2026 Ballarat Pride Month Program

 21 May - 30 June
Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St N, Ballarat

Little Figures, Long Shadows is an exhibition of small 3d printed busts of historical LGBTIQA+ people with a connection to Ballarat. Some were born here, others were raised here, some worked here, and some found their final rest here, this exhibition brings together 10 LGBTIQA+ people from Ballarat’s history in small sculptural form. The exhibition busts were 3D printed at the Maker Space in the Ballarat Central Library.

Learn more about the people behind the figures here: https://ballaratpride.au/littlefigureslongshadows

Print a copy of your favourite bust, and learn some 3D printing basics, at the “Little Figures, Long Shadows: 3D Printing Workshop”  

Have we missed someone? Add a bust to the collection and discover CAD modelling tools to turn a photo into a 3D sculpture at the “Little Figures, Long Shadows: CAD Modelling Workshop” 

 29 May - 6 August
Art Screen, Alfred Deakin Pl, Ballarat

For Pride Month, the Art Gallery of Ballarat presents the work of Hannah Brontë on Art Screen. Brontë is a Wakka Wakka and Yaegel artist who creates video, textiles, fibre arts and text-based works about women’s empowerment and protest. Shot on the beaches of Kombumerri/Yugambeh country, Coolangatta, POWA WAVE captures the natural beauty of an ocean sunrise as experienced by two Queer lovers. For the artist, ‘being a woman in the surf, let alone a Queer woman, takes a sport so freeing and transcendent and makes it a radical act of defiance.’

Please note, due to the screening of the 3 FIFA World Cup matches throughout June, the exhibition ‘Hannah Bronte: POWA WAVE’ will not be fully on display during these times: 

Friday 12th June afternoon ~ Monday 15th June morning

Friday 19th June afternoon ~ Monday 22nd June morning

Friday 26th June morning ~afternoon

Image: Hannah Brontë POWA WAVE [film still] 2022, HD video with sound, 5 min 29 sec. Models: Aubrey and Macca. Image courtesy the artist and Fast Back Studios / Cisca Studios.

1 June - 30 June
Online

Queer Views III is an online exhibition exploring the Art Gallery of Ballarat Collection through a queer lens. For its third iteration, three members of the local LGBTQIA+ community have been invited to pick and respond to three artworks 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 2026 are Deb Mitchell, Ash Crawford and Chantal Amber. Queer Views III is part of the City of Ballarat’s Pride Month celebrations in June 2025, 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://ballaratpride.au/queer-views

Image: Adrian Lawlor A sophisticated lady c. 1950, oil on canvas, 49.1 x 39.5 cm. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Purchased, 1974 © The Estate of Adrian Lawlor

 1 June - 30 June
Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St N, Ballarat 

Following the success of last year’s event, Ballarat Community Health is again hosting the Pet Pride Exhibition as part of Pride Month in June 2026.

This exhibition showcases a collection of Pride-inspired pet photos submitted by the community. As with the previous exhibition, the display celebrates diversity, inclusion and connection in a creative and accessible way, using the joy and companionship of pets as a unifying theme.

The exhibition invites community members to submit photos of their pets - whether dressed in Pride colours or captured in moments that reflect happiness and personality. The curated display aims to create a welcoming and visually engaging space that encourages visitors to reflect on themes of love, belonging and community.

Pride Month provides an important opportunity to celebrate identity and inclusivity. This exhibition offers a light-hearted and family-friendly way for people of all ages to engage with these values and feel part of a broader community celebration.

 1 June - 30 June
Next to the Titanic Bandstand, 128 Sturt St, Ballarat

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. 

Situated next to the Titanic Bandstand. 

 1 June - 30 June
Various locations around Ballarat

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! 

You can find them:

-Between the Town Hall and Burke & Wills Fountain, near the intersection of Lydiard St. and Sturt St.

-Located at the corner of Mair St. and Doveton St., outside the Civic Hall.

-The Intercultural Graden, near the corner of Pleasant St. and Sturt St.

-Mt. Rowan Secondary College. 

-Behind Sebastopol Library, in Wilson's Lane

-The Queen Alexandra Bandstand, near the intersection of Dawson St. and Sturt St.

Grab yourself a coffee or a hot chocolate and go on a Pride Safari 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. 

  3 June - 27 June

TBH Studio, 57 Bridge Mall, Ballarat

An art exhibition that encourages the idea that art is for all. 

Momento Mori: Unleashed is an exhibition of images human anatomical and floral. Come and colour in the works on the wall yourself and leave your own mark on this exhibition! 

