratUntil 2 Jul

Thumbnail for Red Series 2025

Red Series 2025

Ballarat25 & 26 Jul

Thumbnail for Steamrail Victoria – Eureka Express

Steamrail Victoria – Eureka Express

Thumbnail for Ballarat’s Best Pie

Ballarat’s Best Pie

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Pecha Kucha 07: Reveal at the Rare Trades Centre

Pecha Kucha 07: Reveal at the Rare Trades Centre

Thumbnail for 11th Ballarat International Foto Biennale

11th Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Ballarat23 Aug–19 Oct

4-27 July

Winter Wonderlights

See Sovereign Hill come alive with stunning light projections, music, hearty treats and a magical winter glow.

Ballarat Winter Festival highlights

Thumbnail for Winter Wonderlights

Winter Wonderlights

Ballarat4–27 Jul

Thumbnail for Ballarat Winter Festival – Pop-Up Ice Rink

Ballarat Winter Festival – Pop-Up Ice Rink

Ballarat5–27 Jul

Thumbnail for Ballarat Winter Festival – Ukiyo Tent

Ballarat Winter Festival – Ukiyo Tent

Ballarat5–20 Jul

Thumbnail for Ballarat Winter Festival – Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown

Ballarat Winter Festival – Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown

Ballarat5–27 Jul

Thumbnail for Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle

Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle

Moorabool5–20 Jul

Thumbnail for The Design Exchange Winter Market

The Design Exchange Winter Market

Ballarat5 & 6 Jul

Thumbnail for The Big Thrift Market Ballarat

The Big Thrift Market Ballarat

Ballarat5 & 6 Jul

Thumbnail for Winter Wonderlights Relaxed Sessions

Winter Wonderlights Relaxed Sessions

Ballarat21–24 Jul

Ukiyo Tent line-up

Thumbnail for Mr Spin at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

Mr Spin at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

Ballarat5–8 Jul

Thumbnail for Kiki and Pascal at Ukiyo Tent

Kiki and Pascal at Ukiyo Tent

Ballarat5 Jul, 6 Jul + more

Thumbnail for Planet Lava at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

Planet Lava at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

Ballarat5–12 Jul

Thumbnail for The Great Dave at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

The Great Dave at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

Ballarat8–13 Jul

Thumbnail for The Doogans at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

The Doogans at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

Ballarat9–12 Jul

Thumbnail for Doctor Hubble’s Bubbles at Ukiyo Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

Doctor Hubble’s Bubbles at Ukiyo Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

Ballarat13–20 Jul

Thumbnail for Eloise Green the Hula Queen at Ukiyo Tent

Eloise Green the Hula Queen at Ukiyo Tent

Ballarat13–20 Jul

Thumbnail for Kiki and Pascal (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Tent

Kiki and Pascal (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Tent

Ballarat5 Jul, 6 Jul + more

Thumbnail for Mr Spin (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

Mr Spin (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

Ballarat5–8 Jul

Thumbnail for The Great Dave (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

The Great Dave (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

Ballarat8–13 Jul

Thumbnail for The Doogans (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

The Doogans (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

Ballarat9–12 Jul

Thumbnail for Eloise Green the Hula Queen (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

Eloise Green the Hula Queen (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

Ballarat13–20 Jul

1-31 August

Ballarat's Best Pie 2025

Ballarat’s Best Pie is returning for round three this winter.

Ballarat's Best Pie line-up

Thumbnail for Apple sty pie at Mondegreen Cafe

Apple sty pie at Mondegreen Cafe

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Barbecue duck char siu & pineapple tart pie at Not Your Grandma’s Pantry

Barbecue duck char siu & pineapple tart pie at Not Your Grandma’s Pantry

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Beef bourguignon pie at Eclectic Tastes

Beef bourguignon pie at Eclectic Tastes

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Beef rendang pie at Turret Bakehouse

Beef rendang pie at Turret Bakehouse

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Smoked brisket bourguignon pie at Hideaway

Smoked brisket bourguignon pie at Hideaway

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Butter chicken pie at 1816 Bakehouse

