The Ballarat Heritage Festival will return from 21 to 24 May with a refreshed four day format and an expanded lineup of events across Ballarat.
The updated program aims to deliver a more focused and accessible experience, with this year’s theme Hidden Histories encouraging visitors to look beyond familiar landmarks and uncover the lesser-known stories that have shaped the regional city.
A key highlight of the 2026 festival is Ballarat Revealed: Hidden Histories, Shared Together, a free exhibition hosted at the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange. The immersive showcase will explore untold stories through installations and historical insights, including a large-scale replica of the 1901 Chinese Arch, recognising the enduring contribution of Chinese communities to the goldfields.
City of Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves said the program invites visitors to experience the city from a different perspective.
“The Ballarat Revealed exhibition is a standout, giving people the chance to connect with stories that have shaped our city in powerful and unexpected ways,” she said.
Across the four days, the festival will feature a mix of exhibitions, guided tours, live performances and interactive experiences. Returning favourites include steam train rides to Yendon, the Ballarat Antique Fair, a vintage car showcase and the Beard and Stache Competition, which marks its 10 year anniversary this year.
Visitors can also explore events at the Ballarat Town Hall, including heritage tours and curated exhibitions, as well as programming at the Eureka Centre focused on goldfields history and storytelling.
Additional highlights include heritage baking experiences, horse and carriage rides through historic streets and the Heritage Harvest Weekend at Sovereign Hill.
With thousands expected to attend, the festival continues to play a key role in driving tourism to the region while celebrating Ballarat’s rich and layered past.
Explore the full program and book tickets at https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au
