HERITAGE weekend is one of those very Ballarat weekends on the annual calendar and there's plenty on to keep both locals visitors entertained. Here are some of the highlights.
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Ballarat Lifestyle Magazine Tweed Ride
The Tweed Ride is one of the most celebrated events on the Ballarat Heritage Weekend program. This unique experience is unlike anything else. Dress in your best dapper and elegant tweed, ride through Ballarat's streets and listen to some of the amazing stories that the city's unique and iconic architecture holds.
When: Sunday
Where: Departs Pipers by the Lake, Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree
Time: 11am
Register: ballaratlifestylemagazine.com.au/tweed-ride
Vintage Fashion
On Saturday, sparkling outfits from the 20s will be paraded The Civic Hall when the Sydney Swing Katz perform Gatsby dance classics like the Charleston and the Foxtrot. In the evening, Adam Mada's magic show to the parade of 60s jewel-encrusted hostess gowns bewitch at the Coffee Exchange. On Sunday, Postcards presenter Brodie Harper will be the celebrity model.
Where: Civic Hall, Mair Street
When: Saturday 2pm and Sunday 11.30am and 3pm
Ballarat Gaol Tours
Uncover the colourful history of the former gaol and its inmates and explore Ballarat's criminal underworld of the 19th century through artifacts, blueprints and images as part of an extensive exhibition.
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: FedUni SMB Campus, Lydiard Street South
Time: Every hour from 11am - 5pm
Cost: Free
History Ablaze
Ballarat will burn brightly during Ballarat Heritage Weekend, as the streets, laneways and stories of this gorgeous city are brought to life with fire pits, fire displays and entertainment.
Expert storytellers will be on hand to help provide a detailed account of the history and heritage of Ballarat, using fire as a medium for discussion. Share your own stories of Ballarat with other festival goers or sit back and be immersed in the experiences of others - and don't miss the roving entertainment and flame cannons.
When: May 25 from 5.30pm
Where: Armstrong St Nth, Lydiard St Nth, Alfred Deakin Place, Camp St, Ballarat
Cost: Free
Food In Focus
Join renowned Ballarat chef Peter Ford for a skillfully curated menu of food and wine. The evening will begin with a preview of Ballarat's newest gallery - the National Centre for Photography followed by a dinner at The AnsoniA.
Where: Meet at the National Centre for Photography, 4 Lydiard Street Sth
When: Friday night
Time: 7-10pm
Cost: $160 + BF per person incl. 6 course dinner & paired wines.
Tickets: plateupballarat.com.au
Coffee Exchange by Mr Black
For one night only, you will sample carefully crafted cocktails from some of Ballarat's best venues brought to you by Mr Black. Complimenting the cocktails will be Charlotte Smith and her collection of vintage fashion and an engaging performance from Sydney magician Adam Mada.
Where: The Mining Exchange, 12 Lydiard Street North
When: Saturday night
Time: 7.30-10.30pm
Cost: $25 + booking fee (includes cocktail glass)
Tickets: plateupballarat.com.au
Steam Trains
Enjoy a 45-minute round journey from Ballarat Railway Station behind a vintage steam locomotive. The iconic Ballarat Y112 is celebrating its 130 years of service The Red K Class K190 will also be on hand to provide a fantastic and unique experience. Book online to avoid the queues.
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: Ballarat Train Station, Lydiard Street
Times: 9.25am, 10.45am, 12.45pm, 2.05pm & 3.45pm daily
Cost: Adult $25, Under 17 $10, Under 3 Free, Family A (2 Adults, 2 Children) $60, Family B (1 adult & 4 children) $60
Book: trybooking.com/BAYJP or steamrail.com.au
Queer History Tour
Join Tom Hodgson and Alex Bayley on a tour of Ballarat's queer history, focusing on the gold rush period and little-known stories of Ballarat's same-sex attracted and gender diverse past. Note that the content of this talk includes sexually explicit descriptions, homophobia and transphobia, presented in context.
Where: Tour starts at the Queen Victoria Statue opposite Town Hall
When: Saturday and Sunday
Time: 2.30pm
Cost: $5
Bookings: trybooking.com