ABC host Alice Zaslavsky to headline Sovereign Hill's Heritage Harvest Weekend, 23-24 May

SOVEREIGN Hill’s much-loved Heritage Harvest Weekend returns 23-24 May, 2026 with a star-studded culinary line-up, led by acclaimed cook, author, and broadcaster Alice Zaslavsky making her debut appearance.

A cooking demo from crowd favourite Tim Bone and Herald Sun Food & Wine editor Kara Monssen. Photo: Sovereign Hill

“I’ve been hearing about Heritage Harvest Weekend for years and feeling serious FOMO, so I jumped at the chance to be part of it,” said Zaslavsky.

“I love how it brings together producers, makers and chefs to create something truly special in one iconic location. It’s all about inspiration, connection and getting people excited to celebrate the harvest and cook!”

Zaslavsky said her approach to food, grounded in seasonality, creativity and inclusivity, aligns naturally with the spirit of the weekend.

Stalls will showcase regional produce and artisan goods. Photo: Sovereign Hill

“Getting back to basics, using what’s in season, and getting your hands in the dough or the soil, that’s where the magic is. I hope visitors walk away feeling inspired to be more playful and confident in the kitchen.”

Joining Alice is crowd favourite Tim Bone, returning for his fourth Heritage Harvest Weekend, with Herald Sun Food & Wine editor Kara Monssen moderating a series of lively cooking demonstrations. Rounding out the special guest line-up are Sovereign Hill’s own head chef Simon Hardie and chef teacher Cat Clarke, completing the mix of national talent and local experts.

A full program of Sovereign Hill experiences is included in the Heritage Harvest Weekend entry ticket. Photo: Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill interim CEO Katrina Nitschke said Heritage Harvest Weekend reflects the museum’s commitment to bringing history to life through shared, sensory experiences.

“Heritage Harvest Weekend is a celebration of the past, served up for modern tastes. In the gold rush, strangers became communities, gathering around shared meals, trading stories, skills and the flavours of home.

“Today, we honour those traditions by celebrating autumn’s harvest and knowledge handed down through generations, while creating new moments of connection for our visitors. It’s a chance to experience history in a way that’s vibrant, hands-on, and deeply relevant.”

A vibrant Harvest Market Village will feature more than 20 stallholders. Photo: Sovereign Hill

Returning chef Tim Bone said he was thrilled to be back for a fourth year.

“There’s something really special about Heritage Harvest Weekend — the energy, the people, the produce. Every year it feels bigger and more inspiring. I love being part of an event that celebrates both tradition and creativity in such a hands-on way.”

Set against the historic streets of Sovereign Hill, visitors can experience:

• Live cooking demonstrations with Alice Zaslavsky, Tim Bone, Cat Clarke, and Simon Hardie moderated by Kara Monssen with audience Q&A.

The Little Explorers Zone has dedicated kids’ activities. Photo: Sovereign Hill

• A vibrant Harvest Market Village featuring more than 20 stallholders showcasing regional produce and artisan goods.

• Hands-on fun for young visitors in the Little Explorers Zone, with dedicated kids’ activities to inspire the next generation of chefs and producers.

• A full program of Sovereign Hill experiences – all included in the Heritage Harvest Weekend entry ticket, ensuring visitors can experience a full weekend. Heritage Harvest Weekend is presented as part of the City of Ballarat’s Heritage Festival (21–24 May). The City of Ballarat is a major event partner of Sovereign Hill.

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Where: Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350