More than 50 ticketed events scheduled throughout May showcase Ballarat's food offerings, craft beers, boutique wines and locally sourced produce.

Hospitality venues will put their best toasties forward as part of new competition Toast of Ballarat.

Diners can choose from a selection of 23 tempting toasties on the menu of participating Ballarat venues throughout May and vote for their favourite online.

See all the toasties on offer throughout May below.

Hydrant Food Hall will serve up a traditional Italian toastie 'Mozzarella in Carrozza', a golden crusted fried mozzarella and anchovies sandwich in housemade bread using Ballarat Brew House yeast.

Owner Elise Rowe said the toastie competition highlighted a collaboration of Ballarat's hospitality venues and local producers.

"Plate Up brings all the venues together. I don't think there are other cities around us that are doing this or doing it as well," she said.

"People are enjoying coming to Ballarat and it has put us on the map."

Ms Rowe said the toastie competition would open diner's minds to the potential of the humble sandwich.

"Looking through the list you realise toasties are not just ham and cheese, or if you are my kids, Vegemite and cheese," she said.

"There are some beautiful things you can put into a toastie and it becomes quite a meal in itself, yet it is simple.

"As with the pies last year there were some that pushed the boundaries. It is a great celebration and great timing with the cold coming in."

Plate Up Ballarat director Kate Davis said the toastie competition was an offering for smaller venues who may not have the capacity to hold an event during the festival.

"Plate Up Ballarat is designed to be an inclusive event that provides an offering for all audiences too," she said.

"The events showcase diversity and quality - that's why we started Plate Up. We wanted to put the spotlight on our venues to show right now Ballarat is booming."

Ms Rowe said Plate Up Ballarat had helped support and boost Ballarat's dining scene.

"We have only been here for 18 months and it has been far busier than we ever anticipated," she said.

"It is great to see new venues coming up in town and hospitality venues popping up in the residential areas with a different feel to them. The standard has definitely risen."

Tickets are available for Plate Up Ballarat events. Visit plateupballarat.com.au for details on events and the toastie competition.

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