2026 The Friends of Begonia Pathways Program

Stallholder Exhibitor Application

The Ballarat Begonia Festival is a cherished celebration of nature, creativity, and community, held every Labour Day long weekend in March. Nestled in the picturesque Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the festival welcomes tens of thousands of visitors over three lively days.  

Stallholders play a vital role in creating the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. From handmade horticultural crafts and boutique wares to all your local gardening goods, your stall adds colour, character, and connection to the experience. In 2025, over 60% of the 50,000 attendees explored the market precinct, making it a bustling hub of discovery and delight.  

In collaboration with Creative Ballarat, The Friends of Begonia Pathways Program is a new initiative designed to support the growth of Ballarat’s creative horticultural community.  

Together with Creative Ballarat, we are offering two complimentary market stall spaces at the Begonia Festival for emerging local creatives whose work has a strong connection to horticulture, plants, or botanical design.   

 This program provides:   

• Complementary market stall for the duration of the festival – equivalent value $818.18.  
• The opportunity to sell your products or showcase your work to thousands of visitors  
• Business development support on how to apply for future opportunities.  

Coverage under the council’s community liability policy – Equivalent value $33

EXHIBITOR TRADING HOURS

The Ballarat Begonia Festival 2026 will be open to the public from: 

• Saturday 7 March – 10:00am to 5:00pm 
• Sunday 8 March – 10:00am to 5:00pm
• Monday 9 March – 10:00am to 5:00pm 

All stallholders must be fully operational and open for trade during these hours. Early pack-down or late setup is not permitted during public trading times.  

ELIGIBILITY

• Must be a local Ballarat-based creative whose work is horticulture related (e.g. plant-based products, botanical art, garden design items, sustainable garden tools, etc.) 
• Must be an emerging creative or an early-stage business 
• Registered ABN/ACN. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Creativity and originality of work 
• Works should be market ready 
• Alignment with the horticultural focus of the Begonia Festival 
• Potential benefit of the opportunity to the applicant’s business development. 
• Marquee Area: 3m x 3m 
• Price: $0 (Complimentary)  
• Inclusions: Marquee, branded exhibitor signage, 1 trestle table, 2 x chairs 

Please read the 2026 Exhibitor Prospectus, then complete the below application.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Application close 31^st December 2025