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 Christmas in July at Hop Temple

Christmas in July at Hop Temple

Ballarat19 Jul, 20 Jul + more
Thumbnail for Hurtigruten Scandinavian Film Festival 2025

Hurtigruten Scandinavian Film Festival 2025

BallaratUntil 3 Aug
Thumbnail for Unicorn Makers Market

Unicorn Makers Market

Ballarat19 Jul
Thumbnail for Red Series 2025

Red Series 2025

Ballarat25 & 26 Jul
Thumbnail for Steamrail Victoria – Eureka Express

Steamrail Victoria – Eureka Express

Ballarat27 Jul & 28 Sep
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

Ballarat15 Aug
Thumbnail for 11th Ballarat International Foto Biennale

11th Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Ballarat23 Aug–19 Oct
Thumbnail for Highland Spectacular at Kryal Castle

Highland Spectacular at Kryal Castle

Moorabool30 & 31 Aug
4-27 July

Winter Wonderlights

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

Tell me more

Ballarat Winter Festival highlights

Thumbnail for Winter Wonderlights

Winter Wonderlights

BallaratUntil 27 Jul
Thumbnail for Ballarat Winter Festival – Pop-Up Ice Rink

Ballarat Winter Festival – Pop-Up Ice Rink

BallaratUntil 27 Jul
Thumbnail for Ballarat Winter Festival – Ukiyo Tent

Ballarat Winter Festival – Ukiyo Tent

BallaratUntil 20 Jul
Thumbnail for Ballarat Winter Festival – Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown

Ballarat Winter Festival – Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown

BallaratUntil 27 Jul
Thumbnail for Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle

Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle

MooraboolUntil 20 Jul
Thumbnail for Winter Wonderlights Relaxed Sessions

Winter Wonderlights Relaxed Sessions

Ballarat21–24 Jul

Ukiyo Tent line-up

Thumbnail for Kiki and Pascal at Ukiyo Tent

Kiki and Pascal at Ukiyo Tent

Ballarat19 & 20 Jul
Thumbnail for Doctor Hubble’s Bubbles at Ukiyo Tent – Ballarat Winter Festival

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

Ballarat19 & 20 Jul
Thumbnail for Eloise Green the Hula Queen at Ukiyo Tent

Eloise Green the Hula Queen at Ukiyo Tent

Ballarat19 & 20 Jul
Thumbnail for Kiki and Pascal (Grown-ups Edition) at Ukiyo Tent

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

BallaratUntil 19 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

BallaratUntil 19 Jul
1-31 August

Ballarat's Best Pie 2025

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

Tell me more

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 Amaro at Mercure Ballarat

Queso-mango cremoso pie at Amaro 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

Ballarat19 Jul–31 Aug
Thumbnail for Christmas in July at Mt Coghill Vineyard

Christmas in July at Mt Coghill Vineyard

Ballarat26 & 27 Jul
Thumbnail for Christmas in July at Tuki

Christmas in July at Tuki

Hepburn19 Jul
Thumbnail for G&Tea at Grainery Lane

G&Tea at Grainery Lane

Ballarat20 Jul, 27 Jul + more
Thumbnail for Flying Chillies Malaysian and Indonesian Cooking Experience

Flying Chillies Malaysian and Indonesian Cooking Experience

Ballarat20 Jul, 27 Jul + more
Thumbnail for Ballarat Foodie and Distillery Tour

Ballarat Foodie and Distillery Tour

Ballarat20 Jul & 25 Jul
Thumbnail for Grainery Lane Gin Tasting and Blending Masterclass

Grainery Lane Gin Tasting and Blending Masterclass

Ballarat19 Jul, 2 Aug + more
Thumbnail for Roy Hammond Craft Cocktails

Roy Hammond Craft Cocktails

Ballarat19 Jul, 26 Jul + more
Thumbnail for Mondegreen Cafe: The Dinner Series

Mondegreen Cafe: The Dinner Series

Ballarat25 Jul
Thumbnail for Christmas in July at the Boatshed

Christmas in July at the Boatshed

Ballarat25 Jul
Thumbnail for Winter Glow

Winter Glow

Ballarat26 Jul
Thumbnail for Cocktails with Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese at Itinerant Spirits

Cocktails with Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese at Itinerant Spirits

Ballarat31 Jul
Thumbnail for Whiskey Wanderers – Wine Cask Whiskey at Itinerant Spirits

Whiskey Wanderers – Wine Cask Whiskey at Itinerant Spirits

Ballarat7 Aug
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.

Tell me more

It's showtime!

