Ballarat Heritage Weekend

Overview

Cold weather already getting to you? Never fear, fire is at the heart of 2019's Ballarat Heritage Weekend. The annual celebration of the city's art, culture, local makers and stories will return from Friday, May 25–Sunday, May 27 in a blaze of events.

It all kicks off on Friday evening with Food in Focus. This extraordinary banquet will take place in the Mitchell Family Gallery — Ballarat's newest photo gallery — where you'll dine on creative dishes from local chef Peter Ford, while surrounded by contemporary images.

On Saturday, you can experience the glorious Beard & Stache Competition. Every year, bearded and moustached people from all over Australia line up in hope of conquering all other hairy ones. Expect more contest categories, more fun and more unpredictable happenings than ever before.

As the sun goes down, the town will come to life with fire pits, burning barrels and flame-inspired installations — particularly Armstrong Street North, which will place host to a celebration of Aboriginal cultures with a short film festival, yarning circles and discussions with Traditional Custodian Tammy Gilson.

Meanwhile, for the brave, there'll be eery after-dark tours of Town Hall — perhaps swing by The Mining Exchange, to sample a bunch of cocktails beforehand for some liquid courage. All cocktails will be designed by local venues, including The Lost Ones, Freight Bar and Il Piccolo Gelato, and are inspired by Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liquor.

These are just the beginning. The weekend-long program is absolutely packed with more food, drinks, storytelling, art and live music

Ballarat Heritage Weekend will take place across Friday, May 25–Sunday, May 27. To see the full program, head this way.