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Ballarat's Arts Scene Thrives During Major Gallery Renovation in 2026
While the city’s major gallery undergoes a total refurbishment, an influx of festivals and live touring acts keeps the arts scene active throughout 2026.
How we reported this
Ballarat’s arts and entertainment sector is entering a period of significant transition as the city balances long-term infrastructure investment with a dense schedule of performance and film programming. With the Art Gallery of Ballarat closed for extensive building upgrades since March 2025, the local creative community has pivoted to new outlets, most notably the Backspace Gallery on Mair Street, which continues to host exhibitions during the gallery's hiatus.
New Venues and Established Hubs
The city's performing arts sector remains anchored by the Ballarat Performing Arts Community (BPAC). Formed in 2023, the organization serves as the primary manager for the Ballarat Performing Arts Centre on Neill Street, acting as a critical venue and hub for local talent. Beyond the center, the city continues to rely on legacy institutions to meet the demand for live shows. Her Majesty’s Theatre, which opened in 1875, remains a cornerstone of the scene, typically welcoming approximately 75,000 patrons and 15,000 performers annually, while the 857-seat Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts provides an alternative space with its distinctive 'open round' design.
These venues are crucial for the current slate of entertainment, with over 56 concerts and festivals already scheduled across the city. The touring circuit remains active, with artists such as NORTHLANE and Pete Murray included in the upcoming roster of performances at facilities like Her Majesty's Theatre and the Wendouree Centre.
Festivals and Community Programming
The second half of 2026 brings a high density of events to the region. The Melbourne International Film Festival is scheduled to run from August 22-24, followed by the Ballarat Blues Festival on August 24. Meanwhile, the visual arts focus remains on the 11th Ballarat International Foto Biennale, which is slated to close on October 19, 2025. These events form part of a broader cultural calendar that earned Ballarat its 2019 designation as a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art.
For those looking toward the warmer months, the City of Ballarat provides a free summer program. This initiative includes the popular Summer Sundays concert series held at the Botanical Gardens and the Australia Day Picnic in Victoria Park. Residents and visitors interested in local performance schedules should consult the Visit Ballarat official event listings or the BPAC website for updates on venue availability and upcoming ticket releases as the seasonal programming shifts into the later months of the year.