April 12 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm $20 – $45 Brian Chapman & Friends A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets April 12 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm $20 – $45 Humffray Room Brian Chapman & Friends Pianist Brian Chapman will be joined by violinist Susan Pierotti, violist Katharine Brockman and cellist Rosanne Hunt. The Program. Mozart: Quartet in G minor. K.478 Beethoven: Quartet in…
May 9 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am $35 Minerva Space Get Tickets The ultimate live gig experience for young families. Adult friendly kids music played live on stage by real musicians? We got you!! The ABC Kids TV favourites and ARIA winners will entertain the whole family with the most wholesome live gig there is. Funny stuff for parents, heaps of engagement for…
June 21 @ 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm $10 Program Premier Pianoforte event The Margaret Schofield - Celebrating Chopin Competition Experience the power, poetry, and passion of Chopin like never before at Celebrating Chopin—a national competition bringing together the finest young pianists from across Australia. Each performer presents a carefully crafted Chopin program, showcasing brilliance, individuality, and deep musical interpretation, all in pursuit of the…
June 27 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm $10 Program Vocal Championship Challenge The Vocal Championship Challenge is a dynamic showcase of Australia’s most promising emerging singers, each stepping onto the stage to prove their versatility and artistry. Performers present two contrasting works—one classical and one from stage and screen—demonstrating the range, adaptability, and storytelling power essential for today’s professional performers. With a $500 top prize…
June 29 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm $10 Program Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final 2025 Herald Sun Aria semi-finals Ballarat. Semi Finalists Breanna Stuart, James Young, Livia Brash, Jake Bigwood, Molly Ryan and Bailey Montgomerie. Picture: David Caird The Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final brings together 12 of the finest emerging operatic voices in Australia, each competing for a coveted place in the top six and a…
July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 9:15 pm $49 – $59 Get Tickets "Joscho Stephan is the future of Gypsy Jazz guitar. He has absorbed the music of Django Reinhardt and interpreted it on his own terms." — Acoustic Guitar Magazine "He plays with the clarity of a classical guitarist, the improvisation of a jazz musician, and the fire of a rock star." — Guitar Player Hailed as…
July 5 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm $25 – $50 Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute Get Tickets The international guitar sensation brings his groundbreaking stage show to Australian shores for the very first time! Hailed as “the future of guitar” (Total Guitar), Misko is a globally renowned virtuoso known for his jaw-dropping technique, emotional depth, and genre-defying style. Fusing classical precision with elements of jazz, rock, and modern fingerstyle,…
July 14 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm $25 – $49 Get Tickets Film Screening with the soundtrack performed live by the Grigoryan Brothers, followed by a Q & A with the film’s writer/director Cameron Nugent. Acclaimed guitarists Slava & Leonard Grigoryan have expanded their creative output by crafting and recording the soundtrack to the award-winning movie A Boy Called Sailboat. This heart-warming movie, written and…
August 24 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Free – $5 – $5 Get Tickets Stage Ready - Industry Conversations: Crew PerspectiveWhat is it really like to work behind the scenes in Ballarat's live events industry? Behind the scenes magic — crew members prepare the stage for an upcoming production in this historic theatre space. Join Stage Ready for an open conversation with local technical crew,…
October 9 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm $40 – $49 Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute Get Tickets Telegraph Road — The Dire Straits Legacy. A celebration of the legendary British rock band known for their clean guitar tone, understated style, and poetic storytelling. "Matt Arthur, an expressive vocalist and blues guitarist from Central West NSW, leads The Lazybones—a five-piece group drawing on decades of musical experience. Following…
October 10 @ 2:15 pm - 4:15 pm $33.00 Doors open 1.45pm | 2.15pm show-time Get Tickets Royal Australian Navy 125th Anniversary Concert Fundraising event for Ballarat RSL and Ballarat Mechanics' Institute The Royal Australian Navy Band at HMAS Cerberus. Victoria Royal Australian Navy Wind Band The RAN Wind Band performs a wide variety of musical styles from traditional military marches and classical symphonic…
Trivia Night Fundraiser
26 August Doors open 6.45pm | Tickets also available at the door
$25 per person | $20 BMI members
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.
