Big, bright, colourful program for Pride Month

BALLARAT is preparing to revel in every colour of the rainbow as Pride Month returns this June with around 40 wide-ranging and inclusive events on the program led by businesses and grassroots groups.

This Saturday’s Pride Month Market at Ballarat Mining Exchange, the Victorian Queens Film Screening and Panel Event at Palace Regent Cinemas this Sunday, Aunty Banana’s Lip Sync Workouts, and the chance to join Ballarat Roller Derby League for the Skating with Pride session at Doug Dean Stadium are just a handful of experiences on offer.

This Saturday evening’s Queer, Blak and Deadly at Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute offers a cabaret-style evening featuring some of Australia’s Queer First Nations artists on stage, followed by a dance after party.

The Pet Pride Community Photo Exhibition is returning to Ballarat Libraries by popular demand while later in the month the Drop-In Drag Farshun Show will see The Crypt transform into a celebration of drag, fashion and fun emceed by queer performer Aunty Banana.

Throughout June, there’s also free art workshops, the Youth Pride Ball, queer speed dating, live music, rainbow curry, health and wellbeing events, drag queen bingo and Ballarat Pride Yarnbombing.

Led by Ballarat North Neighbourhood House, community yarn installations and school workshops will bring the full spectrum of colour to the CBD, and when Pride Month wraps up, the knitted and crocheted pieces will be washed and stitched into blankets for cats at the Ballarat Animal Shelter.

Ballarat Pride Month is in its third year.

“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,” said City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves.

“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 aims to ensure LGBTIQA+ people are visible and represented in public with the city committed to promoting inclusivity.

Public consultation on the plan’s next iteration opens this month with the full program of Pride Month activities at ballaratpride.au/2026-pride-month