Butter chicken pie at 1816 Bakehouse

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Beef cheek, merlot & cheddar pithivier at Itinerant Spirits

Beef cheek, merlot & cheddar pithivier at Itinerant Spirits

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Chicken pilsner pie at Aunty Jacks

Chicken pilsner pie at Aunty Jacks

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Classic beef & Guinness pie at the Market Hotel

Classic beef & Guinness pie at the Market Hotel

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Confit lamb pie at Magnolia

Confit lamb pie at Magnolia

Pyrenees1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Drunken pork pie at The Red Lion

Drunken pork pie at The Red Lion

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Eggs benny pie at Drive Cafe

Eggs benny pie at Drive Cafe

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for El quacko pie at Red Duck Brewery & Distillery

El quacko pie at Red Duck Brewery & Distillery

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for English porky pie at The George Hotel

English porky pie at The George Hotel

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Feral pie at The Shared Table

Feral pie at The Shared Table

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Fig, rosemary & duck pie at the Boatshed Restaurant

Fig, rosemary & duck pie at the Boatshed Restaurant

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Fish pie at Eleanora

Fish pie at Eleanora

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Galbi-jjim & bone marrow pie at Roy Hammond

Galbi-jjim & bone marrow pie at Roy Hammond

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Goat barbacoa pie at Hop Temple

Goat barbacoa pie at Hop Temple

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Gold digger pie at Beechworth Bakery Ballarat

Gold digger pie at Beechworth Bakery Ballarat

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Lechon paksiw pie at Hotel Canberra’s Stables Cafe & Bar

Lechon paksiw pie at Hotel Canberra’s Stables Cafe & Bar

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Limoncello meringue pie at Kilderkin Distillery

Limoncello meringue pie at Kilderkin Distillery

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Lion’s mane osso buco pie at Cornerstone Cafe

Lion’s mane osso buco pie at Cornerstone Cafe

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry goldfields cookie pie at Naomi & i

Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry goldfields cookie pie at Naomi & i

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Mrs Stewart’s classic beef & red wine jus pie at Dyers Steak Stable

Mrs Stewart’s classic beef & red wine jus pie at Dyers Steak Stable

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Peach & Portuguese custard pie at Lydiard General

Peach & Portuguese custard pie at Lydiard General

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Pie-bo at Saigon Allee

Pie-bo at Saigon Allee

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Pollo enchilada pie at 321 Cafe Learmonth

Pollo enchilada pie at 321 Cafe Learmonth

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Pork, mushroom & vermouth pie at Nolans

Pork, mushroom & vermouth pie at Nolans

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Prawn & scallop pie at Aussie Oggie Pasty Company

Prawn & scallop pie at Aussie Oggie Pasty Company

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Provincial pork pie at Cafe at Provincial Ballarat

Provincial pork pie at Cafe at Provincial Ballarat

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Queso-mango cremoso pie at The Spanish Grill at Mercure Ballarat

Queso-mango cremoso pie at The Spanish Grill at Mercure Ballarat

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Smoked Waubra Prime lamb pie at Grainery Lane

Smoked Waubra Prime lamb pie at Grainery Lane

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Tram Car pulled beef pie at Emma’s Bakery

Tram Car pulled beef pie at Emma’s Bakery

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Trout, sorrel and yabby pot pie at Tuki

Trout, sorrel and yabby pot pie at Tuki

Hepburn1–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Whiskey & stout slow-braised beef pie at Sovereign Hill’s Hope Bakery

Whiskey & stout slow-braised beef pie at Sovereign Hill’s Hope Bakery

Ballarat1–31 Aug

Food, glorious food (& drinks!)

