The Ballarat Heritage Festival blends tradition with innovation, combining retro charm with forward-thinking ideas. It celebrates the region's rich history and culture, honoring its proud past while embracing its ongoing evolution as a modern city.
The Ballarat Heritage Festival is held from May 16-25, 2025 with many highlights exclusively on the weekends.
Over the years, the event has featured public access to select historical buildings and vintage transportation, including visits from Steamrail Victoria locomotives at the historic Ballarat railway station.
Festival Program: Fast forward to the festival program here.
Antique Fair: Get to the antique fair over the first weekend if that is your kind of thing. Fees apply.
The festival also includes actors in period costumes, architecture and history walking tours, exhibitions of private and public collections, theatrical performances, and trade displays by heritage organizations.
Attendees have enjoyed horse-and-cart rides, displays of classic cars, double-decker buses, vintage bus rides and the use of Ballarat’s preserved vintage tramway at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
Depending on your interests and the company you keep there is plenty of activities and venues to visit.
Whatever your interests if you love events, festivals or just doing something different then the Ballarat Heritage festival may just be perfect for you.
Shopping: Of course while you are in Ballarat you can do much more than just take in the Heritage Festival. Why not enjoy a bit of shopping while you are here and support the local economy.
In tune with the heritage theme if you love vinyl why not check out Kank Wolverang Records at 30 Main Rd, Ballarat.
Dining: Of course there are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and eating establishments to enjoy while you are in Ballarat as well.
We are suckers for an Irish pub so Irish Murphy's Ballarat might also be a good option for you. Expect classics such as Guiness Pie, Boxty, Irish Stew and Bangers and Mash.
More things to see and do: While the Ballarat Heritage Festival occurs only once a year there is still plenty more to see and do while you are in Ballarat.
Check out our list of great things to do while you are here in Ballarat: https://www.westmelbourneandbeyond.com/p/top-5-things-to-do-in-ballarat.html
Ballarat is such a great place to visit and if you live in the western suburbs of Melbourne is surprisingly close.
Location
Ballarat Heritage Festival is located at multiple locations and venues throughout Ballarat.
Festival Program
The Ballarat Heritage Festival is extensive with so many activities going on. For an out of towner plan ahead to make the most of your visit.
Link to the official program here: Festival Program.
When
The Ballarat Heritage Festival is held between May 16-25, 2025.
In A Nutshell
The Ballarat Heritage Festival offers a unique blend of history and innovation, where you can explore historical buildings, experience vintage transportation, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region. With activities ranging from period-themed performances to architecture tours and heritage displays, the festival celebrates the past while showcasing the evolving spirit of Ballarat as a modern city. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy a vibrant mix of tradition, culture, and community in a historic setting.
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The Ballarat Heritage Festival website
The Ballarat Heritage Festival website is here.
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