Ballarat and the surrounding region is eagerly anticipating a hive of activity this autumn, thanks to a fabulous line-up of community festivals and events. From an impressive array of food and cultural festivals to book-loving bonanzas, here are a handful of ideas to get you started.

ChillOut Festival

Daylesford's annual LGBTIQ event is back this autumn, promising 10 days of fabulous events carefully curated to bring joy and colour, in a safe environment. From February 27 to March 8, the ChillOut Festival will host a diverse selection of wellbeing activities, family-friendly theatre and arts events as well as a massive (and COVID-safe) street parade. Visit chilloutfestival.com.au for details.

Ballarat Begonia Festival

This beloved festival will run for three weeks this March and rather than centre activities at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, be held throughout the CBD to support local business. Highlights will include an illuminated garden, floral installations and a pop-up garden display by local artists and suppliers. Visit ballaratbegoniafestival.com for details.

Pyrenees Unearthed Festival

A fun-filled day in a beautifully picturesque setting, groups, couples, individuals and families are all invited to come along on April 17 and enjoy an afternoon of fabulous local produce from talented artisans, live music and wines by the glass, as well as free kids activities and ticketed masterclasses. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, patron capacity is limited and tickets are available on a first in, best dressed basis. Children will be granted entry by gold coin donation. For details, visit pyreneesunearthedfestival.com.au.

Clunes Booktown Festival

Enticing weekend explorers to the town during the first weekend in May, the township of Clunes will feature a street-long book shop, with festival-goers able to browse rare and collectible books as well as contemporary publications signed by their favourite authors. Foir more information, visit clunesbooktown.com.au

Heritage Festival

This month-long celebration looks at the unique stories that go into making the complex fabric of Ballarat. Running from May 7 to 30 May, highlights include art installations throughout the city's CBD, heritage craft demonstrations, the popular Tweed Ride and beard and mustache competitions. Visit ballaratheritageweekend.com.au for details after March 29.

Further information about these events can be found in the autumn edition of The Courier's Out and About magazine, which is out now. Click on the link to read all the stories online.

While information for all events featured in this edition of Out & About were correct at the time of printing, dates and details are subject to change, and readers are strongly encouraged to contact event organisers for the most recent schedule.