Festival Favourites
Autumn Festival 2026 promises to be the best ever, with a central stage for entertainment, more artisanal market stalls, and plenty of seating and shade in the food court. Throw in the Festival’s traditional favourites like the Grand Parade, amazing food options, the Animal Nursery, Vintage Cars and tonnes of activities for the kids, and you’ve got a cracking day out for the whole family.
COMMUNITY BANK BALLAN Grand Parade
Every year the Grand Parade is a highlight of the Ballan Autumn Festival and we’d love to see you become a part of it in 2026.
There’s no specific theme for the 2026 Festival. This year we’re celebrating ‘who we are’ as a community: the people, places, culture and history, environment, and our autumn colours.
Don’t miss the Grand Parade, kicking off at 10.30am on Festival Day.
The Pet Show
The Pet Competition is one of the most loved events at the Ballan Autumn Festival every year.
It’s a lighthearted way to celebrate the contribution our pets make in our lives. Don’t miss the judging when the pets take to the Main Stage on Festival Day. Note: Past entrants have included a stick insect!
If you’re interested in entering your pet, you can do so online in advance, or simply register on the day from 12.30pm next to the Main Stage. Pet Show starts at 1.45pm!
Vintage Cars and Machinery
Rev heads: heads up! Perennially popular at the Ballan Autumn Festival are the vintage cars and machinery.
And we’ll have some amazing examples of automotive excellence on show again this year when Festival Day comes around on Sunday 15 March.
Vintage vehicles and machinery will be shown off in the Grand Parade, before parking so you can get up close and personal at the north end of Fisken Street.
Market Stalls
Autumn Festival 2026 will have more than 100 market stalls, with a focus on handmade and artisanal wares.
Stall spaces are now full and we will have a great variety to choose from.
Applications are now closed for 2026
fun for kids
The 2026 Ballan Autumn Festival will have a range of free and paid activities for kids and families.
Including:
Petting Zoo (free)- Sponsored by Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce
Silent Disco & Giant Games in McLean Reserve (free) - Sponsored by Mayfield Early Education
Giant Footpath Chalk Drawing (free) - Sponsored by Wombat Regional Arts Network Inc.
Activities in the New Library (free)
Pony Rides with Little Riders Pony Parties (paid activity)
‘Be a Tow Truck Driver’ Photo Opportunities (Gold coin donation to RCH) & Free Show bags and raffle at Springfields Garage
Face Painting - An artist will be at each end of the festival zone (paid activity)
Scavenger Hunt presented by Cartier World Travel (entry box outside there office- free)
Colouring Competition/Activity by T and K Support Services (free)
