We're delighted to present the second Ballarat Pride Month. You'll find a range of events from exhibitions and workshops to performances, online events, social groups and more!
This year we have listed the events chronologically, by date and time. But we’ve also included an symbol to indicate what kind of event it is, which you can see to your right.
Now, read on to discover Pride!
31 May – 1 August 2025
For Pride Month, the Art Gallery of Ballarat presents work by Peter Waples-Crowe on Art Screen, Alfred Deakin Square. A proud Ngarigo man living in Naarm/Melbourne, Waples-Crowe makes art about the intersection of his First Nations and LGBTQI+ identity. First captured in European eyes by Eugene von Guerard’s 1868 painting, North-east view from the northern top of Mount Kosciusko, Ngarigo Country was transformed in the twentieth century by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. On top of a camp and humourous grab-bag of art history and archival video, Waples-Crowe inserts his own image as a counter to many decades of Aboriginal erasure from popular narratives of ski slopes and infrastructure.
All ages and everyone is welcome
No bookings required
Location: Alfred Deakin Square, Camp Street, Ballarat Central
June 2025
On display all month in the middle of Sturt St, our Floral Pride Flag is back, to show our support for our LGBTIQA+ community members.
All ages and everyone is welcome.
No bookings required
Location: Sturt St, next to the Titanic Bandstand, Ballarat Central
31 May – 1 August 2025
Our Ballarat Pride Yarnbombing Project is back to brighten up Ballarat this June! Select trees will be decorated with yarn during Pride Month to celebrate our local LGBTIQA+ community. Yarnbombed trees will be all around Ballarat and people are encouraged to take a tour around to see them all!
Just like last year, to ensure the project continues to benefit Ballarat even after June, the knitted and crocheted pieces will be removed in August, washed and restitched into blankets for the cats at the Ballarat Animal Shelter.
All ages and everyone is welcome
No bookings required
Location: Various locations around Ballarat
1 - 30 June
Queer Views II is an online exhibition exploring a selection of artworks from the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s collection through a queer lens. For its second iteration, three members of the local LGBTQIA+ community have been invited to pick and respond to several works from the collection, bringing their own experiences and interpretations to these works. Images of the selected artworks and the participants’ written responses will be presented on the Art Gallery of Ballarat and Ballarat Pride websites during June.
Participants for 2025 include Dr Sophie Pilbeam, Flynn Davis and Meghan Aponte.
This exhibition is co-organised by Sez Lothian (they/them), Community Inclusion Officer LGBTIQA+, and Emily Wakeling (she/her), Curator of Art Gallery of Ballarat.
All ages and everyone is welcome
No bookings required
Location: Online at https://www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au/
1 June, 10 am - 3pm
Our beloved Pride Month Market is back, and bigger than ever! Across two floors of the fully accessible Ballaarat Mechanic’s Institute, we’re delighted to present an even bigger array of stall holders than ever before! With art and craft stalls, trash and treasure and second hand goods stalls, you're bound to find a gem or two!
All ages and everyone is welcome.
No bookings required
Location: Ballaarat Mechanic's Institute, 117-119 Sturt St, Ballarat Central
Presented by City of Ballarat
2nd June 4pm-5pm
11th June 5:30pm-6:30pm
17th June 4:30pm-5:30pm
28th June 10am-11am
Pride meets the page! Come along this June and join a creative writing workshop for LGBTQIA+ young people (ages 12–25).
Explore character development and tell stories that celebrate queer identity, imagination, and empowerment. Create characters you can look up to. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just curious, come as you are.
Ages 12-25
Tickets are free but booking is required: https://events.humanitix.com/the-pride-pages-creative-writing
Location: Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St North, Ballarat Central
The Pride Pages is brought to you by headspace Ballarat, funded by HEY and partnering with the Ballarat Library.
