Ballarat Pride Month Returns for 2026

Ballarat will come alive with colour and celebration as Pride Month returns this June. 

Now in its third year, Ballarat Pride Month celebrates the city’s vibrant LGBTIQA+ community with a varied program of more than 35 inclusive events and activities hosted by local businesses and community groups. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves, joined local performers and event organisers this week to officially launch the 2026 Ballarat Pride Month program.

“We have a thriving LGBTIQA+ community in Ballarat, and Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and ensure people feel celebrated, safe and supported to express themselves," she said. 

“This year’s program builds on the success of previous Pride Month events and offers something for everyone. There’s an exciting mix of exhibitions, social events and performances led by the community, with many activities that are free or low cost.” 

Pride Month is observed globally throughout June, recognising the movement for LGBTIQA+ rights and celebrating LGBTIQA+ culture, history and visibility. 

The City of Ballarat LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan 2022-2026 has a priority of ensuring LGBTIQA+ people are visible and represented in public spaces, and the City of Ballarat commits to hosting celebrations of LGBTIQA+ days of significance and attracting events that highlight and promote inclusivity. Community consultation on the next iteration of the plan will open in June. 

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves joins 2026 Pride Month organisers at the Palace Regent Cinemas Ballarat, where a free film screening of Victorian Queens will take place on Sunday 7 June.  

Pride Month Program Highlights include: 

Ballarat Pride Yarnbombing – On display throughout June  

Led by Ballarat North Neighbourhood House, colourful yarn installations created through community and school workshops will brighten the Ballarat CBD throughout June. Following Pride Month, the knitted and crocheted pieces will be washed and stitched into blankets for cats at the Ballarat Animal Shelter. 

Little Figures, Long Shadows: LGBTIQA+ people from Ballarat's history – On display throughout June  

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 at the Ballarat Library brings together 10 LGBTIQA+ people from Ballarat’s history in small sculptural form.  

Aunty Banana's Lip Sync Workouts – 2, 9, 16 and 23 June 

Join Ballarat based queer performer Aunty Banana to unleash your inner superstar at these fun Lip Sync Workouts. This activity is accessible to people aged 16 and over of all mobilities and abilities. 

Ballarat Pride Month Market – 6 June  

The highly anticipated Ballarat Pride Month Market returns on Saturday 6 June at the Ballarat Mining Exchange. The market is free to attend, featuring dozens of stallholders offering art, crafts, retail products, food and community information.

Printing for Pride – 7 June  

Hosted by local artist Jessica Schroeter, this printmaking workshop introduces participants to creating custom linocut stamps. 

Victorian Queens Film Screening and Panel Event at the Palace Regent Cinemas – 7 June 

Victorian Queens is a documentary exploring Victoria’s unique drag community through four intimate and distinct portraits. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with co‑director Joseph Gardener. This free screening is supported by the City of Ballarat. 

Skating with Pride – 20 June  

Join the Ballarat Roller Derby League for a fun and inclusive skating session at Doug Dean Stadium. Wear your best rainbow outfit and experience the joy of skating. Skates and protective gear are available at no additional cost, with participants also welcome to bring their own skates. 

Drop-In Drag Farshun Show – 28 June  

Ballarat venue The Crypt will transform into a celebration of drag, 'farshun’ and fun at this lively event, emceed by queer performer Aunty Banana. 

Pet Pride Community Photo Exhibition – On display throughout June 

Back by popular demand, the Pet Pride Community Photo Exhibition returns to Ballarat Libraries in 2026. This event is held in partnership with Ballarat Community Health. 

To view the full Ballarat Pride Month program and access booking links, visit: ballaratpride.au/2026-pride-month