Vintage joy flights, steam train rides and beard competition

Ballarat’s much-loved Heritage Festival returns next week (Friday 16 to Sunday 25 May 2025), offering ten days of immersive events that reimagine history through the lens of entertainment.

This year’s theme – Heritage Unfolds, Entertainment Awaits… – invites visitors to explore the stories, people and pastimes that have shaped this regional Victorian city, from the stage to the skies.

With the full event program now live, the 2025 Festival features a line-up of brand-new experiences as well as returning favourites including aviation joy rides, musical performances, steam train shuttles, an antique fair, a vintage car show, exclusive culinary experiences, hands-on craft and much more.

NEW FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES 

Entertainment of the Air
Ballarat Airport will transform into a hub of adventure across the weekend of 17–18 May with a vibrant program that honours aviation’s rich legacy. This event will inspire aviation enthusiasts, history buffs and families with:

• Vintage joy flights: Soar through the skies aboard a heritage aircraft and experience the nostalgia of early air travel. Book a DC-3 joy flight either to/from Essendon Airport for the day or a 30-minute flight over the Ballarat area. Book at ballaratheritagefestival.com.au ($280-$380).

• Museum and displays: Explore interactive exhibitions, including the renownedArvo Anson Museum– home to a meticulously restored 1939 Avro Anson Mk1.

• Live performances: Enjoy retro vocals from The Pacific Belles who will bring vintage glamour to the runway.

• Photo moments: Snap a keepsake picture with an iconic DC-3 aircraft.

Between Us, Ballarat ~ A Story of Love, Change and Starting Over
A sharp and honest two-hander play that explores an often-funny look at a couple’s tree change that doesn’t go as planned. Set against the backdrop of Ballarat’s stone buildings and ancient forests, this modern love story by acclaimed playwright Robert Reid delves into career disappointment and reinvention in Ballarat. Playing at the Old Post Office from 22 May to 24 May (2:00pm and 7:00pm), tickets are available at  ballaratheritagefestival.com.au ($20-$30).

Heritage Signature Cocktails
Toast the Ballarat Heritage Festival with a series of limited-edition signature cocktails, crafted by local bars and restaurants that perfectly capture the entertaining spirit of Ballarat’s past. These unique sips will be available at select venues city-wide, offering a delicious way to experience the festival.

Some of the participating venues and their historical-inspired cocktails include:

• Boatshed Restaurant ~ Acid Drop: A zesty and bright cocktail channelling the electric energy of Ballarat’s historic dance halls, lolly shops and lively nights out.

• Roy Hammond ~ Eureka Bloom: Ballarat’s gold rush embodied in a glass – rebellious, resilient and full of hope.

• Itinerant Spirits ~ Folklore Spritz: An ode to the wanderers and settlers, celebrating the stories and songs shared during daily life and exciting times on the goldfields.

• Grainery Lane ~ Rush Hour: Capturing”gold in the glass,” this cocktail pays tribute to the chaos, hopeand well-deserved celebrations of the gold rush era.

View the full list of venues and cocktails at ballaratheritagefestival.com.au. 

RETURNING FESTIVAL FAVOURITES 

Steam Train Rides
Steamrail Victoria will bring the romance of steam travel back to Ballarat with heritage train shuttle rides operating across the weekend of 17-18 May . Departing from Ballarat Station, the steam locomotive will run return trips to nearby Lal Lal, covering an 18-kilometre round journey in 60 minutes.

For visitors travelling from Melbourne, the iconic Eureka Express will depart Southern Cross Station, offering a scenic steam-powered ride all the way to Ballarat and back. Tickets available to purchase at ballaratheritagefestival.com.au ($15-$86).

Craft Lab 25
Craft Lab blends traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity. Over four days in the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange(17-18 and 24-25 May, 10am to 5pm), artisans will share their skills and stories through live demonstrations and conversations.

The Great Takeaway
For a truly unique dining experience, The Great Takeaway offers a rare opportunity to dine amidst exquisite, handcrafted materials, textiles, glassware and ceramics from the Ballarat region – and then take the entire dining setting home.

This ticketed event on Thursday 22 May (6pm to 10pm) will host up to 60 guests at the Ballarat Mining Exchange (within the Craft Lab exhibition space) for a three-course meal with drinks and entertainment. Each of the six tables will showcase handcrafted main and side plates by commissioned local ceramicists.

Diners will be seated at random and receive a curated cutlery, plates and glassware set valued at over $400 to take home with them at the end of the evening. The menu will complement the design styles of the makers. Tickets can be booked at  ballaratheritagefestival.com.au ($295).

Ballarat Antique Fair
The Ballarat Civic Hall will host 29 premier antique dealers from five states(16-18 May), offering a diverse selection of furniture, jewellery, glassware, silver, artworks, objets d’art and ceramics.

Vintage Car Show
Take a trip down memory lane with a showcase of classic cars along Ballarat’s Lydiard Street on Sunday 18 May (10am to 4pm). These beautifully restored vehicles celebrate the golden age of automotive design and engineering, and it’s all free to enjoy.

Heritage Harvest Weekend
Experience the best of Ballarat’s regional offerings at Sovereign Hill’s Heritage Harvest Weekend on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May. This celebration of local producers, makers and artisans will feature a vibrant Harvest Village with gourmet goods, handmade wares and fresh produce.

Enjoy live cooking demonstrations, sample locally made treats and browse stalls brimming with traditional crafts. Local MasterChef Australian alum Tim Bone will also make a special guest appearance. Tickets available at sovereignhill.com.au ($33-$52.50 with children under five free).

Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition
Get ready for some hairy fun at the Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition, taking place at Hop Temple on Saturday 24 May. This free event is a chance to show off impressive facial hair and win great prizes. For an extra dose of adorable, the Dog Beard and Stache Competition will also take place with prizes for the best-dressed dogs. Registration is free at beardcomp.com.au.

FAST FACTS 

When: 16-25 May 2025

Where: Various sites, venues and locations across Ballarat

Tickets and more info:  ballaratheritagefestival.com.au