3, 10, 17 and 24 June, 3 – 5:30pm
QHub Ballarat is open on Tuesday afternoons from 3pm to 5.30pm for High School aged young people [12 to 17] to drop in and hang out.
We have snacks, a Nintendo Switch, heaps of craft supplies, games, puzzles and comfy spaces to hang out and meet people. For more information, please email asha.buckmaster@ds.org.au
Ages 12-17
Tickets: email asha.buckmaster@ds.org.au
Location will be provided upon booking.
4 June, 5:30-6:30pm
Ballarat Community Health and City of Ballarat are proud to present a Pet Pride Exhibition, a heartwarming and inclusive event celebrating Pride within our community! This unique exhibition celebrates diversity and inclusion, while showcasing the bond between pets and their owners in a joyful and colourful way.
Come celebrate the opening of this joyous community exhibition.
Exhibition is open all month.
No bookings required
All ages and everyone is welcome.
Location: Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St North, Ballarat Central
Presented by Ballarat Community Health and City of Ballarat
5 June, 10am – 12pm
Coffee with a LLO is a casual opportunity for you to meet and share a cuppa with some police officers who are part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual Liaison Officer Program, as well as some of their colleagues from Ballarat Police Station. PLEASE NOTE: OFFICERS ATTENDING WILL BE IN UNIFORM.
All ages and everyone is welcome
No bookings required
Location: TBA
6 June, 10am - 12pm
Come and join our Community Connectors as we celebrate our older LGBTI+ community and allies.
This group provides a welcoming space to meet new friends and have a chat about all things ageing with pride.
Age 55+
No bookings required
Location: CoLab Space in the Ballarat Library (First floor with lift available) Doveton St North, Ballarat Central
6 June, 4pm – 6pm
Queer and Confident Craft - Pride themed collab with TBH studios!
Come along to TBH studios Friday the 6th of June as we delve into various mediums such as acrylic paint, collage and drawing to craft a unique mixed media work.
Ages 12-25
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/queer-and-confident-craft-collab-with-tbh-studios
Location: TBH Studio, 57 Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central
Presented by TBH Studios and City of Ballarat’s Youth Services
6 June, 6pm – 8pm
It's that time again folks, it's Pool Time with the Uncoordinated Queers!
All ages and everyone is welcome.
No bookings required, just turn up on the night. Cost is divided evenly between the players. It’s usually $8-$9 (cash only payment). Drink and food purchases available, you can use a card for those.
Location: Shooter’s Pool Lounge, 51 Howitt St, North Ballarat
Presented by Uncoordinated Queers, part of Ballarat Pride Month’s PRIDE SQUAD event.
7 June, 10:30am – 1:30pm
In this inclusive and empowering workshop, you'll learn tips, tricks and techniques tailored to enhance your unique beauty, with a focus on creating a femme look that feels true to you.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a supportive environment to explore, experiment, and express your authentic self.
Presented by Ballarat makeup artist Daisy Chains.
18+
Tickets are free but bookings are essential: https://events.humanitix.com/make-up-for-femme-folk
Location: Fully accessible central location. Location will be provided upon booking.
Opening: 7 June, 2pm – 4pm
Exhibition runs 4th June - 28th June
An exhibition dedicated to exploring the intricate social landscape through a queer lens. This exhibition aims to provide a platform for artists to delve into the multifaceted experiences and narratives that shape queer identities and communities. By inviting artists to engage with specific themes, we hope to foster a rich dialogue that highlights the diversity and complexity of queer experiences.
All ages and everyone is welcome
No bookings required.
Location: TBH Studio, 57 Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central
Presented by TBH Studio and City of Ballarat
7 June, 5pm – 6pm
Join Fae Fusion Entertainment for a fun, beginner-friendly intro to dancing with silk fans — no experience needed! You’ll learn simple, flowing movements that feel amazing, look beautiful, and help you tap into the magical flow state where stress melts away.
Silk fan dancing is more than movement — it’s mindfulness in motion. Great for boosting mood, reducing anxiety, and sparking joy!
