This October, history, art, culture, music, and fiery flavours will ignite at the inaugural Food, Fire & Light Festival at Sovereign Hill. Running from 5pm to 10pm across two weekends—Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October, and Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October—this promises to be an unforgettable sensory experience.

Festivalgoers will be taken on a mesmerising journey through Sovereign Hill, where blazing visual displays and artistic creativity will light up the Ballarat night sky. Food, Fire & Light celebrates the vital role fire played on the goldfields, featuring gritty performances, unique light installations, flame-cooked cuisine, smoky cocktails, and fire-lit wonders.

This is Sovereign Hill like you've never seen it before.

As day fades into night, the festival will kick off with a Welcome to Country, honouring the region's First Nations history in the brand-new Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct. Here, visitors will be greeted with sculptural displays, captivating storytelling, and a fire burning from start to finish, all hosted by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

While kids are welcome, this event is crafted with adults in mind, offering a vibrant after-dark experience. Entry is from 5pm, with activations starting at 5:30pm. And Mamma says - Don’t forget—your festival ticket includes complimentary access to Sovereign Hill from 10am to 5pm on the day of your visit.

Bask in a mesmerising array of activities, including:
• Main Street Illuminations: Roving fire performers will entertain guests with a choreographed show to music.
• Shimmering Falls: Delight in waterfall pyrotechnics cascading from the iconic Poppet Head gantry and explore the mine blacksmith's working display.
• The Victorian Silhouette: Step into a silent cinema at the Victoria Theatre with exclusive film content.
• Bowls and Brews: No longer just for kids, the bowling alley will transform into an adult arcade.
• Gold Pour: Enjoy a captivating gold pour experience and sip on gin cocktails speckled with gold.
• Industrial Sparks and Spirits: Peek into the fire-driven industrial practices of the 1850s with hot tyring demonstrations and smoky drinks from a whisky bar.