Thumbnail for Wonderful Winter Igloos – Market Hotel Ballarat

Wonderful Winter Igloos – Market Hotel Ballarat

Ballarat30 Jun–31 Aug

Thumbnail for Sunday Sessions at Itinerant Spirits

Sunday Sessions at Itinerant Spirits

Ballarat6 Jul & 13 Jul

Thumbnail for G&Tea at Grainery Lane

G&Tea at Grainery Lane

Ballarat6 Jul, 13 Jul + more

Thumbnail for Flying Chillies Malaysian and Indonesian Cooking Experience

Flying Chillies Malaysian and Indonesian Cooking Experience

Ballarat6 Jul, 13 Jul + more

Thumbnail for Ballarat Foodie and Distillery Tour

Ballarat Foodie and Distillery Tour

Ballarat6 Jul, 11 Jul + more

Thumbnail for Pop-Up Food Lovers: American Barbecue Banquet

Pop-Up Food Lovers: American Barbecue Banquet

Thumbnail for Grainery Lane Gin Tasting and Blending Masterclass

Grainery Lane Gin Tasting and Blending Masterclass

Ballarat5 Jul, 19 Jul + more

Thumbnail for Roy Hammond Craft Cocktails

Roy Hammond Craft Cocktails

Ballarat5 Jul, 12 Jul + more

Thumbnail for The Art of the Cornish Pasty

The Art of the Cornish Pasty

Ballarat11 Jul & 18 Jul

Thumbnail for Christmas in July at the Boatshed

Christmas in July at the Boatshed

Thumbnail for Winter Glow

Winter Glow

23 August - 19 October

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Acclaimed British-Ghanaian artist and photographer Campbell Addy is set to headline the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale.

Music makers

Thumbnail for A Toast to Jazz and Disney with Twilight Gypsi

A Toast to Jazz and Disney with Twilight Gypsi

Thumbnail for You Am I – Hi Fi Way Live

You Am I – Hi Fi Way Live

Thumbnail for Emma Memma – Dance Island Party

Emma Memma – Dance Island Party

Thumbnail for Kate Ceberano – The Australian Made Tour

Kate Ceberano – The Australian Made Tour

Thumbnail for The Herald Sun Aria Heats and Semi Final

The Herald Sun Aria Heats and Semi Final

Ballarat3 & 4 Aug

Thumbnail for John Waters Radio Luxembourg – Ballarat

John Waters Radio Luxembourg – Ballarat

Thumbnail for Lenny’s Toddler Techno Tour

Lenny’s Toddler Techno Tour

Thumbnail for Craig McLachalan Live and Intimate – Six String Stories

Craig McLachalan Live and Intimate – Six String Stories

Thumbnail for Ballarat Blues Festival Main Event

Ballarat Blues Festival Main Event

Something different!

Thumbnail for Harry Potter Treasure Hunt

Harry Potter Treasure Hunt

Ballarat5–20 Jul

Thumbnail for Read by Renee presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Read by Renee presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Ballarat9 Jul & 16 Jul

Thumbnail for Window Art with Yuval Zommer

Window Art with Yuval Zommer

Enchanting exhibitions

Thumbnail for Curiosity of Arrangement: Five Artists, One Exploration

Curiosity of Arrangement: Five Artists, One Exploration

Ballarat2–6 Jul

Thumbnail for Portraits in the Windows

Portraits in the Windows

BallaratUntil 18 Jul

Thumbnail for Art Gallery of Ballarat Art Screen: Peter Waples-Crowe – Ngaya (I Am)

Art Gallery of Ballarat Art Screen: Peter Waples-Crowe – Ngaya (I Am)

BallaratUntil 1 Aug

Thumbnail for Art Gallery of Ballarat Backspace Gallery: Chrissy Button – Daughters of Baba Yaga

Art Gallery of Ballarat Backspace Gallery: Chrissy Button – Daughters of Baba Yaga

