Ballarat Begonia Festival

BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL TO MAKE A

'FERN-TASTIC' RETURN NEXT YEAR

Saturday 9 - Monday 11 March

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 three-day event will take place in the iconic Ballarat Botanical Gardens, celebrating the city's rich horticulture heritage and boasting a line-up of demonstrations and talks led by a roster of celebrity presenters and industry experts including:

• Paul West – River Cottage Australia host
• Hannah Moloney – sustainable gardener and Gardening Australia presenter
• Courtney Roulston – MasterChef Australia alumni
• Jerry Coleby-Williams – horticulture/begonia expert

Showcasing a signature collection of rare begonias, the Conservatory display will return, this year playing homage to the redevelopment of the Ballarat Fernery – one of Australia's oldest ferneries – that is set to open in time for the festival. Visitors can expect to see an exciting display inspired by the spiral shapes of fern fronds.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

• Begonia Parade: The 2024 Power FM Begonia Parade will take place on Monday 11 March with over 30 community groups, schools and local businesses taking part in a vibrant procession along Wendouree Parade.

●      Begonia letters: Situated in the Ballarat CBD, next year's big begonia letters will feature the work of Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and artist Billy O'Toole.

●      Family entertainment: For the aspiring green thumbs, there will be kids' activities including a giant maze, live butterfly tent and 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 be roaming the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Running throughout the whole festival, catch a photo with one of the spectacular creatures. 

●      Markets: Browse offerings market stall holders, featuring an assortment of plants, flowers and garden-related gifts.

●      Food and drink: Discover Ballarat's rich culinary scene with an assortment of local beers, wines and spirits available at the Begonia Bar as well as two precincts with food trucks. 

FAST FACTS: BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL 2024

●      When: Saturday 9 to Monday 11 March 2024

●      Time: 10am to 5pm

●      Where: Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Ballarat

●      Price: Free entry with food, drink, wares and experiences available to purchase

●      More info: ballaratbegoniafestival.com