Come move, laugh, and feel fabulous. All bodies and vibes welcome!
All ages and everyone is welcome
Tickets are free but bookings are essential: https://events.humanitix.com/silk-fan-workshop
Location: 7 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central
Presented by City of Ballarat and Ballarat North Neighbourhood House, part of Ballarat Pride Month’s PRIDE SQUAD event.
8 June, 1-2pm
The process of changing your name can be a daunting task, and sometimes feels like there are significant challenges. I will take the time to talk about my own journey. Starting with becoming comfortable with my chosen true name, and useful insights.
Workshop host Lacey-jay will be talking about the big changes that need to be made, with a Victorian Birth certificate, drivers licence as well as some major other organisations. She will also talk about some of the challenges that she faced with name changes and the things she has found to assist with overcoming them.
All ages and everyone is welcome.
Tickets are free but booking is required: https://events.humanitix.com/owning-you-name
Location: Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St North, Ballarat Central
12 June, 10am – 12pm
Grampians Health are kindly shouting carer's a free cuppa and cake at Rainbow Coffee on Thursday 12th June as part of Pride Month.
All ages and everyone is welcome
No bookings required
Location: TBA
13 June - 22 July
The Poetic Eye is a series of poems and photographs that reflect the artist’s interpretation of the thoughts on photography by American photographer John Szarkowski, as outlined in his influential book, The Photographer’s Eye.
Kylie’s works embody the essence of Szarkowski’s principles, highlighting how photographs, much like poems, do not narrate stories but rather ignite our imagination. Both mediums should not be subject to strict interpretation or explanation; instead, they should be experienced and felt.
No bookings required
All ages and everyone is welcome.
Location: Unicorn Lane off Sturt St, Ballarat Central
13 June, 11am
Facilitated by a Master’s-qualified art therapist and artist, this immersive workshop invites participants to explore and create a personal “safe place” using mixed media and sculptural elements. Whether it becomes an internal landscape, a symbolic structure, or a visual expression of freedom, this space will be shaped by your unique voice and needs.
Rooted in principles of diversity, autonomy, and self-empowerment, this session offers a nurturing environment for LGBTQIA+ adults to express and honour their authentic selves. With both indoor and outdoor creative areas available, participants are encouraged to find comfort and work in ways that best support their sense of safety and ease.
Ages 18+
Tickets: book by emailing megan@beyoucreativetherapy.com.auor calling 0459 777 046
Location: Be You Creative Studio, location will be provided upon booking.
13 June, 6:30pm
Come join Rainbow Gamers online for a night of Jackbox. No game purchase required. All you need is a stable internet connection, a screen (mobile, tablet or computer), a discord account and a sense of humour.
Booking: RSVP in the Rainbow Gamers Discord Server channel (A public channel will be made for the event so we keep our community safe. Verification required to become a member after the event.)
Ages 18+
Location: Online so you can join in and play from the comfort of your own home.
14 June, 9:30am
Led by a registered creative arts therapist (PACFA & ANZACATA) with 17 years of teaching experience and a current Victorian Working with Children Check, this playful and supportive session invites children to explore safety and self-expression through curiosity, creativity, and imaginative play.
Using toy animals as guides, children will journey into their inner world to create their own “safe place” through mixed media and sculptural elements. With a focus on play, storytelling, and sensory engagement, this workshop nurtures each child’s sense of autonomy, freedom, and inner strength in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Families are welcome to stay and relax on picnic blankets in the garden during the session, offering comfort and connection for younger participants in a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space.
Tickets: book by emailing megan@beyoucreativetherapy.com.auor calling 0459 777 046
Location: Be You Creative Studio, location will be provided upon booking.
14 June, 12:00PM — 6:30PM
Ballarat Roller Derby League is excited to present our inaugural 'Skating with Pride' event to raise money for Minus18 & create a safe inclusive space for people within the LGBTIQA+ community & allies to enjoy roller skating.
