Friday 30 May: Ballarat Lounge Room - Latin American Magical Realism
An evening of exhilarating rhythm and moves from south and further south of the border. Be entertained by Thomas Melgarejo Showy Dance who will awaken your inner sultry with salsa and Argentinian tango demos & pre-party lessons. Los Locos, Ballarat’s favourite quirky Latin band are guaranteed to get you on the dance floor. The night will also bring captivating cuisine from Petit Patisserie, delectable desserts from House of Welcome and drinks at bar prices. Cost: Free. Time: 6pm – 8pm. Location: Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, 102 Stawell St Sth, Ballarat. Ph: 1800 287 113 or visit www.made.org
Friday 30 May: Medieval Knights Feast Dinner and Show
A gourmet medieval inspired feast fit for royalty, combined with a spectacular interactive event where the King and Queen of Kryal bring medieval times to life. Meet the Royal party, and prepare for the King's Coronation Dinner! Enjoy your glass of mead and join in as much or as little as you wish - this is a robust, fun and lively night that will thrill you with hours of laughter. Dance with the cast, sing, bang your fists on the table and indulge as your wench looks after your dining needs. Cost: $79. Time: 7pm. Location: Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek. Ph: 5334 7388 or visit www.kryalcastle.com.au
Friday 30 May: Scottish Stories After Dark
Delve deep into the Scottish psyche with stories born of the land. Internationally renowned and award winning storyteller Anne E Stewart will take you on a journey sharing myths, legends and folktales from Scotland. Cost: Free. Time: 6pm-7pm. Location: Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat. Ph: 5320 5858 or visit www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Friday 30 May: Classic Morning Tea
Come for a lovely morning tea all the while supporting cancer research. Cost: $5. Time: 10am – 12pm. Location: Vintage and Classic Car Club Rooms, Humffray St Sth, Ballarat. Ph: 0418 519148
Saturday 31 May: Hot Swing Club
The Hot Swing Club performs an exciting and highly infectious style of music that could be best described as French Gypsy Jazz. The music draws from an exotic palate of classical, jazz and gypsy influences. Cost: $15. Time: 7.30pm. Location: The Main Bar, 28 Main Rd, Ballarat. Ph: 5333 7722 or visit www.themainbar.com.au
Saturday 31 May: Live Music @ The George
Come and soak up the atmosphere and the tunes from Shaun McKeegan in The Lane Cider Bar. Cost: Free. Time: 9.30pm. Location: The Lane, The George Hotel, 27 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat. Ph: 5327 2745 or visit www.georgehotelballarat.com.au
Saturday 31 May: Ballarat and District Trotting Club
Choose a dining package and view spectacular racing. Cost: (Gate Entry Only) Adult $8, Child $4. Time: 6.30pm. Location: Ballarat and District Trotting Club, Cnr Bell & Sutton sts, Redan. Ph: 5335 9041 or visit www.ballarattrottingclub.com.au
Saturday 31 May: Margi Orr
Listen to soprano Margi Orr who has enjoyed a diverse and enriching career from the Scottish Highlands to the Royal Highland Balls. Cost: $30. Time: 8pm. Location: Minerva Space, Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117 Sturt Street, Ballarat. Ph: 5320 5798 www.ballaratmi.com.au
Saturday 31 May – Monday 2 June: 1984 – George Orwell
Big Brother is back! Strap yourself in for this terrifically frightening theatrical event set against a towering wall of plasma screens. Oceania; a nation perpetually at war, a place Winston Smith calls home. By day, Winston is an editor at the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history to align the past with the radical political agenda of the ruling party and its elusive leader, Big Brother. Cost: Various. Time: Sat 7pm, Mon 11am. Location: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 17 Lydiard St Sth, Ballarat. Ph: 5333 5888.
Saturday 31 May – Sunday 1 June: Melbourne Queer Film Festival at M.A.D.E
This is an exciting opportunity for Ballarat to view thought provoking and powerful movies in M.A.D.E’s beautiful theatre. The MQFF program at M.A.D.E was selected by Festival Director Lisa Daniel and includes the opening and closing movies from the festival. Cost: Various refer to website. Time: Various refer to website. Location: M.A.D.E, 102 Stawell St Sth, Ballarat. Ph: 1800 287 113 or visit www.made.org
Saturday 31 May: Catfish Cooking Classes
Catfish’s cooking classes with head chef and owner Damien Jones offers participants a hands on cooking class like no other. Participants will learn the best way to make either coconut soups and spicy salads or classic Thai dishes with demonstrations and recipes provided. To finish off the class participants are invited to relax afterwards and feast on their own creations with matching wine. Classes are intimate and limited to 8 participants and go for approximately three to four hours. Cost: $130. Time: 10.30am. Location: 42-44 Main Rd, Ballarat. Visit www.facebook.com/CatfishThai
Sunday 1 June: A Wondrous Winters Day – Return to Racing @ Ballarat
Enjoy a two-course bistro buffet luncheon whilst enjoying great views of the home straight and winning post.
Cost: General $10, Packages from $30. Time: 12pm. Location: Ballarat Turf Club, 240 Kennedys Rd, Miners Rest. Ph: 5334 6273 or visit www.countryracing.com.au
Sunday 1 June: An Afternoon with Robbie Burns
Robbie Burns, the Ploughman Poet is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and has been celebrated by Scots across the world since he died in 1796. He inspired many with his love of songs and poems which glorified the working man. The first of three special events in which renowned folk singer Danny Spooner will perform in conjunction with the exhibition For Auld Lang Syne. Cost: Free. Time: 2.30pm-3.30pm. Location: Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat. Ph: 5320 5858 or visit www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Sunday 1 June: Design Exchange Market
Ballarat’s Design Exchange market is a designer market that brings together emerging designers and contemporary artists from all over. You will be amazed by the calibre of the designers as you wander leisurely through the market. With over 60 designers selling their wares you are bound to find something to suit you. Cost: Free. Time: 10am – 4pm. Location: The Mining Exchange, 8 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat. Ph: 0409 350 931 or visit www.thedesignexchange.com.au
Sunday 1 June: Vincent St Makers Market
Showcasing high quality, unique and boutique handmade products by talented local and regional designers and artists. Cost: Free. Time: 10am – 4pm. Location: Daylesford Town Hall, 76 Vincent St, Daylesford. Contact: vincentstmakersmarket@gmil.com