Thumbnail for Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod

Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod

BallaratUntil 30 Oct
Thumbnail for A night of Scottish folk songs with Fiona Ross

A night of Scottish folk songs with Fiona Ross

Ballarat25 Jul
Thumbnail for Wil Anderson – Wilegitimate

Wil Anderson – Wilegitimate

Ballarat2 Aug
Thumbnail for Celeste Barber – Backup Dancer

Celeste Barber – Backup Dancer

Ballarat3 Aug
Thumbnail for Yong

Yong

Ballarat7 & 8 Aug
Thumbnail for A Sparkling Evening of Burlesque

A Sparkling Evening of Burlesque

Ballarat9 Aug
Thumbnail for Dark Bard presents Macbeth

Dark Bard presents Macbeth

Hepburn15 Aug, 16 Aug + more
Thumbnail for Geraldine Hickey and Lloyd Langford – Live

Geraldine Hickey and Lloyd Langford – Live

Ballarat22 Aug

Music makers

Thumbnail for Kate Ceberano – The Australian Made Tour

Kate Ceberano – The Australian Made Tour

Ballarat19 Jul
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

Ballarat9 Aug
Thumbnail for Lenny’s Toddler Techno Tour

Lenny’s Toddler Techno Tour

Ballarat10 Aug
Thumbnail for Craig McLachalan Live and Intimate – Six String Stories

Craig McLachalan Live and Intimate – Six String Stories

Ballarat16 Aug
Thumbnail for Ballarat Blues Festival Main Event

Ballarat Blues Festival Main Event

Ballarat24 Aug

Something different!

Thumbnail for Harry Potter Treasure Hunt

Harry Potter Treasure Hunt

BallaratUntil 20 Jul
Thumbnail for Winter Reset Yoga Festival

Winter Reset Yoga Festival

Ballarat9 & 10 Aug

Enchanting exhibitions

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

BallaratUntil 17 Aug
Thumbnail for Pedestrianism by Emily Van Der Molen

Pedestrianism by Emily Van Der Molen

Golden Plains19 & 20 Jul
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 The Poetic Eye: A Photographic Journey by Kylie Supski

The Poetic Eye: A Photographic Journey by Kylie Supski

BallaratUntil 22 Jul
Thumbnail for Nerrida Parfitt and Peter Tankey Exhibition

Nerrida Parfitt and Peter Tankey Exhibition

Ballarat9 Aug, 10 Aug + more
Thumbnail for Beyond the City Limits – Ballarat Society of Artists Inc. Exhibition

Beyond the City Limits – Ballarat Society of Artists Inc. Exhibition

Ballarat20 Jul, 27 Jul + more
Thumbnail for Imprints- marks we leave behind

Imprints- marks we leave behind

Ballarat2 Aug, 3 Aug + more
Thumbnail for Diversity in Styles Exhibition by Talbot Art Group

Diversity in Styles Exhibition by Talbot Art Group

Pyrenees19 Jul, 20 Jul + more

Outdoor adventures

Thumbnail for CX Ballarat

CX Ballarat

Ballarat15–17 Aug

Wonderful workshops

Thumbnail for Paint your Mate

Paint your Mate

Ballarat26 Jul
Thumbnail for Winter Linocut Art Workshop

Winter Linocut Art Workshop

Ballarat19 Jul
Thumbnail for Spring Symphony Textured Art and Sip experience

Spring Symphony Textured Art and Sip experience

Ballarat27 Jul
Thumbnail for Beginner Embroidery Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Beginner Embroidery Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Ballarat9 Aug
Thumbnail for Norse-inspired Amulets and Adornment Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

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

Ballarat26 Jul
Thumbnail for Norse Inspired Cuffs Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Norse Inspired Cuffs Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Ballarat26 Jul
Thumbnail for Vernacular Furniture Making Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Vernacular Furniture Making Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Ballarat19 Jul
Thumbnail for Quilling Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Quilling Workshop at the Rare Trades Centre

Ballarat4 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

Ballarat26 Jul
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

Ballarat20 Jul
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 Unicorn Makers Market

Unicorn Makers Market

Ballarat19 Jul
Thumbnail for Ballarat Farmers Market

Ballarat Farmers Market

Ballarat26 Jul, 9 Aug + more
Thumbnail for The Bridge Market

The Bridge Market

Ballarat2 Aug, 6 Sep + more
Thumbnail for Creswick Market

Creswick Market

Hepburn19 Jul, 16 Aug + more
Thumbnail for Clunes Farmers and Makers Market

Clunes Farmers and Makers Market

Hepburn10 Aug, 14 Sep + more
Thumbnail for Avoca Riverside Market

Avoca Riverside Market

Pyrenees27 Jul, 24 Aug + more

More inspo

Thumbnail for Discover Ballarat’s winter wonders

Discover Ballarat’s winter wonders

See & do
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

See & do
Thumbnail for Top outdoor experiences during winter in Ballarat

Top outdoor experiences during winter in Ballarat

See & do

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Industry Hub

Visitor Information Centres

Ballarat Town Hall
225 Sturt Street
Ballarat VIC 3350

Ballarat Botanical Gardens
401-405 Wendouree Parade
Lake Wendouree VIC 3350

1800 44 66 33

Contact us

Acknowledgement of Country

Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities. These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years. As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.

©️ 2025 Visit Ballarat. This initiative is funded by the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria.

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