Schedule:
12:00pm - 2:00pm - Fun Skate
12:00 - 12:20pm - Intro to skating & safety fundamentals facilitated by experienced coach
2:30pm - 4:30pm - Full Contact Roller Derby - Ballarat Ratpack vs The World
4:30pm - 6:30pm - Modified/Low Contact Roller Derby
Following our fun skate we're hosting two action packed games of roller derby, starting with a modified contact game that will showcase derby's up and coming superstars in low contact derby fun. Skating with Pride will conclude with a full contact game of roller derby, as BRDL's Ratpack take on skaters from across the state in an epic battle.
All ages and everyone is welcome.
Booking: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/brdl/events/291880or https://www.facebook.com/BallaratRollerDerbyLeague/
Location: Doug Dean Stadium, 16 Nandiriog Drive, Delacombe
Presented by Ballarat Roller Derby, part of Ballarat Pride Month’s PRIDE SQUAD event.
15 June, 9:30am
A relaxed and inclusive morning designed for LGBTQIA+ families and allies, this session begins with the reading of a diverse collection of children’s picture story books that celebrate and reflect the richness of different family structures and identities.
Following storytime, families are invited to engage in free-flowing creative expression using a range of art and craft materials. This gentle session offers opportunities to explore the felt sense and emotional resonance of the stories through hands-on making, imagination, and shared connection.
With picnic rugs set up and a fluid indoor–outdoor space, families are free to move, settle, and create in ways that feel safe and natural. A welcoming and affirming environment for little ones and their grown-ups to connect, express, and belong.
Tickets: book by emailing megan@beyoucreativetherapy.com.auor calling 0459 777 046
Location: Be You Creative Studio, location will be provided upon booking.
14 June, 9:30am
Led by a registered creative arts therapist (PACFA & ANZACATA) with 17 years of teaching experience and a current Victorian Working with Children Check, this playful and supportive session invites children to explore safety and self-expression through curiosity, creativity, and imaginative play.
Using toy animals as guides, children will journey into their inner world to create their own “safe place” through mixed media and sculptural elements. With a focus on play, storytelling, and sensory engagement, this workshop nurtures each child’s sense of autonomy, freedom, and inner strength in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Families are welcome to stay and relax on picnic blankets in the garden during the session, offering comfort and connection for younger participants in a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space.
Tickets: book by emailing megan@beyoucreativetherapy.com.auor calling 0459 777 046
Location: Be You Creative Studio, location will be provided upon booking.
18 June, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Being bisexual or pansexual comes with a unique set of challenges. This one-hour discussion group is a great opportunity to meet other bi- and pan-folks and share an informal chat.
18+
Tickets are free but booking is required: https://events.humanitix.com/bisexual-and-pansexual-discussion-group
Location: Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St North, Ballarat Central
Presented by Fairy Wren Counselling
21 June, 10am – 12pm
Get yourself ready for a caffeine hit at Rainbow Coffee, and to celebrate Pride Month.
We are happy to announce that Tiny Pride is shouting everyone a cuppa.
All ages and everyone is welcome
No bookings required
Location: TBA
19-22 June, 7:30pm
Ballarat National Theatre brings you the Tony award nominated play Next Fall by Geoffry Nauffts. Directed by Matthew Henderson, Next Fall is a moving and thought-provoking drama about love, faith, and family. The story follows Adam and Luke, a committed couple navigating their opposing beliefs—Adam is an atheist, while Luke is a devout Christian. When an accident changes everything, Adam must rely on Luke’s family for support, leading to a deeply emotional and, at times, humorous exploration of faith, acceptance, and love.
Ages 15+
Tickets: https://bnt.org.au/drama/next-fall
Location: The Minerva Space at the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute, 117-119 Sturt St, Ballarat Central
20 June, 8pm - 10pm
HopeofVirgo and Rainbow Gamers Ballarat are pleased to bring you a fun-filled good-vibes evening of party games and laughs for all ages.
