Melbourne International Comedy Festival | Outta Town – Ballarat

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

We’re packing our bags and hitting the road for some weekend getaways! Be a part of the fun as we roll into regional Victoria with some of Australia’s funniest comedians for a series of outta town trips. Featuring some of Australia’s most exciting comedians including Dilruk Jayasinha, star of Celebrity Masterchef and ABC TV’s Utopia, Alex Ward, regular guest on Have You […]

$25 – $29

David Quirk – Astonishing Obscurity

BMI - Minerva Space 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC

Melbourne International Comedy Festival proudly presents: David Quirk - Astonishing Obscurity Nominee: 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award for Most Outstanding Show  A truth. A lie. A vendetta. Obsession. Stalking. Inbreeding. Art. My brilliant football brother. My Christmas Island sister and an actual Prince lip sync dance thing that sent my career careering. DQ neva […]

$25 – $30

Joe Avati | 25 Live – Have Some Respect Tour

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

The comedian touted as Australia’s answer to Seinfeld is back with a brand new show for 2022 – and with most of us needing a good laugh after the events of the last two years, his tour will be just the ticket. After surviving the world’s longest lockdown in Melbourne, Joe is bursting with new […]

$49.50

LaNCE TV – Live in Concert with Motor City Sounds

BMI - Minerva Space 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC

We are excited to bring you a much anticipated live event. Join us in the beautiful Minerva Space at the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute, for a night of pure entertainment and cheesy disco classics with Ballarat's most notorious television duo Lance DeBoyle and Gabriella Labucci. This event will be broadcast live to community television station C31 […]

$40 – $50

Class Clowns | Ballarat Heat

BMI - Minerva Space 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC

Class Clowns aims to inspire, engage and elevate teens aged 14-18 who are hoping to flex their funny bone and get into comedy. All you need is 3-5 minutes of original comedy material of any genre. Stand-up, sketch, narrative, solo, group, musical, physical – all are welcomed. Heats are held around the country and comprise a […]

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow | Ballarat

BMI - Minerva Space 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC

Grab a mate, grab a date... grab a ticket to the Roadshow! Australia’s biggest and best comedy festival is hitting the road for a huge 25th year! Featuring the best and brightest of the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re bringing the funny to you! Get ready for a stellar line-up with Roadshow favourites alongside the […]

$40 – $45

Silent Film with Live Band | Buster Keaton in ‘The General’

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Buster Keaton in The General. Silent film with Live Band. Join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment as we take you back to the golden era of cinema with a silent film screening of The General, starring the legendary Buster Keaton. The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute will provide the perfect backdrop for this special event. You'll be […]

$15

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing