Spring is the season where flowers bloom and West Vic has a chance of seeing the sun again.
There are plenty of events happening around the patch this September to capitalise on better weather, from barbeque festivals to coastal marathons to masterclasses in gin-making.
Got an event for us? Email [email protected].
World Press Photo
The Art Gallery of Ballarat will be hosting World Press Photo for the first time.
The international contest displays work from documentary photographers and photojournalists, highlighting issues like the climate crisis and civic action like protests.
Where: The Mining Exchange, Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central
When: August 8th to September 20th
Cost: Free
Lavandula Feast Night: Spring Harvest
Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is hosting a springtime feast, put together with local produce and pieces from its own garden and pre-dinner entertainment.
The menu features prosciutto croquettes, black garlic aioli, pea broth, honey ice cream and rainbow chard.
Where: Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, Hepburn-Newstead Rd, Shepherds Flat
When: September 26
Cost: $105
Cult Vault at the Regent
The historic cinema in the centre of Ballarat, the Regent will be showing weekly screenings of cult classics. In September, the list includes Speed Racer, Drop Dead Fred, The Craft and Trainspotting.
Where: The Regent, Ballarat
When: September 7, 14, 21 and 28
Cost: $15 for Members, General Admission $19, Concession $17
Grampians BBQ Festival
Hosted on Father’s Day weekend, this event will be the first edition of the Grampians BBQ Festival. It will spotlight craft beer, blues and roots music along with an abundance of smoky eats and cooking demonstrations.
Where: Halls Gap, Gariwerd
When: September 4 - 6
Cost: Saturday $86, Sunday $80, Full weekend $150
Warrnambool Running Festival
The Warrnambool Running Festival is an opportunity to join in on a scenic run along the southwest coast, from 2 kilometre dashes to full marathons.
Where: Main Beach Kiosk on Pertobe Road, Warrnambool
When: 19 - 20 September
Cost: $10 to $95, depending on the race selected for registration
Australian Wiccan Conference
Since 1984 the Australian Wiccan Conference has run for witches, occultists and pagans. It’s being hosted in Ballarat this year, on the weekend closest to the spring Equinox and featuring lectures, workshops, classes and entertainment.
Where: Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117 - 119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central
When: September 26
Cost: $55 - $77
Grainery Lane Gin Tasting and Blending Masterclass
You can join local distillers at Grainery Lane to learn about the art of gin-blending, with tasting along the way.
Where: Grainery Lane, 35 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat Central
When: September 12
Cost: $79
Reading this in August? Scroll down for what’s on!
High Tea on Cuthbert’s 939 Vintage Tram
Indulge in a high tea afternoon aboard a historic 1940s tram, travelling alongside Lake Wendouree with scone in hand atop velvet seats.
The trip includes a three-tier high tea tower, decorated with sweet and savoury treats prepared in-house.
Where: Ballarat Tramway Museum
When: August 9 and August 23
Cost: $190 - $360
Underground Tours at Seppelt Wines
The underground cellars at Seppelt Wines have the capacity to hold 3 million bottles of wine.
The winery is where sparkling shiraz was first grown and served in Victoria. Daily tours available.
Where: Seppelt Wines
When: Throughout August
Cost: Adults $25, Concession $20, Kids over five $10
Sip and Scent Dinner with Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances
In Macarthur, this sip and scent dinner serves three courses alongside cocktails from local distillery Suffoir and perfume from Aysha Hansen.
Where: Suffoir Winery, Brewery and Distillery
When: August 21
Cost: $129 - $137
Ballarat’s Best Pie Trail
Throughout August 30 venues across the ‘Rat are developing specialised and unique pies to go in the running for Ballarat’s Best Pie.
There’s Korean Galbi-jjim pies, duck curry pies, yuzu and wasabi pies - the options are extensive.
Where: Ballarat cafes and restaurants
When: August 1 - August 31
Cost: Varies
Trentham Words in Winter Festival
Trentham celebrates the craft of storytelling. The festival includes a range of author talks, writing competitions, trivia and community dinners.
Where: Multiple venues within Trentham
When: August 1 - 30
Cost: Free to $36, depending on event