The Hunter Valley is of course 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.

DECEMBER

Carols in the Park | 1 Dec
Head to Cessnock Sportsground for the return of Carols in the Park, a huge family-friendly night of Christmas carols, Santa visits, market stalls, food trucks, and even a fireworks display.
Where: Cessnock Sportsground, 276 Vincent St, Cessnock

52 ACTIONS Exhibition | 1 Dec - 11 Feb
52 ACTIONS brings together 52 leading Australian artists from across the country to present the diversity, complexity and dynamism of contemporary Australian art now. 
Where: Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre, 23 Maitland Rd, Singleton

Upper Arts Exhibition | 1 Dec - 11 Feb
Upper Arts is an exhibition celebrating the artworks that are being lovingly created by Singleton Year 11 and 12 visual arts students during the 2023 school year.
Where: Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre, 23 Maitland Rd, Singleton

Handmade Christmas Market | 2 Dec
Shop local, handmade goods at Maitland St Collective's first market. There'll also be music, local beer and wine, snacks, and coffee.
Where: Maitland St Collective, 45 Maitland St, Branxton

Somerset Vineyard 160th Anniversary | 2 Dec
Celebrate the history of Vinden Wines' iconic Somerset Vineyard with a tour of the site and an exclusive private degustation at EXP. Restaurant, paired with Vinden Wines.

Myth Making Exhibition | 2 Dec - 3 Mar
The subjects of mythology have long provided artists with a rich source of inspiration. Artists Kate Rohde and Troy Emery have sought inspiration from the land and ecology of the Wimmera and Grampians regions to create a new mythology of Western Victoria.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

artefact Exhibition | Until 3 Dec
artefact celebrates the indelible artistic legacy of the late Uncle Les Elvin, and brings together the work of four renowned artists, each with their own deep ties to the Wonnarua Nation and surrounding Country.
Where: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, 198-202 Vincent St, Cessnock

Maitland Musical Society Christmas Carols | 3 Dec
Get along to this family-friendly Christmas carols event run by Maitland Musical Society.
Where: Maitland Gaol, 6/18 John St, East Maitland

Boydell's x Base Art Space | 3 Dec
Head to Boydell's for a day of creativity, food, wine, and friends as Base Art Space leads a still life charcoal and graphite workshop. There's even a two-course summer lunch, and wine on arrival!
Where: Boydell's, 2 Green St, Morpeth

Christmas Carols at Saddler's Creek Wines | 8 Dec
Anna Weatherup and her brass band will be singing up a storm for Christmas carols at Saddler's Creek Wines. Spread out in the Picnic Garden, and enjoy this family-friendly event.
Where: Saddler's Creek Wines, 15 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin

Festive Shopping Night | 8 Dec
Head to UAINE Candles in Morpeth for a festive shopping night, with 20% off, grazing platters provided by Morpeth Deli, bubbly refreshments, and music! All ticket sales will be donated to local charity We Care Connect, who help local families in need.
Where: UAINE Candles Candle Cellar Door, 162 Swan St, Morpeth 

Street Eats | 8 Dec
Enjoy delicious bites from food trucks and live music at Street Eats, happening in Gillieston Heights. Bring the family or catch up with friends over a picnic.
Where: Gillieston Heights Community Hub, Gillieston Heights

Dashville Christmas Weekender | 8 - 10 Dec
Dashville's end of year Christmas Weekender is back for 2024! Kick off the weekend with a bumper night of live music, then enjoy a car boot sale and markets, and even a visit from Santa.
Where: 103 Kirkton Rd, Lower Belford

Live at The Regal Inn featuring Brad Cox | 9 Dec
Introducing the first Live at The Regal Inn event at Tenambit's The Regal Inn! Join Australian country music superstar Brad Cox and friends for a huge day of country music, BBQ meats, and beers.
Where: The Regal Inn, 33 Metford Rd, Tenambit

Movie in the Grove | 9 Dec
Join Stonehurst Cedar Creek in the grove to watch the Christmas classic Love Actually – bring your picnic blankets, picnic hampers, and cosy up with a glass of Stonehurst wine to watch this movie under the stars.
Where: Stonehurst Cedar Creek, 1840 Wollombi Rd, Cedar Creek

