Fresh off the back of being named ‘Australia’s Happiest City’, Ballarat is cementing its reputation as Victoria’s regional cultural capital this spring.
Offering an action-packed calendar of events, the historic city and its surrounding region are rolling out the red carpet for music lovers, foodies, history buffs, families and performance art enthusiasts alike.
With blooming landscapes, vibrant township energy and a world-class arts scene, Ballarat provides the ultimate weekend escape for city dwellers looking for top-tier entertainment, or locals seeking something unexpected and unforgettable this spring season.
Highlights on offer across September to November include:
- Medieval Fun at Kryal Castle: Various dates
- Strummingbird: 10 October
- Fringe Encore: 22-25 October
- 128th Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally: 31 October-1 November
- The Red Hot Summer Tour: 7 November
- Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival: 13-15 November
- Trail Run Wine Weekend: 14-15 November
- SpringFest: 29 November
- New food and drink openings: Various
Medieval Fun at Kryal Castle: Various dates
Victoria’s home of medieval adventure is back with exclusive events across the season, sure to give every member of the family a taste of magic. The replica castle is located just eight kilometres east of Ballarat at Leigh Creek.
- The Robin Hood Festival (19 September – 4 October): these school holidays celebrate with Robin Hood, Maid Marion and their Merry friends in Nottingham style – including an archery competition, live performances, jousting, sword training, market stalls, crafts and maypole dancing. Tickets: here.
- Trick or Treat (31 October – 1 November): spend Halloween weekend following Dr. Frankenstein’s Spooky Scavenger Hunt throughout the entire castle, solving riddles and collecting tasty treats. Tickets: here.
- Victorian Medieval Festival (21-22 November): take the family on a historical adventure complete with a Jousting Tournament and sword battle in the Medieval Combat Tournament, delicious food, performances and more. Tickets: here.
Strummingbird: 10 October
The iconic country music festival is coming to Ballarat this October with a stacked lineup, including Sam Barber, James Johnston, Bailey Zimmerman, Cooper Alan, Stella Lefty and others playing sweet tunes throughout the day. Expect big singalongs and boot-stomping energy against a soundtrack that blends classic influences with the new wave of country music.
- When: 12pm – 11pm Saturday 10 October
- Where: Victoria Park, Newington
- Tickets: here
Fringe Encore: 22 – 25 October
A week after the 2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival wraps, Fringe Encore: Ballarat brings the adventurous spirit of the festival to regional Victoria for a vibrant weekend of surprising art. The program includes a mix of regional exclusives, returning favourites and hand-picked highlights. Here are three to check out:
- Degustation: Ballarat will host the world premiere of One Fell Swoop Circus’ latest spectacular which pairs amazing acrobatics alongside a five course meal created with chef Shu Liu of SHU Restaurant.
- Fountain Lakes: Y2K: rewind the clock to the eve of the millennium with this fabulous drag comedy parody play.
- Ocker: Fresh from its Deadly Fringe premiere in Melbourne, Na Djinang Circus’ roving circus experience weaves through the city streets, chasing something just out of reach.
More info:www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/fringe-encore-ballarat
128th Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally: 31 October – 1 November
Pack the car and take the whole family for a great outing to see 65 display sheds, steam and oil engines, steam powered shovels and saw mill, displays of earthmoving, cars, motorcycles, tractors and trucks, radio controlled model boats, blacksmithing, threshing, boilerhouse tours, grand parade daily, kids activities and on-site catering.
- When : 9am–5pm Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November
- Where: 1234 Carngham-Lake Goldsmith Road, Lake Goldsmith
- Tickets: here
The Red Hot Summer Tour: 7 November
The Red Hot Summer Tour will create history with Australian Crawl taking to the stage for the first time in 40 years, alongside Men At Work, Birds of Tokyo, Eskimo Joe, Ella Hooper and more. Get ready to dance the day away to legendary rock acts while soaking in the springtime sun.
- When : 12.30pm – 9.30pm Saturday 7 November
- Where: Victoria Park
- Tickets: here
Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival: 13 – 15 November
Mark the celebratory opening of the Victorian strawberry and cherry growing season and indulge in the freshest fruits of the region. Enjoy fruit picking, carnival rides, live entertainment and delicious treats from food trucks. Plus, entry is free!
- When: 5pm – 10pm Friday 13 November; 9am – 10pm Saturday 14 November;
9am – 4pm Sunday 15 November - Where: 197 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
- More info: www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/bacchus-marsh-strawberry-and-cherry-festival
Trail Run Wine Weekend: 14 – 15 November
Hosted at the stunning Mount Avoca Winery, the Trail Run Wine Weekend is the perfect getaway for families, mates and trail lovers. Pitch your tent right on the winery grounds for Friday and Saturday night, wake up among the vines and step straight onto the start line for the big run.
- When: Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November
- Where: Mount Avoca Winery, Avoca VIC 3467
- More info: www.visitballarat.com.au/whats-on/trail-run-wine-running-weekend
SpringFest: 29 November
SpringFest is back and promises to be bigger than ever! Head along to Market Sunday and explore over 450 stalls at Lake Wendouree, enjoy live music, check out the Harness Racing Night, show off your wheels at Show n Glow or grab your crew for the movie night.
- When: 10am – 4pm Sunday 29 November
- Where: The Garden’s Precinct
- More info: ballaratspringfest.com.au
Indulge in new food and drink offerings
Ballarat’s culinary scene continues to go from strength to strength with a range of delicious new openings this season.
- Dear Eliza Social Club – Hop Lane is now home to a secret bar complete with food, drinks, interactive darts, SHUFL and a pool table for your next night out. Open every Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm until late (from 3pm on Saturdays).
- Vegas & Rose’s pop-up kitchen door at The Unicorn – Get your hands on some tasty treats at 127 Sturt St (enter via Unicorn Lane), including brownies, cookies, rocky road, winter desserts and savoury muffins. Open every Thursday to Saturday from 10am–2pm.
- Hola Margarita – Sip your way around Ballarat’s best bars with the self-guided Hola Margarita on Saturday 31 October from 1pm. Each of the participating venues will put its own spin on everyone’s favourite tequila cocktail.
- Candy Shack and Co – Indulge in a nostalgic collection of premium handcrafted sweet treats, from fudge and authentic Turkish delight to gourmet nougat and chocolates. Then relax at the café. Just over 30 minutes from the Ballarat CBD at 1668 Ballan-Daylesford Rd.
For more information on upcoming events this spring, go to visitballarat.com.au.