Our Summer 2024 Events


SunGay Trivia
Feb
25

SunGay Trivia

Are you the queer with all the answers? Do you have a love for queer culture? Or do you just enjoy hanging out with friends in a relaxed pub environment?

If you answered yes to questions A, B, or C, then SunGay Trivia is for you! Meet us at The Mallow on Sunday 25 February for a fun afternoon with good food, good drinks, and good company.

Cost: $15

Accessibility info-

✅Good mobility access

✅Close parking

✅Accessible toilets in venue

✅Food and drink available

⚠️Limited sensory friendly spaces

⚠️Medium sound levels

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Uncoordinated Queers - Archery (Partner Event)
Feb
25

Uncoordinated Queers - Archery (Partner Event)

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Uncoordinated Queers welcomes you to an archery afternoon on Sunday 25th February from 12.30 at the Wendouree Archery Club.

The Archery Club is situated at the rear of the baseball fields at Prince of Wales Park, Gilles Street Nth, Lake Gardens. (behind BALC)

This event is a family friendly event. Closed toed shoes are compulsory at this venue. Bringing a cap and sunscreen is advised.

As always, everyone is welcome. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Cost: $15 ($10 children) Tickets on the door

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Real Tennis (Partner Event)
Feb
25

Real Tennis (Partner Event)

If you're interested in trying out a fun, interesting, and uncommon sport, then Real Tennis is for you.

Real tennis should not be confused with lawn tennis (the type of tennis you see at the Australian Open). It is a different game altogether. In fact lawn tennis originated from this sport!

Played indoors with handmade balls and wooden racquets; it is cerebral as well as physical - some liken it to the game of chess. The game is about 500 years old and there are 4 active courts in Australia and only 48 in the world (AUS, UK, France and USA).

It is a game for all ages, from 10 year olds to 80 year olds. Ballarat Tennis Club turns 40 next year and we would love you to explore and play this amazing, incredibly unique and addictive game with us. You’d be mad not to try it or even just see it in action.

Drop in to the club between 12-4pm on Sunday 25th of February to join us on court, or watch all the action from the dedans. Drinks and nibbles will be available for purchase on the day.

How to get there: Situated next to the Sanctuary Day Spa at the back of the Mercure Hotel Complex on Main Road or enter via 388 Larter Street, Canadian.

Cost: Free

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Frolic Queer Disco
Feb
24

Frolic Queer Disco

It's time to party!

Get ready to dance the night away at Trades Hall with DJ Gay Dad, a genre-bending, queer drag king DJ hailing from Melb/Naarm.

Bring your sparkles, sequins, ball gowns or just come as you are. See you on the dancefloor!

Cost: $15

Accessibility info-

✅Good mobility access

✅Close parking

✅Drinks available (and bar snacks)

⚠️Accessible toilets located nearby

⚠️Limited sensory friendly spaces

⛔Loud music and flashing lights

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Queer Film: But I'm a Cheerleader
Feb
24

Queer Film: But I'm a Cheerleader

Programmed by the amazingly good Terribly Good Cinema, "But I'm a Cheerleader" is a spirited comedy that follows the journey of cheerleader Megan, and a host of gay and lesbian characters with a perfect blend of humor and heart, and a fabulous cast including Natasha Lyonne, RuPaul, Clea DuVall, and Mink Stole.

As Megan navigates absurd attempts to suppress her true identity, the movie skillfully addresses the struggles faced by individuals in the LGBTIQA+ community. What makes it truly special is the way it uses its quirky characters and whimsical setting to shed light on the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one's true identity.

The film's palette is a burst of colors, mirroring the diversity of its characters and the LGBTIQA+ spectrum. It playfully dismantles stereotypes, creating a space for genuine self-exploration and empowerment. "But I'm a Cheerleader" isn't just a coming-of-age story; it's a celebration of queerness, resilience, and the triumph of authenticity. Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and uplifted by this joyous cinematic journey.

Cost: $15

Film Classification: M - Low level coarse language, low level sex scenes

Accessibility info-

✅Good mobility access

✅Close parking

✅Drinks and bar snacks available

⚠️Accessible toilets nearby venue

⚠️Limited sensory friendly spaces

⚠️Amplified music

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QHub Rainbow Story Time (Partner Event)
Feb
24

QHub Rainbow Story Time (Partner Event)

  • Alfred Deakin Place Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350 Australia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Step into a world of colour and imagination at Rainbow Story time!

Families, big and small, are invited to join Alex, Zerene and Lizzie from QHub Ballarat for an inclusive and interactive experience  on Saturday 24th February at 11am.