The Secrets of Carmichael Manor | 9 & 10 Dec
Fancy helping solve the secrets at the heart of Carmichael Manor? Don't miss The Secrets of Carmichael Manor, a mystery show that will have you hooked.
Where: Grossman House, 71 Church St, Maitland

Lavender Field Walk | 9 Dec - 7 Jan
Take a stroll around Hunter Lavender Farm's lavender fields in bloom and lose yourself in a sea of purple. Take photos at your leisure, or simply wander through the fields and admire the beauty.
Where: Hunter Lavender Farm, 125 Adams Peak Rd, Broke

Beekeeping for Beginners | 9 & 28 Dec
Learn the basics of beekeeping with Ben from The Humble Hive Collective. You'll learn everything from how to wear your protective gear, to lighting a bee smoker and inspecting the hive.
Where: Hunter Lavender Farm, 125 Adams Peak Rd, Broke

Champagne and Caviar with Jeremie Mantelin | 9 Dec
Join Wine House Hunter Valley for a fun, decadent and informative chat session with chef Jeremie Mantelin. Jeremie will talk about the amazing world of French caviar, showcasing the acclaimed Kaviari caviar, accompanied by French champagne. 
Where: Wine House Hunter Valley, 426 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

Honey Harvest Experience | 9, 16, 20 & 28 Dec
Discover the fascinating world of busy bees and harvest raw honey straight from the hive at this hand-on experience at Hunter Lavender Farm.
Where: Hunter Lavender Farm, 125 Adams Peak Rd, Broke

A Merry Little Christmas | 10 Dec
Christmas joy is taking over The Levee for A Merry Little Christmas, a market with stalls by local makers and creatives. Santa will be joined by his elves, and there'll be kids activities, food, and drinks. Don't miss free Santa photos at The Riverlink!
Where: The Levee, 396 High St, Maitland

Christmas Wreath Workshop | 10 Dec
Head to Leaves and Fishes this December for this guided Christmas wreath workshop. You'll make your very own Christmas wreath to take home, and enjoy bubbles on arrival, plus afternoon tea.
Where: Leaves and Fishes, 737 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

The Bushwackers – Christmas on the Green | 10 Dec
Join Australia's favourite bush band The Bushwackers for a Christmas celebration on the bowling green at Lorn Park Bowls Sports & Recreation Club. There'll be plenty of room of dancing, and food and drinks available from the club.
Where: Lorn Park Bowls Sports & Recreation Club, Melrose St, Lorn

Nineteen x Tempus Two Dinner | 11 Dec
Enjoy a delicious wine-matched 4-course meal at this collaborative dinner between Nineteen and Tempus Two, featuring dishes like fresh Sydney rock oysters with chilli and lime and passionfruit brulée.
Where: Nineteen, 1 Claret Ash Dr, Pokolbin

Hunter Valley Night Markets | 14 Dec
Held once a month, these indoor night markets are the place to find handmade goodies, local Hunter products, vintage and kids' clothes, and collectables. Enjoy an ice-cold beverage in between some serious shopping. 
Where: Qirkz in the Hunter, 141 Cessnock Rd, Abermain | 5.30pm-8pm

Christmas Movie Night | 16 Dec
Stay tuned for details about this family-friendly screening of two Christmas movies, also featuring food trucks and kids activities.
Where: Maitland Regional Sportsground, James St, Maitland

The Bath House Garden Open Day | 17 Dec
The Bath House Garden is a seasonal garden with each month showcasing different flowers and plants. At this open day, take in the beautiful vistas, relax by the lake or fountains, or even visit the chickens! You can also bring a picnic if you'd like.
Where: The Bath House Garden, Cnr Forest Hill Dr & South Willards Ln, Oakhampton Heights

Flowers in the Field – Christmas Wreath Workshop | 17 Dec
Create your very own Christmas wreath with guidance from Saralyn of Flora Luna, accompany by bubbles and grazing plates to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Where: Tocal Homestead, 957 Tocal Rd, Paterson

