Ballarat is set to step back in time this May as the Ballarat Heritage Festival returns from 21 to 24 May 2026 with four days of exhibitions, food events, steam train rides, heritage tours and vintage experiences across the city.
This year’s festival explores the cultural forces that have shaped Ballarat, from the enduring stories of the Wadawurrung people to the impact of gold rush migration and the communities continuing to shape the region today.
One of the major drawcards is Ballarat Revealed: Hidden Histories, Shared Together at the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange. The free exhibition transforms the heritage building into a journey through the city’s layered past, featuring curated spaces dedicated to different moments and communities in Ballarat’s history.
A large-scale replica of Ballarat’s 1901 Chinese Arch will take centre stage, recognising the important contribution of Chinese communities during the gold rush era. Visitors can also explore a dedicated First Nations exhibition space sharing stories of Country and culture from the Wadawurrung people.
Returning favourites are also back on the program, including the much-loved Ballarat Antiques Fair at Civic Hall, where collectors can browse furniture, jewellery, artworks and rare finds from antique dealers across Australia.
Food lovers can head to Sovereign Hill for Heritage Harvest Weekend, a celebration of local produce, artisan makers and regional flavours. Award-winning food personality Alice Zaslavsky joins a packed lineup of chefs, bakers and local food experts for live demonstrations, workshops and tastings.
Elsewhere across the festival, visitors can experience steam train rides to Yendon with Steamrail Victoria, horse and carriage rides through Ballarat’s historic streets, vintage car displays along Camp Street and the ever-popular Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition at Hop Temple.
New exhibitions, immersive history tours and heritage-inspired food experiences round out a packed program that celebrates Ballarat’s rich and evolving story from every angle.
Find the full festival program and event details at Ballarat Heritage Festival
