09/02/2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Italy, 1954, b/w, 94 min. Directed by Federico Fellini Fellini Classic Neo-Realism Starring Giulietta Masina, Anthony Quinn and Richard Basehart, and produced by Dino De Laurentiis and Carlo Ponti, La Strada was Fellini’s 4th film and ensured his international reputation. Told in a fabulist style with a focus on love and jealousies, it is set…
24/02/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 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…
09/03/2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Ireland/UK/Canada, 2015, 112 min. Directed by John Crowley Nostalgic Irish Émigré Romance Receiving a standing ovation at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and faithfully adapted from the novel by Colm Toibin, Brooklyn tells the story of Eilis (Saoirse Ronan), a young woman from Enniscorthy, County Wexford who finds herself in the new world of…
31/03/2023 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm A relaxed session of writing poetry as personal catharsis. Let your feelings flow onto the page with a series of writing prompts and the gift of time to write, with the option to share your poetic works out loud in a safe, facilitated space. Confirmation This FREE event is being run by Ballarat Libraries Get…
13/04/2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm France, 2021, 116 min. Directed by Claire Denis Scorching Love Triangle Drama Celebrated veteran film director, Claire Denis developed and shot this film during different stages of Covid-19 lockdowns in France (as is reflected in some of the outdoor scenes). Juliette Binoche and Vincent Lindon play an apparently happy couple whose relationship is unsettled when…
30/04/2023 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm $40 – $45 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…
18/05/2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Iran, 2021, 127 min. Directed by Asghar Farhadi Modern Iranian Morality Tale Note - this is the 3rd, not the 2nd, Thursday in May. The AGM will commence at 7.00 pm, followed by the film at 7.30 A-lister auteur Farhadi sets his latest film in the Iranian city of Shiraz. Ramin (Amir Jadidi) is in…
20/05/2023 @ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Welcome to the 7th Annual Victorian Pinup Pageant. Held during the Ballarat Heritage Week. @12pm The Victorian Pinup Pageant (segment of the Australian Pinup Pageant) is a celebration of Pinups in a performance-based presentation where entrants can achieve their personal best. Open to Novice & Experienced competitors. ALL categories are Gender Neutral. The Pageant promotes…
08/06/2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm USA, 2021, 92 min. Directed by Michael Sarnoski Indi Revenge Drama The centre of this film is a subtle and nuanced performance from Nicolas Cage, playing a truffle hunter living alone in the Oregonian wilderness with his foraging pig, who must confront his past when he goes to the city in search of his pig…
02/07/2023 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free ENTRY | GENRE: FOLK / SPOKEN WORDThis is a celebration of local talent in music and poetry, showcasing the vibrant artistic community of our city. Featuring Cassells (Band) and Poets - Jazz Giuliani, Michael Heald and Nathan Curnow.This is a free event in the Heritage Reading Room More About Cassells Live Music Festival Meet the…
13/07/2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Australia, 2022, 95 min. Directed by Bill Code Indigenous Australian Documentary This film by former Guardian and Al Jazeera journalist Bill Code takes us to a corner of Victoria which is a place of great beauty, environmental significance, and rare archaeological wonder. As the clock ticks, an unlikely partnership forms that could see positive cultural…
22/07/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm $45 In these uncertain times, you need a voice you can trust. Someone who’s travelled the world and knows how to fix it. Courage. Integrity. Other stuff. Vote 1 Randy Feltface. Randy Feltface has spent the past eighteen years carving out a unique niche on the international comedy circuit. He was nominated for best comedy at…
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
