The gigs and experiences to plan your next Hunter Valley getaway around
Each year the Hunter Valley hosts some fantastic wine and food festivals, concerts and experiences. Check out the below annual events when planning your next Hunter Valley adventure. There’s something for everyone.
Wine Machine | 14 Mar 2020
An adults only winery concert event at Roche Estate in Pokolbin, Wine Machine hosts a stellar line-up of musical talent and this year is no different. Featuring The Jungle Giants, The Naked & Famous, Hot Dub Time Machine, Regard, Bag Raiders Live, Young Franco, Alice Ivy, Don West and more. There’ll be quality farmers markets catered by local chefs, vintage activities, bohemian comforts and of course, wine.
This is a ticketed event. For more info click here
Cessnock Stomp Festival | 5 Apr 2020
The Festival that encourages you to kick off your shoes and literally get amongst the grapes. Now in its 5th year, STOMP brings together local wineries and food producers in the main street of Cessnock (the gateway to Wine Country) for some good old-fashioned wine stomping fun.
This is a ticketed event. For more info click here
Gumball Music Festival | 24-26 Apr 2020
An all-ages event, the Gumball Music Festival really is, as the name suggests, a music-lovers paradise. The Festival, which takes place in April in the bushy utopia of Belford in the Hunter Valley, brings together a sublime line-up of musos and artists.
This is a ticketed event. For more info click here
A Little Bit of Italy in Broke | 1-3 May 2020
Taking place in the picturesque, rural wine region of Broke Fordwich is the ‘A Little Bit of Italy’ Festival which invites visitors to enjoy Italian hospitality and some delightful Italian themed food and wine experiences. Think tours of olives groves and wineries, cooking demonstrations, long lunches, picnics and live music.
For more info click here
Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival | May & Jun 2020
The vines may be dormant at this time of year, but as Winter approaches, Wine Country comes to life to celebrate Hunter Valley wine and food. Held in May and June each year, the Festival sees the regions producers put on some fantastic epicurean events including long lunches, wine masterclasses, wine and food matching events, meet the winemaker dinners and gourmet cooking experiences. Not to be missed is the ‘Burning of the Barrell’ evening at Glandore Estate Wines.
For more info click here
Lovedale Long Lunch | 16 & 17 May 2020
A long-held favourite on the Hunter events calendar is the Lovedale Long Lunch. Showcasing the best Lovedale has to offer, the progressive lunch sees local Hunter chefs teaming up with seven host wineries to provide a weekend of foodie fun and entertainment.
This is a ticketed event. For more info click here
Cheese & Chocolate Festival | 11 & 12 Jul 2020
Held annually at Hope Estate in Pokolbin, the Hunter Valley Cheese & Chocolate Festival showcases the best of sweet and savoury and everything in between. Featuring markets, local produce, demonstrations, live entertainment and of course, copious amounts of cheese and chocolate to try, the Festival is definitely one to mark on the calendar.
This is a ticketed event. For more info click here
Beer & BBQ Festival | 8 & 9 Aug 2020
One for the ale and meat lovers out there, the Beer & BBQ Festival at Hope Estate brings together the best BBQ fare, craft beer and cider around. In addition to some serious BBQ business - sanctioned rounds of the Steak Cookoff and Australasian BBQ Alliance Championship – the Festival offers beer tastings and masterclasses, live music and a host of food vendors.
This is a ticketed event. For more info click here
End 2 End Festival | 19 Sep 2020
A day of wine, food and music in the hub of Wine Country. Hosted at four venues in Pokolbin The End 2 End Festival features 20 wineries making it a great way to experience some of the best Pokolbin region has to offer in one-day. And the best bit, they have shuttle buses running a continuous loop between each venue so you can hop-on and hop-off as you please.
This is a ticketed event. For more info, click here
Dashville Skyline | 2-4 Oct 2020
Escape to the Country indeed for the 6th annual Dashville Skyline music event over the October long weekend. A cosmic collaboration of live music performances, food trucks and stalls, car displays and entertainment for the kids in beautiful Belford. There’s even camping facilities if you’re keen.
This is a ticketed event. For more info click here
Hunter Valley Uncorked - Balmoral | 18 Oct 2020
Wine tasting by the water? Oh yes. Every October, some of the best Hunter Valley wineries, restaurants and producers head to Sydney for a day of indulgence on the beautiful shores of Balmoral Beach. Wander through the stalls, taste gourmet fare and find your new favourite Hunter Valley drop!
For more info click here
Jazz in the Vineyards | 31 Oct 2020
Jazz in the Vineyards is back this October with headline act Kate Ceberano and band returning in 2020. The line-up also includes crowd favourites John Morrison’s Swing City Band featuring Jacki Cooper, The Aston Martinis and The Djangologists. Grab some lunch and a glass of wine and settle down on the grassy amphitheatre while you take in the views and get lost in the music. There’s markets and entertainment for the kids too.
This is a ticketed event. For more info click here
Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular | Nov 2020 – Jan 2021
A perennial family favourite, the Christmas Lights Spectacular at the Hunter Valley Gardens lights up wine country over the Christmas/New Year period. The largest lights display in the Southern Hemisphere the event features magical Christmas-themed displays, activities and rides for the kids.
This is a ticketed event. For more info click here