Ballarat5 Jul–17 Aug

Thumbnail for Pedestrianism by Emily Van Der Molen

Pedestrianism by Emily Van Der Molen

Golden Plains5 Jul, 6 Jul + more

Thumbnail for Printed Possibilities By Nina Fitzsimons

Printed Possibilities By Nina Fitzsimons

Golden Plains26 Jul, 27 Jul + more

Thumbnail for 11th Ballarat International Foto Biennale

11th Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Ballarat23 Aug–19 Oct

Thumbnail for 15:23: A Re-collection of Resistance

15:23: A Re-collection of Resistance

Ballarat6 Aug, 7 Aug + more

Thumbnail for Nature’s Melody by Lyn Thomas

Nature’s Melody by Lyn Thomas

Thumbnail for The Poetic Eye: A Photographic Journey by Kylie Supski

The Poetic Eye: A Photographic Journey by Kylie Supski

BallaratUntil 22 Jul

Outdoor adventures

Thumbnail for Cave Hill Creek : Winter Camp

Cave Hill Creek : Winter Camp

Pyrenees14–18 Jul

Thumbnail for CX Ballarat

CX Ballarat

Ballarat15–17 Aug

Wonderful workshops

Thumbnail for Nature Art Workshop with Yuval Zommer

Nature Art Workshop with Yuval Zommer

Thumbnail for Paint your Mate

Paint your Mate

Thumbnail for Winter Whimsy Junk Journal Workshop

Winter Whimsy Junk Journal Workshop

Ballarat6 Jul & 10 Jul

Thumbnail for Winter Linocut Art Workshop

Winter Linocut Art Workshop

Ballarat11 Jul, 12 Jul + more

Thumbnail for Boxed Frame Lamp Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Boxed Frame Lamp Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Ballarat12 & 13 Jul

Thumbnail for Felt Hat Making Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Felt Hat Making Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Thumbnail for Wet Felt Flower Making Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Wet Felt Flower Making Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Thumbnail for Spring Symphony Textured Art and Sip experience

Spring Symphony Textured Art and Sip experience

Thumbnail for Beginner Embroidery Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Beginner Embroidery Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Thumbnail for Norse-inspired Amulets and Adornment Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Norse-inspired Amulets and Adornment Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Thumbnail for Norse Inspired Cuffs Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Norse Inspired Cuffs Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Thumbnail for Vernacular Furniture Making Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Vernacular Furniture Making Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Thumbnail for Quilling Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Quilling Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Ballarat26 Jul & 4 Oct

Thumbnail for Introduction to Bronze Sand Casting and Leatherwork at the Rare Trades Centre

Introduction to Bronze Sand Casting and Leatherwork at the Rare Trades Centre

Thumbnail for Intermediate Tapestry Weaving (Colour Mixing) at the Rare Trades Centre

Intermediate Tapestry Weaving (Colour Mixing) at the Rare Trades Centre

Ballarat27 & 28 Sep

Thumbnail for Chairmaking Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Chairmaking Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Ballarat30 Jul–3 Aug

Thumbnail for Beginner Leatherwork Workshop (Card Game Set) at the Rare Trades Centre

Beginner Leatherwork Workshop (Card Game Set) at the Rare Trades Centre

Thumbnail for Introduction to Pattern Making at the Rare Trades Centre

Introduction to Pattern Making at the Rare Trades Centre

Ballarat16 & 17 Aug

To market, to market!

Thumbnail for The Design Exchange Winter Market

The Design Exchange Winter Market

Ballarat5 & 6 Jul

Thumbnail for The Big Thrift Market Ballarat

The Big Thrift Market Ballarat

Ballarat5 & 6 Jul

Thumbnail for All Booked Out

All Booked Out

Ballarat12 & 13 Jul

Thumbnail for Ballarat Farmers Market

Ballarat Farmers Market

Ballarat12 Jul, 26 Jul + more

Thumbnail for Farmers Market – Bridge Mall Ballarat Central

Farmers Market – Bridge Mall Ballarat Central

Ballarat5 Jul, 2 Aug + more

Thumbnail for Creswick Market

Creswick Market

Hepburn19 Jul, 16 Aug + more

Thumbnail for Clunes Farmers and Makers Market

Clunes Farmers and Makers Market

Hepburn13 Jul, 10 Aug + more

Thumbnail for Avoca Riverside Market

Avoca Riverside Market

More inspo

Thumbnail for Discover Ballarat’s winter wonders

Discover Ballarat’s winter wonders

Thumbnail for What’s on in Ballarat this winter school holidays

What’s on in Ballarat this winter school holidays

Family-friendly

Thumbnail for Embrace the chill at the Ballarat Winter Festival

Embrace the chill at the Ballarat Winter Festival

Thumbnail for Top outdoor experiences during winter in Ballarat

Top outdoor experiences during winter in Ballarat

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