This enchanting session will weave tales that spark imagination, fun, and celebrate the beautiful spectrum of family life.  This event is a joyful experience for the whole family.  

BYO picnic blanket, parasol, picnic food and drinks to join the Summer Picnic afterwards.

Cost: Free

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The Frolic Summer Picnic
Feb
24

The Frolic Summer Picnic

  • Alfred Deakin Place Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350 Australia (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Ballarat Frolic Festival for the Frolic Summer Picnic on Saturday, 24th February, at the vibrant Alfred Deakin Place. This family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to soak up the summer sun while enjoying delicious picnic fare with friends. Feel the rhythm of the day as DJ Quality Time spins their fresh takes on familiar favourites. Whether you're keen to chill on a picnic blanket or groove to the music, there's something for everyone. A celebration of community, summer, and fantastic music—don't miss the ultimate summer gathering at the Frolic Summer Picnic!

BYO picnic blanket, parasol, picnic food and drinks.

Cost: Free

Accessibility info-

✅Good mobility access

✅Close parking

✅Accessible toilets at venue

⚠️ BYO Food and drink

⚠️Limited sensory friendly spaces

⚠️Amplified music

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The Nomads Urban Bushwalk (Partner Event)
Feb
24

The Nomads Urban Bushwalk (Partner Event)

Enjoy a walk with The Nomads Outdoors Group through beautiful Ballarat parks between Wendouree Station and central Ballarat, explore some fascinating Australian history, and join the Ballarat Frolic Festival Summer Picnic, not far from Ballarat Station.

This will be a moderate 10 km point-to-point walk with public transport connections at each end. The timing of the event will enable easy public transport access to and from Melbourne.

Starting from the Wendouree V/Line Station at 10am, we'll walk via the Botanic Gardens and Lake Wendouree to visit the Ballarat Old Cemetery, then some historic sites in Lydiard Street, before finishing up at the Frolic Festival picnic in Alfred Deakin Place between 12:30 and 1pm.

We advise you to dress for the weather and make sure to bring water, snacks, hat, sunscreen.

Cost: $10

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Frolic Cabaret
Feb
22

Frolic Cabaret

Always a crowd favourite, Frolic Cabaret is back! Join us at Piano Bar Ballarat for an unforgettable night of mischief and mayhem. This event always sells out, so get your tickets fast.

Join your host Ruby Slippers as well as a fabulous line up of local and out of town talent for a night you won’t forget!

Important Information:

  • The ticket price is $39 per person and is payable at time of booking.

  • Seating is allocated so please let Piano Bar know if you have multiple bookings wanting to sit together using the notes section when purchasing tickets.

  • Doors will open at 7pm.

  • The performance is scheduled to start between 7:30 and 8pm

  • The Piano Bar kitchen will be available from 7pm to 8:30pm the menu can be found at pianobar.com.au/ballarattapas

  • Tables will be held until 7:30pm at the latest.

Cost: $39

Accessibility info-

✅Good mobility access

✅Close parking

✅Accessible toilets in venue

✅Food and drink available

⚠️Limited sensory friendly spaces

⛔Loud music and flashing lights

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Frolic Art Show Opening Night
Feb
22

Frolic Art Show Opening Night

Join us at TBH Studio to kick off Ballarat Frolic Festival's Summer Frolic. You’ll be treated to artworks crafted by local creatives as well as snacks, beverages, and speeches to welcome you.

Make sure to vote in the People's Choice award, the winner of the cash prize will be announced on the night.

Cost: Free

Accessibility info-

✅ Dedicated sensory friendly session 4pm-5pm

✅Good mobility access

✅Food and drink available

⚠️Nearby parking

⚠️Accessible toilets located nearby

⚠️Medium noise levels

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Dear Queer: How to write a note to someone you love (Partner Event)
Feb
10

Dear Queer: How to write a note to someone you love (Partner Event)

Give heteronormative Hallmark the boot this V-Day and come join us for a workshop on how to Say The Things. 

This mixed-media workshop, facilitated by Sarah Hart, is about getting the words out of your head and onto a piece of paper that people will genuinely want to keep. We’ll be writing to those we care about (our lovers, our chosen/bio family, our friends, our neighbours, our favourite café, ourselves…). Then we’ll be making a note or card.

Expect a judgment-free space, some short writing exercises, a dab of print-making and/or collage and/or origami, mess, a side helping of mindfulness, a bit of emotion, and a lot of fun.

Bring: drink bottle, writing implement of choice

Registration: Essential! Spaces are limited

Cost: $20

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