begonia festival, ballarat
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Mamma’s favourite free family event, the Ballarat Begonia Festival, returns to the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens this March and the stars of the show are not just the beautiful bloomin' begonia but a whole program of colour, food, music and activities.
The event is in the divine Ballarat Botanical Gardens and is much more than a horticultural affair. The city of Ballarat sure knows how to put on a show, here are just a few of the free activities on offer:
Family Fun Program Highlights for 2026
Integra Tiny Town
Integra Tiny Town is for the young and young at heart. Featuring six mini cubbies for families to self-explore, Integra Tiny Town provides a play-based environment encouraging role-play, community engagement and lots of fun! There will be a few hidden surprises to keep the kids entertained.
The Vegetable Plot
Beloved Aussie kids band The Vegetable Plot first sprouted at the 2014 Sydney Fringe, winning the award for Best Children’s Show.
Polyglot Theatre’s Bees
Bees is a joyful, interactive work in which children are welcomed into a world of community, communication, wonder, and imagination.
Explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity, as three human-sized Bees busy themselves in the creation of a community alongside children who transform into bees as they play. The bees are fascinating, strange and beautiful, traversing invisible pathways and mapping delicate patterns across the performance space.
Sustainable Garden Display
See the Circular Garden displays created by local gardeners, apprentices and designers. Inspired by reuse, regeneration and sustainable design, these creative, eco-friendly displays celebrate the region's horticultural talent!
Begonia Display at Ballarat Begonia Festival
Immerse yourself in the romantic ambiance of the begonia display at the Robert Clark Conservatory, featuring thousands of beautiful begonias, including more than 500 rare and unique varieties, complemented by fragrant lavender and lush greenery.
Garden of Giggles
Enjoy a series of free puppet and comedy shows, roving entertainment, and interactive workshops designed to delight families.
Gardeners Market
Discover a treasure trove of plants, flowers, and garden gifts from a large lineup of market stall holders, including begonia plant sales.
These workshops and displays provide festival-goers with opportunities to learn, engage, and immerse themselves in the beauty and sustainability of gardening.
The Begonia Festival has music, markets, foodie displays, gardening displays, parades and some of the yummiest food on offer! This is always a highlight over the long weekend in March and a must do for families!
Mamma's special mention: get there nice and early to get your bearings as this festival is large and spread right through the Botanical Gardens.
It is super pram friendly, you can bring your own food and enter at ANY of the gates .
