The Ballarat Begonia Festival will make a flourishing return next year over the Labour Day long weekend, Saturday 9 to Monday 11 March 2024.
The Ballarat Begonia Festival is gearing up to celebrate the city’s rich horticultural heritage with a blooming lineup of demonstrations and talks led by celebrity presenters and industry experts.
Taking place over the March long weekend, the 2024 edition promises to be a huge three-day botanical celebration and floral fiesta, featuring renowned personalities like Paul West from River Cottage Australia, sustainable gardener Hannah Moloney of Gardening Australia fame, MasterChef Australia alumni Courtney Roulston, and horticulture/begonia expert Jerry Coleby-Williams.
Ballarat Begonia Festival 2024
- When: Saturday, 9 to Monday, 11 March 2024
- Time: 10 am to 5 pm
- Where: Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Ballarat
- Price: Free entry, with food, drink, wares, and experiences available for purchase
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
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The festival will showcase a signature collection of rare begonias, bringing the Conservatory display back into the limelight. This year, the display pays homage to the redevelopment of the Ballarat Fernery, one of Australia’s oldest ferneries, set to open just in time for the festival. Visitors can anticipate an exciting display inspired by the spiral shapes of fern fronds.
Weekend Activities: Blooms, Parades, and More!
- Begonia Parade: The 2024 Power FM Begonia Parade is set to dazzle on Monday, March 11th, featuring over 30 community groups, schools, and local businesses in a vibrant procession along Wendouree Parade.
- Begonia Letters: In the heart of Ballarat CBD, the iconic begonia letters will showcase the work of Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and artist Billy O’Toole.
- Family Entertainment: For the aspiring green thumbs, the festival offers kids’ activities including a giant maze, live butterfly tent, bug exploration zone, arts and crafts, Integra Tiny Town (featuring mini cubbies for families to self-explore), and face painters.
- Roving Entertainment: Bright and beautiful bees, butterflies, and ladybugs on stilts will roam the Ballarat Botanical Gardens throughout the festival, ready for photo ops.
- Markets: Explore the market stalls featuring an assortment of plants, flowers, and garden-related gifts.
- Food and Drink: Dive into Ballarat’s culinary scene with local beers, wines, and spirits available at the Begonia Bar, along with two precincts hosting food trucks.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just looking for a blooming good time, this festival has something for everyone.
Visit ballaratbegoniafestival.com for updates and stay tuned for the full event program announcement in February 2024.
