There’s something a bit magical about this historic regional town in the dark, cold months – and this is exactly what the Ballarat Winter Festival seeks to capture.
From June 29 to July 21, the Gold Rush town will come alive with food and wine events, gigs and performances, an ice rink, a huge market and (our particular favourite) Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill.
More highlights of the program include the pop-up ice skating rink, which will host child-friendly, sensory and disco-themed skating sessions, and the Design Exchange Market, which brings together a number of independent designers, artists and creators.
For music and art lovers, a special late-night event called Art Late will takeover the Art Gallery of Ballarat with a California-inspired party featuring a curated music line-up from regional festival experts OK Motels. Plus, two candle-lit classical music concerts featuring the music of rock legends Queen and cinematic favourites from composers like Hans Zimmer will take place at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.
Phew, talk about jam-packed! You can check out the full program on the Ballarat Winter Festival's website.