 Dates and location provided on booking

QHub Ballarat is open fortnightly on Thursday afternoons from 4pm to 5pm for LGBTIQA+ young people under 12 to drop in and hang out. Parents are welcome to stay. We have snacks, a Nintendo Switch, heaps of craft supplies, games, puzzles and comfy spaces to hang out and meet people.

Dates and location provided upon booking. QHub is a service provided by Drummond Street Services and CAFS

4 June
Piano Bar Ballarat, 31 Sturt St, Ballarat

Piano Bar Ballarat is proud to present a special Pride Month edition of our much-loved Drag Bingo, celebrating inclusion, community and local talent. Hosted by three of Ballarat’s leading performers — Gabriella Labucci, Daisy Chains and Alexis Spread — this event will showcase a vibrant mix of entertainment, connection and light-hearted fun.

Guests can expect six rounds of bingo, additional drag performances throughout the evening, and a selection of special prizes. With three headline performers, the night will offer an elevated experience, creating a welcoming and engaging environment for both first-time attendees and returning guests.

Doors will open at 6:00pm, with bingo commencing at 7:00pm and concluding at approximately 9:30pm, providing an accessible midweek event that encourages community participation in a safe and inclusive setting.

 5 June
Ballarat North Neighbourhood House, 7 Lydiard St S, Ballarat

A casual, community-created space for transgender, queer, and neurodivergent adults to connect and hang out. Bring along your own art and craft supplies, books, board games, video games, etc to work and play with others, or just have a chat. Free Wi-Fi and multiple television screens available to watch videos or play video games together. Basic drinks and snacks provided, feel free to BYO as well.

5, 12, 19 & 26 June
Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St N, Ballarat 

Little Figures, Long Shadows is an exhibition of 3D printed busts of historical LGBTIQA+ people with a connection to Ballarat. Some were born here, others were raised here, some worked here, and some found their final rest here.  

The exhibition busts were 3D printed in the Maker Space. Come to an AI CAD Modelling workshop during Pride Month and learn make your own. 

In this workshop, you’ll add a bust to the collection using AI CAD modelling tools to turn a photo into a 3D digital model. Bring along a digital photo of someone you think belongs in the Little Figures, Long Shadows collection.  

Participants do not need to complete a Maker Space Safety Induction to attend these workshops.   

Ages 15+ 

 5 June,
Shooters Pool Lounge, 502 Howitt Street North

Uncoordinated Queers are bringing back their Pride Month Pool Night! 

Cost is divided between players on the night, it's usually under $7.

Cash only! There is an atm on site if needed.

There’s a bar and pub type meals are available from the venue.

As always, everyone is welcome. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

 11 June
Tour leaves from Ballarat North Neighbourhood House, 7 Lydiard St S, Ballarat

Want to better express yourself, try a new look, or experiment with clothing in a safe space? Try this op-shopping bus tour of Ballarat for trans and gender-diverse adults of all thrifting experience levels! Learn how to find bargains, alter garments, and style yourself on a budget with the help of Benne from Aunty Banana's Lip Sync Lounge.

Ballarat's Rainbow Rack Op Shop will also be opening specially for us outside regular hours.

Event is free but tickets are extremely limited. Book now!

Presented by Ballarat North Neighbourhood House and supported by the City of Ballarat. 

 11 June
Southern Warriors Martial Arts Kyokushin Karate, Unit 7/901 Doveton St N, Ballarat North

Join headspace for a fun night learning practical self-defence skills in a supportive, inclusive environment. No experience needed. For trans and gender diverse young people and friends aged 12–25.

If you are under 18 a parents or guardian must fill out a consent form for you to attend this event.

This is a youth friendly event. No drugs, alcohol, violence or sexual content is permitted.

 12 June
The Crypt, 14 Camp St, Ballarat

Queer Cabaret offering performance art with a hint of the subversive and the political. Featuring burlesque, queerlesque, draglesque, boylesque  and neo-burlesque. Think satire, glamour, striptease, extravagant costumes, and comedic teasing.

The Crypt is the perfect "underground" location to hold this Pride Month event.

Tickets: $30

Doors open at 5pm for a 7pm start. 

This event has been cancelled

Join filmmaker Louise Lever as she screens her own film JOEY’S HEART and a beautiful collection of high quality LGBTQIA+ films from around the world.

13 June
Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St N, Ballarat

Breathe the Rainbow is a free, inclusive two-hour wellbeing experience created especially for Ballarat's LGBTQIA+ community as part of Ballarat Pride 2026.

