Ballarat Begonia Festival

 

10-12 March 2012, 10am - 5pm

It's time!

The Ballarat Begonia Festival will celebrate its 60th anniversary this coming Labour Day long weekend, March 10 -12, 2012.

Steeped in history, the Ballarat Begonia Festival will be held on the foreshore of Lake Wendouree and in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

There will be something for everyone, with live bands, entertainment, gardening information and talks, and free activities for children.

With a changing line up of fantastic local and imported performers each day, visitors may wish to keep coming back every day throughout the festival.

Children will be excited to see the return of the popular woodworking activity. With hammers, nails and pre cut models, children of all ages can make and take home a wooden masterpiece.

Farmer Darryl will also be there in the largest portable farmyard in the country. Loaded with cute and cuddly animals - children will be able to get up close with the animals throughout the Festival.

New in 2012 will be a load of 'backyard' inspired' children's activities including clay based mud pie making, scarecrow stitching, and sand trap tapestry.

Adults can escape across the road into the picturesque Ballarat Botanical Gardens to experience the beauty of the Begonia Display, take a walk through the garden market, or be inspired by DIY sessions on the Garden Stage and the chance to chat to a leading horticultural personality in the Central Highlands Water 'Ballarat Garden's Come Alive Expo Marquee'.

For something more serene, simply wander the Gardens, take a tour of the Prime Ministers' Avenue, or have a look at the unique and invaluable Marble Statues collection.

The Ballarat Society of Artists will also be situated in the Gardens, painting and selling local works of art, as will the ever popular Apex Art Show.

The Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market will be held on Saturday 10 March from 9am to 5pm featuring a range of produce and boutique products.

Experience a movie under the stars on Sunday 11 March, with a 'family' themed movie to be shown.

As always, crowd favourite, The Courier Begonia Parade will be held on Monday 12 March at 11am. This community spectacular is now open for interested groups to get involved, click here to find out more.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary there will be a return of an old favourite but you'll have to stay tuned to this website to find out more details.