Drop in and say hi at https://www.twitch.tv/hopeofvirgo, starting at 8pm onwards.
All-ages appropriate, community and allies welcome alike!
Bookings not required
Location: Head over to https://www.twitch.tv/hopeofvirgo and jump in the chat!
21 June - 4 July
Exhibition Opening: 22 June from 10-11am with free coffee and treats.
Rainbow Coffee Portraits is back! Cheryl Szöllősi is a local photographer and the powerhouse behind both Rainbow Coffee and Uncoordinated Queers. Every week she takes stunning photos of the LGBTIQA+ folks and allies that come to Rainbow Coffee. The Rainbow Coffee Portraits exhibition highlights some of those images and people.
All ages and everyone is welcome
No bookings required
Location: Sebastopol Library, 181 Albert St, Sebastopol 3356
Presented by City of Ballarat
21 June, 11am-1pm
All kinds of kids need all kinds of carers – have you ever thought of becoming a foster carer and being part of a brighter future for a child?
Foster carers provide temporary care for children and young people not able to live safely at home – maybe it could be you who provides that safe and nurturing space at a difficult time in a child’s life.
As part of Pride Month, join us at our LGBTQIA+ Community Drop In & learn more about foster caring in your local community. Bring your curiosity and your questions and go home with great information and food for thought – we’d love to meet you!
All ages and everyone is welcome
No bookings required
Location: Rotunda area, ground floor Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton Street North, Ballarat Central
Presented by Anglicare Victoria
21 June, 2pm – 4pm
Join us in celebrating the Ballarat launch of Champagne at Three: The Story of a Trans Mining Engineer. Having lived the first half of her life as male, Rebecca Norton sought medical intervention to become a woman, only to find that those whose support she longed for could not or would not give it. Born in Ballarat, her career took her from the mining industry in Mount Isa to a range of jobs in remote parts of Australia and the world.
Written by her sister, Dr Jill Lee, this is the biography of Rebecca Norton. Rebecca was one of the first gender reassignment patients in Victoria in the 1970s and worked as a mining engineer before and after her transition.
All ages and everyone is welcome
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1563797564286721
Location: Ballarat Trades Hall, 24 Camp St, Ballarat Central
22 June, 12pm arrival, games start at 12:15
Come celebrate Pride Month with Uncoordinated Queers, playing Tenpin Bowls with this family friendly event.
There are pinball machines and pool tables if you want to have a play between or instead of bowling,
Food and beverages available on site as well
.
All ages and families welcome
No bookings required, cost is $12 for 1 game. $20 for 2 games purchased at the commencement of play.
Location: Oz Tenpin Bowling, 810 Norman St, Invermay
Presented by Uncoordinated Queers, part of Ballarat Pride Month’s PRIDE SQUAD event.
27 June, 5pm – 8pm
Lover’s Den Tattoo Studio is holding out first Queer flash night! Choose from our range of flash designs, including some created specifically for this night. Prices start at $50.
No bookings required, first come, first served!
Ages 18+
No bookings required
Location: Lovers Den Tattoo Studio, Commercial St, Buninyong
28 June, 11am – 12:30pm
Learn how to make beautiful woven beaded bracelets for Pride Month 2025!
All materials will be provided to make 2 bracelets per participant.
You will learn how to do the square knot, sometimes known as the friendship bracelet knot, how to add beads, and use those skills to make size adjustable bracelets.
Wear your pride on your sleeve
Ages 10+. Participants under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/woven-pride-bracelet-workshop-ballarat-pride-month-2025
Location: TBH Studio, 57 Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central
28 June, 1pm to 3pm
Queer and/or Trans?
New to the gym?
Or want to come learn from community ?
Come train with Trans Coach & Gym Owner Sam Dengate (T Gen Gyms) in a 90-minute play + learn session made for us.