Co-facilitated by Elaine Bowler — Reiki Master Teacher, Reiki Australia Board Director, and proud queer neurodiverse practitioner — and Selina of Sol Harmonics, this gentle, restorative event weaves together traditional Japanese Reiki mindfulness, Ki breathwork, and guided meditation with the deeply soothing resonance of live crystal singing bowls. Free Mindfulness Ebooklet PDF.

Held on Wadawurrung Country at Ballarat Library, this event offers a rare and nurturing space for rest, reflection, and genuine community connection — honouring the wholeness of every person who walks through the door, exactly as they are.

Free event. Bookings essential. Limited seats.

 13 June
Location provided on booking

QHub and Sonika are proud to present the 2026 Youth Pride Ball! This event will be a celebration of Pride for young people aged 12 to 18, with DJs, activities, snacks and performers. 

Fully accessible central location, within walking distance to bus stops and the Ballarat train station. Exact location will be provided upon booking.

There will also be a quiet space available. This is a fully supervised, drug, alcohol, smoke and vape free event.

Young people must register via the Humanitix link to attend. 

QHub is a service delivered by Drummond Street Services and CAFS. 

14 June

Gold Rush Mini Golf, 367 M8 Highway

Uncoordinated Queers' Pride Month events continue this weekend with some family fun playing indoor mini golf. 

Or if you’re game…outdoors.

As with all Uncoordinated Queers Events….absolutely no skill or talent necessary!

Cost : $18 Adult.   $16 Concession.   $54 Families (2x2)

Time : 12 pm Sunday 14th June 

Where : 9367 M8 Highway (on the way to Melbourne) Look for the big Miners statue.

No booking required, just turn up!

Snacks and drinks are available on site.

There is also a cafe at the Vintage Collectibles Market next door. 

( which is great to have a look at!)

 14 June
Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St N, Ballarat

Hey Ballarat book lovers! 

Join us in the Co-Lab space at the Ballarat library for the Rainbow Book Nook Social Book Club - a cozy and casual social book club to celebrate Ballarat Pride Month, in partnership with Ballarat Pride. Whether you're here to chat about your latest queer read or just to meet likeminded people, this is the place to be. Bring your favourite book, current read or just your lovely self and hang out!

Lots of Love,

Caity & Jilian

@Rainbow.Book.Nook

14 June
The Crypt, 14 Camp St, Ballarat

Ballarat Spoken Word is an open mic community event run by volunteers supporting local writers and spoken word artists. 

The "seed" word for this month is PRIDE.  

Come and join us for a wonderfully relaxed evening at The Crypt Ballarat whilst listening to some of our most talented locals.

All guests are welcome to perform.

Please note - bookings are essential! 

 16 June

20 June (cancelled) & 29 June (cancelled)

In 2021, the City of Ballarat worked with the community to develop its first four‑year LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan (2022–2026). As this plan comes to a close, we are creating the next plan for 2027–2031 and want to hear your ideas and experiences to help shape inclusive priorities for the future.

The previous plan can be found here: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/LGBTIQA%2B%20Inclusion%20Plan%202022%E2%80%932026_June2025.pdf

About the LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan

• We want your feedback to help shape our next LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan (2027–2031). This four‑year plan is about making Ballarat a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
• The plan focuses on creating a community where LGBTIQA+ people feel respected, supported, and able to belong and participate in everyday life.
• Over the next four years, the plan will guide Council’s work across buildings and public spaces, services, jobs, events, and programs.

17 June
Curry Star, 210 Dana St, Ballarat

Curry Star’s Rainbow Curry Night is Wednesday 17th of June.

To celebrate Pride Month we will have the buffet back!

Full menu available or if you choose the all you can eat buffet it’s $29.90 per person. 

We get to choose the curries in the buffet! But don’t worry our famous butter chicken will always be there!!! Fresh made naans made to order included in buffet.

More than anything, our Rainbow Curry Night is about inclusivity and joy. It invites people to gather, share, and celebrate diversity—on the plate and around the table—in a way that feels easy, welcoming, and full of warmth.

 8 June
Barkly Square Lecture Theatre, 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat East

Ageing With Pride - Navigating My Aged Care

Come join City of Ballarat Ageing Well Community Connectors in Collaboration with Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care and Elder Rights Australia for a factual information session about accessing Commonwealth funded services and My Aged Care.

This session has been tailored for older LGBTI+ residents

Topics covered will include

• A general overview of My Aged Care, funding levels and costs
• Rainbow Tick accreditation, Specialisation Verification Framework, and protections in the Aged Care Act and quality process
• How to navigate complaints and advocacy
• Q&A session

Follow up support is available from Community Connectors, Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care and Elder Rights for those needing further 1:1 navigation and support.