Eat & Drink

Get your calendar sorted with this list of events happening in the Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is renowned for its remarkable wine, but the region has also developed a reputation for its fabulous events. Check out our guide to what's on in the Hunter Valley.

Want to list your event in our Hunter Valley What's On guide? Click here.

JULY

Duck Sensations | Fridays in July
Gartelmann Wines is dedicating Fridays in July to duck, serving a seasonal dining experience celebrating one of winter's favourite ingredients alongside Hunter Valley wines. Cost: $175
Where: Gartelmann Wines, 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

Beyond the Pour Dinner | 10 Jul
Kick off Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival weekend with an evening of expertly matched food and wine at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. Enjoy a curated dining experience showcasing local flavours and regional wines.
Where: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival | 11 Jul
One-day festival featuring Hunter Valley wineries, breweries and distilleries, gourmet food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley.
Where: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

Mid Winter Fundraiser Exhibition | 11 Jul - 8 Aug
The Mid Winter Exhibition will feature a diverse selection of artworks, and visitors will have the opportunity to purchase unique pieces, with proceeds directly supporting the growth of our cultural initiatives and opportunities for arFree
Where: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, 198 - 202 Vincent St, Cessnock

Greyhound Adoption Day at Briar Ridge | 12 Jul
We’re excited to host Greyhounds As Pets for a special adoption day. With special adoption rates available on the day, your newest best friend could be waiting to meet you. 
Where: Briar Ridge Vineyard, 593 Mount View Rd, Mount View

Signal Box x Molly Morgan Wines | 23 Jul
Signal Box and Molly Morgan Wines come together for a special single-vineyard release dinner featuring a hosted wine tasting, seasonal menu and insights from Chief Winemaker Daniel Binet. Cost: $150
Where: Signal Box, Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Christmas in July at Entwine Food Hub | 24 & 25 Jul
Join us for a cosy winter evening of chef-led street food, Hunter Valley wines, live music and firepit vibes at Entwine Food Hub. Ou chefs are cooking up a special Christmas menu. Family and dog friendly.
Where: Calais Estate, 151 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

Opera in the Valley | 25 Jul
St Michael's Church proudly host world class opera singers Brad Cooper and Clarissa Spata for Opera in the Valley. Join us for an unforgettable experience of Winter arias in the beautiful historical St Michael's Church, Wollombi. Cost: $150 - $240 per person plus booking fee's
Where: St Michael's Church, 2887 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi

Stomp! Wines Winter Wine Down | 25 Jul
Stomp! Winter Wine Down is a relaxed, fireside gathering to ease you gently into a winter evening at Stomp Wines. A chilled-out pre-dinner session. Rug up, settle by the fire, sip Shiraz, listen to live music, enjoy savoury s'mores. Cost: $45
Where: Stomp! Wines, 504 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

Peek Into The Past | 26 Jul
Tocal Homestead brings history to life with vintage machinery, blacksmithing, sheep shearing, heritage clothing parades, bush games, farm animals and history talks. Time: 10am - 3pm. Cost: Info coming soon.
Where: Tocal Homestead, 957 Tocal Rd, Paterson

Markets & Exhibitions

Entwine Food Hub | Every Fri & Sat
Entwine Food Hub is a relaxed evening where chef-run food trailers serve elevated street food alongside Hunter Valley wines, drinks, live music and a laid-back vineyard atmosphere. Family and pets friendly. Cost: Free
Where: Entwine Food Hub @ Calais Estate, 151 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin

Pokolbin Market | Every Sunday
Set among the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin Market brings a lively yet relaxed atmosphere each week with stalls featuring local produce, handmade goods, art, jewellery, and gourmet treats. Expect fresh coffee, street food, and a great mix of artisan finds. Time: 8am - 2pm. Cost: Free
Where: 691 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

Handmade in the Hunter Markets | Every Saturday
A charming country market showcasing a curated selection of local makers and creators, with no two stalls the same. Browse unique handmade goods, gifts, and artisan products from across the region. Time: 9am - 2pm. Cost: Free
Where: Sobels Wines, 5 Halls Rd, Pokolbin

Fire Scars by Renae Saxby | Until 14 June
Photographer Renae Saxby explores trauma, grief, and renewal in this striking solo exhibition examining fire as both a destructive and regenerative force. Shot across Salisbury, NSW, and Arnhem Land, the works reflect personal healing and the power of nature. Cost: Free
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery 

Shapes of the Hunter | 2 May - 27 Jun
Shapes of the Hunter is a vibrant reflection of the region’s artistic talent and the creativity that continues to flourish within it. Cost: Free
Where: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, 198 - 202 Vincent St, Cessnock

Wollombi Market Days | 8 Jun & 5 Oct
Spend your long weekend exploring over 100 stalls filled with local produce, antiques, crafts, plants and country charm at the historic Wollombi Markets. Free entry.
Where: Wollombi Saleyards, 2978 Paynes Crossing Rd, Wollombi

AUGUST

Unforgettable with Nathan Foley | 7 Aug
Legends of the 50s & 60’s with Nathan Foley. Get ready to be taken back to the golden years of crooning, rock n roll and sweet soul music, with this unforgettable musical journey. From $40
Where: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, 198 - 202 Vincent St, Cessnock

Valley Estate Agents Charity Ball | 28 Aug
The Valley Estate Agents Charity Ball is back for an evening of celebration and fundraising. Timberlina will entertain, alongside a live charity auction featuring a range of prizes. Enjoy canapes and drinks on arrival before a two-course dinner and beverages. 6pm – 11pm. Tickets: $175* per person | $1,575* for a table of 10 | *Tickets incur an online booking fee
Where: Maitland Town Hall

SEPTEMBER

D'Vine Food and Wine Festival | 11 - 13 Sep
Weekend food and wine festival across Pokolbin’s Around Hermitage trail, featuring cellar door experiences, paired tastings, winery tours, street food, live music and family-friendly activities.
Where: Around Hermitage Wine and Food Trail, Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

Sweetwater Spring Luncheon | 19 Sep
Canapés and welcome drinks followed by a long lunch matched with Sweetwater Wines, hosted at Sweetwater Estate’s Gothic-style dining room setting. Time: 11:30am - 3:30pm. Cost: $289.
Where: Sweetwater Estate, Sweetwater Rd, Belford

OCTOBER

Hunter Valley Rodeo | 9 Oct
Stampede Series rodeo night featuring bull riding, bronc and barrel racing, plus food trucks, bars and family entertainment at Maitland Showground.
Where: Maitland Showground, Blomfield St, South Maitland

Maitland Riverlights | 10 Oct
Celebrate diversity through food, music, dance and interactive experiences. See Central Maitland transformed into a global village. Cost: Free
Where: The Levee Central, 396 High St, Mailtand

Red Hot Summer Tour | Sat 31 Oct
Australian Crawl reunites on stage for the first time in more than 40 years, joining Men At Work, Birds of Tokyo, Eskimo Joe, Boom Crash Opera, Vika & Linda, and Ella Hooper for one epic day of live Australian music in the Hunter Valley.
Where: Roche Estate, Broke Road, Pokolbin