The police presence across Ballarat kicked off when hundreds of people from various generations took to the streets to protest climate inaction on Friday with uniformed officers directing traffic around the protesters through the central business district.

The presence will continue as the city showcases a diverse calendar of events throughout the weekend that will see thousands of people out and about on the streets and on the roads, with plenty of people expected to travel to Ballarat from out of town too.

From huge sporting events such as the Ballarat Football League grand final to a friendly A-League competition between the newly formed Western United team and Adelaide United to the popular Ballarat White Night, police will be out in force to ensure the weekend goes smoothly.

Ballarat Local Area Commander Ben Young said it would be a busy weekend and so extra police resources had been allocated to ensure community safety.

Police are encouraging everybody to attend the weekend's events, with police units including uniform, highway patrol, the criminal investigation unit and specialist units from Melbourne undertaking specific operations at each event to ensure everybody attending can enjoy themselves.

He said events like White Night were a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city and its history.

"We encourage everyone to attend and enjoy the installations and atmosphere in a safe and friendly environment," he said.

He said for people planning to attend White Night with "less than the best intentions", a large police presence and response on the ground would be present to ensure community safety.

"If you plan on creating issues then please stay home," he said.

Police will coordinate traffic operations around the central business district and also on arterial roads into Ballarat to ensure everybody gets to events and then home again safely.

Police will also be performing drug and alcohol testing.

"Please separate your drinking and driving and plan your journey and alternate transport early," he said.

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