Ballarat's summer events 2024/25

Child playing outdoor games at picnic in the park

Quick Tasks

Christmas in Ballarat - December 2024

Unwrap the magic of Christmas in Ballarat as the city comes alive with dazzling decorations, live music and more.

When: Throughout December
Where: Various locations in Ballarat
Bookings: This is a FREE event
Event information: Christmas in Ballarat

Ballarat Carols by Candlelight - Sunday, 22 December 2024

When: Gates open at 5pm, with family-friendly pre-show entertainment, with the main concert to begin at 7pm.
Where: Mars Stadium, Ballarat
Bookings: This is a FREE event
Event information: Ballarat Carols by Candlelight

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular - 31 December 2024

Ballarat’s annual Fireworks Spectacular lights up the night skies once a year, transforming Lake Wendouree into a dazzling array of colour. With half a ton of explosives, this will be an impressive display, there’s not many fireworks displays out there like this.

Please Note: The New Year's Eve fireworks is subject to weather conditions.

When: 9.30pm
Where: Lake Wendouree, Launching near the Olympic Rings
Bookings: This is a FREE event
Event information: New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular

Summer Sundays - 5, 12, 19, 26 January

Spend Sunday afternoons soaking up the sun in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, with live music, food trucks and a pop-up Garden Bar. Summer Sundays are held every Sunday in January from 3-7pm. For more information, visit the Summer Sundays website.

When: 3-7pm
Where: Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Lake Wendouree
Bookings: This is a FREE event
Event information: Summer Sundays Ballarat

Survival Day Dawn Ceremony - Sunday, 26 January 2025

The 2025 Ballarat Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will be the sixth reflection and healing event hosted by the City of Ballarat's Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG) Advisory Committee in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
An award-winning truth-telling event for everyone to experience First Nations’ stories and Cultural dance. This is an inclusive event - all are welcome to attend.

When: commencing at 5.30am
Where: View Point, Lake Wendouree
Bookings: This is a FREE event

Australia Day Picnic in the Park - Sunday, 26 January 2025

Gather your family and friends for a relaxed afternoon with great food, fun and entertainment.

When: 11am-3pm
Where: Victoria Park, next to the Inclusive Playspace.
Bookings: This is a FREE event

Art Gallery of Ballarat

Medieval to Metal: The Art and Evolution of the Guitar

From medieval beginnings through to the guitar’s pivotal role in pop culture, this exhibition features 40 iconic guitars on loan from the National Guitar Museum (USA) alongside an awe-inspiring collection of photographs, paintings, drawings, illustrative designs, and objects.

When: Until 2 February
Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat
Bookings and event information: Art Gallery of Ballarat - For information on these exhibitions and so much more!

JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live

Josh was a Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Barkindji artist, born in Ballarat who passed away suddenly at the young age of 30 in 2022. Josh’s artistic career 12 years, during which he became a prolific artist and was expected to continue on a meteoric rise. The works in the exhibition reflect Josh’s ongoing artistic legacy. This exhibition is presented by the Koorie Heritage Trust and Art Gallery of Ballarat.