Movement is your birthright, come explore it in safety, strength and solidarity.
Limited space as session is capped at 12.
Can’t wait to see you all there.
Hosted by Sam from T Gen Gyms.
Ages 18+
Tickets: https://www.ballarataquaticcentre.com/
Location: Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Prince of Wales Recreation Reserve - Pt, 1 Kunuwarra Place, Lake Gardens
Presented by City of Ballarat and the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, part of Ballarat Pride Month’s PRIDE SQUAD event.
28 June, 3pm to 4pm
The Ballarat Aquatic Centre is pleased to present a yoga class for LGBTIQA+ people and allies. This gentle class is suitable for everyone, whether you’ve never tried yoga or you practise daily. Come continue your journey to health surrounded by supportive community.
A free class is for all ages and abilities.
Tickets: https://www.ballarataquaticcentre.com/
Location: Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Prince of Wales Recreation Reserve - Pt, 1 Kunuwarra Place, Lake Gardens
Presented by City of Ballarat and the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, part of Ballarat Pride Month’s PRIDE SQUAD event.
28 June, 5pm-8pm
QHub and Sonika are proud to present the 2025 Youth Pride Ball! This event will be a celebration of Pride for young people aged 12 to 18, with DJs, activities, snacks and performers. There will also be a quiet space available.
This is a fully supervised, drug, alcohol, smoke and vape free event.
For more information, please email qhub@ds.org.au
Tickets: Young people must register via Humanitix to attend: https://events.humanitix.com/pride-ball-w8f6lhjj
Location: Fully accessible central location, within walking distance to bus stops and the Ballarat Train Station. Location will be provided upon booking.
The LGBTIQA+ communities have a disproportionally high number of health challenges compared with the wider population, so we're bringing back our Health Challenges for you this Pride Month!
As a community, LGBTIQA+ folk need to eat better. We have a tendency to eat more fried, fatty and sugary foods, which can have life long health effects.
Last Pride month, we made a change and incorporated healthier eating by ensuring that all food provided at any City of Ballarat supported event includes heathy choices. We continue with that change this year.
The LGBTIQA+ community also tend to be less active than other folks. We need to move and exercise more.
We're shaking things up this Pride Month! Last year, we encouraged people to go outside and move around as part of our Health Challenges.
This year, we're getting serious, we're starting a squad. Want to incorporate some exercise into your Pride Month? Join the PRIDE SQUAD! These Pride Squad events will not only get you moving and help improve your physical and mental health but you can also meet community and make friends along the way! Pride Squad events will even have Pride Squad stickers, so your car, bike, laptop or coffee mug can proudly proclaim you’re part of a squad helping get LGBTIQA+ people fitter and healthier.
Live long, live proud, GO TEAM!
Our Pride Squad events this year include:
All month: Ballarat Pride Yarnbombing Project
Friday, 6 June: Uncoordinated Queers Pool Night, 6pm-8pm
Saturday, 7 June: Silk Fan Workshop, 5pm -6pm
Saturday 14 June: Skating with Pride, 12:00PM — 6:30PM
Sunday 22 June: Uncoordinated Queers Ten Pin Bowling from 12pm
Saturday 28 June:
Pride Month Gym Class, 1pm-3pm
Rainbow Yoga Class, 3pm – 4pm
LGBTIQA+ folk are over represented in smoking and vaping statistics.
We need to cut down on vaping and smoking so we can breathe better and live better.
Not only are all our events and locations smoke and vape free, but this year we’re also bringing people’s attention to Quit Victoria’s Quit With Pride campaign:
Quit with Pride aims to engage and support members of the LGBTIQA+ community in ways that are inclusive and culturally safe, and aims to improve the mental, physical, and financial health of Victorian LGBTIQA+ community members by reducing the impact of smoking.
If you’re looking to quit, or just learn more, head to www.quit.org.au/articles/lgbtiq