Ballarat Unveils Its Most Unexpected Winter Event Series Yet

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This winter, Ballarat is doing what it does best and embracing the cold with its most unexpected series of events and activities yet. Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the historic region is packed with a curated lineup of seasonal flavours and delightfully unexpected activities to accommodate every single generation.

Think crisp country air and golden heritage streets met with roaring fires, captivating art and theatre, school holiday inspiration and more – it's a reminder that winter doesn't mean going into hibernation, it's a chance to redefine the classic winter getaway.

Here's the lineup on offer across June – August:

Ballarat Winter Festival | 27 June – 19 July
Obsidian Dark Beer Festival | 20 June
The Doll Trilogy | 20 June
The Design Exchange Winter Market | 27 – 28 June
Hidden | 10 – 12 July
Red Series 2026 | 17 – 18 July
Fire and Ice: Fantasy Ball | 18 July
Ballarat's Best Pie | 1 – 31 August
Poco Film Fest | 1 – 2 August

Ballarat Winter Festival: 27 June – 19 July

The Ballarat Winter Festival is back to transform the region into Victoria's very own winter playground. Spanning three weeks across the VIC, SA and NSW school holidays, the 2026 program is packed with fun and affordable activities that proves the ultimate winter escape is right in our own backyard.

Key highlights:

Ballarat's Hot Choc Showdown: Drink your way through the city and experience the delicious range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot chocolates from more than 30 local vendors.
Pop-up Ice skating rink : Lace up and hit the rink, with themed nights, skating lessons, and special discounts.
Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill: A must-see spectacle of light projections, music and magic at an iconic Ballarat heritage site.
Kryal Castle's Knights of Fire: Step into a medieval fantasy with flaming swords, snow queens and potion-making.
Hidden: Across the three-day event, six local artists will reimagine Civic Hall into a living, breathing landscape of air, colour and sensation.

Learn more: www.ballaratwinterfestival.com.au

Obsidian Dark Beer Festival: 20 June

This crowd-favourite festival returns for another year, bringing together independent breweries showcasing everything from smooth stouts and rich porters to innovative and experimental brews. 2026's lineup includes 15 breweries across Victoria, pouring more than 30 indulgent dark beers. Tickets are already on final release so don't miss out.

When: 11am–4pm, Saturday 20 June
Where: Mining Exchange Ballarat, 12 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central

The Doll Trilogy: The Complete Series: 20 June

For the theatre and culture enthusiasts, experience Ray Lawler's iconic Australian masterpiece presented in its entirety for the first time in 40 years. With the trilogy performed back-to-back, the talented cast at Red Stitch will show the transformation of a nation through the intimate lives of Roo, Barney, Olive, Nancy, and those around them.

When: 11am–9:50pm, Saturday 20 June
Where: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat, 17 Lydiard St S, Ballarat Central

The Design Exchange Winter Market: 27 – 28 June

Discover unique small businesses, handmade gifts, ethical products, and one-of-a-kind treasures at this beautifully curated winter market. Bringing together the region's most talented independent designers, artists, and creators, it's the perfect place to warm up, grab a hot drink, and shop incredible boutique homewares, fashion, and art. Plus, entry is only $5 – and under 18's are free!

When: 9am–3pm, Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June
Where: Mining Exchange Ballarat, 12 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central
More information: www.thedesignexchange.com.au/

Hidden: 10 – 12 July

Civic Hall will be transformed into a dreamlike landscape of curiosity and imagination, filled with six large scale inflatable art installations from local Ballarat artists. Presented by Creative Ballarat, this immersive exhibition is the final result of a special program for creative practitioners to upskill into public art opportunities. It's sure to take your breath away!

When: 5pm – 9pm, Friday 10 July / 10am – 9pm, Saturday 11 July / 10am – 4pm, Sunday 12 July
Where: Civic Hall Ballarat, 300/304 Mair St, Ballarat Central
More information: www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/hidden-2026

Red Series 2026: 17-18 July

The Red Series brings together 18 stunning winemakers from the Grampians, Pyrenees, Ballarat and the Henty wine regions. Across three sessions, you can sip, purchase and discover a wide variety of wines and meet the passionate makers behind them – including iconic wineries such as:

Bests Wines
Clayfield
Grampians Estate
Seppelt Great Western
Mount Langi Ghiran
Blue Pyrenees Estate
Sally's Paddock

Key details:

When: 4pm–7pm, Friday 17 & Saturday 18 July
Where: Mining Exchange Ballarat, 12 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central
Book tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/red-series-2026

Fire and Ice: Fantasy Ball: 18 July

Dress to impress and step into a realm of pure enchantment at Kryal Castle. The Fire and Ice Fantasy Ball is a spectacular evening of dancing under glowing lights, encountering roaming performers, indulging in themed cocktails and canapés – it promises to be the most magical social event of the season. Secure your tickets now!

When: 7pm–10pm, Saturday 18 July
Where: Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek
More information: www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/fire-and-ice-fantasy-ball

Ballarat's Best Pie: 1–31 August

August means the return of Ballarat's search for the ultimate pie. Throughout the entire month, 30 local bakeries, cafes, and restaurants throw down the gauntlet with legendary creations, ranging from nostalgic comfort classics to brilliantly unexpected flavour combinations.

Key highlights:

Kilderkin Distillery : Highland Bramble Lamb Pie with blackberries, Scottish herbs and spices served with mint pea mash.
Craig's Royal Hotel: Korean Galbi-jjim Pie (Korean braised short rib) with root vegetables and savoury gravy.
The Shared Table : Sher Wagyu Ruben Pie with braised wagyu, pastrami flavours, sauerkraut, cheese and pickles.
Aunty Jacks : Chicken parmigiana wrapped in buttery pastry with mozzarella veloute.
Mrs Browne Bakes (Ballarat's Best Pie Winner 2025): Banana and Honey Caramel Miso Gold Fever Hand Pie finished with a feuilletine crunch.
Flying Chillies : Drunken Pandan Onde Onde Pie with palm sugar gin caramel, pandan cheesecake and coconut whipped cream.
Mondegreen Cafe: Off The Wagon Ice Cream Pie with a biscuit crust, chocolate icecream, raspberry jam and marshmallow.

Learn more: www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/ballarats-best-pie

Poco Film Fest: 1–2 August

Celebrate the art of storytelling with the Poco Film Fest. Cinephiles and casual viewers alike can find something to enjoy across the two-day festival – with a Gala Screening at the Palace Regent Cinema on Saturday, and live Poco Talks with leaders in the Australian film industry on Sunday. Tickets range from $15 – $25 so secure your spot now.

When: 6:30pm–10pm, Saturday 1 Aug & 1pm–5pm, Sunday 2 Aug
Where: Palace Regent Cinema & The Goods Shed
More information: https://www.pocofilmfest.com.au/

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Ballarat Unveils Its Most Unexpected Winter Event Series Yet

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