Lavender Mini Photo Sessions | 19 & 23 Dec - 2 & 6 Jan
Create a moment to last a lifetime this summer! With a lavender field in bloom set against a picturesque backdrop of vineyards and mountains, you're sure to bring home picture perfect portraits of you and your loved ones to cherish forever.
Where: Hunter Lavender Farm, 125 Adams Peak Rd, Broke

Fine Art in Little Provence | 22 Dec
Get those creative juices flowing and be inspired by picturesque lavender fields in full bloom as you craft a masterpiece (with help from Pinot and Picasso). Relax with a wine glass in one hand and a paintbrush in the other.
Where: Hunter Lavender Farm, 125 Adams Peak Rd, Broke

Christmas Buffet Lunch | 25 Dec
Get ready to jingle your taste buds at this spectacular Christmas lunch at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. The vast spread includes carvery and a live cooking station, fresh seafood, charcuterie station, all your favourite trimmings, vegetarian options, dessert, a three hour beverage package, and live music. 
Where: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

Yoga in Lavender Bloom | 27 & 31 Dec - 7 Jan
Slow down, be present, and allow your body and mind to be one with this one-of-a-kind meditation session that combines the ancient practice of yoga and Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing (in this case, lavender bathing).
Where: Hunter Lavender Farm, 125 Adams Peak Rd, Broke

Maitland New Year's Eve | 31 Dec
Say farewell to 2023 on the banks of the picturesque Hunter River at Maitland on New Year’s Eve, with free entertainment, live music, food trucks, and of course, an epic fireworks display.
Where: The Levee, Maitland

Christmas Lights Spectacular | Until 28 Jan
Christmas Lights Spectacular returns to Hunter Valley Gardens this summer, with magical light displays created with over four million lights. Plus, enjoy amusement rides, roving entertainment, and hearty food.
Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Rd, Pokolbin

Touching and Turning Exhibition | Until 18 Feb
Explore how photographs can create intimacy and attachment at this exhibition by Australian artist Cherine Fahd. 
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

Sleep My Horse... 5 August 1956 Exhibition | Until 25 Feb
Head to Maitland Regional Art Gallery for this wonderfully autobiographical exhibition as Noel McKenna takes us on a journey that speculates on his life – what has come about, what may come about, and what may never come about.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

The Between Exhibition | Until 25 Feb
In this exhibition, artist Deidre But-Husaim documents life in her home and studio during various stages of lockdown. 
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

JANUARY 2024

Dried Lavender and Flower Arrangement | 6 Jan
Spend a fun and relaxing day playing with colours and textures to create your very own long-lasting dried flower arrangement. An experienced florist will teach you the basics of design, colours, and guide you through every step of the process.
Where: Hunter Lavender Farm, 125 Adams Peak Rd, Broke

Street Eats | 19 Jan
Enjoy delicious bites from food trucks and live music at Street Eats, happening in Rutherford. Bring the family or catch up with friends over a picnic.
Where: Max McMahon Oval, Rutherford

Block and Print Lino Printing Workshop | 21 Jan
Join Block and Print for an immersive four-hour workshop at Leaves and Fishes, where you'll learn the art of lino printing. Plus, enjoy a delicious lunch to fuel your creativity.
Where: Leaves and Fishes, 737 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

Dive in Cinema | 26 Jan
Catch a film while you laze about in the pool for Dive in Cinema, happening this January as part of the Make it Maitland program. There'll also be entertainment, food, laser tag, lawn games, and free swim time.
Where: East Maitland Aquatic Centre, 41 Narang St, East Maitland

Hunter Events Bar & BBQ Festival | Dates TBA
Check back to see if this event is making a comeback in 2024!
Where: Maitland Showground, Blomfield Street, South Maitland

Maitland River Regatta | Dates TBA
Head down to the Hunter River at RH Taylor Reserve for a fun family day out, and spend the afternoon paddling or floating on the river. 

FEBRUARY 2024

Red Hot Summer Tour | 3 Feb
The Red Hot Summer Tour is coming back for 2024, with a mix of fan favourites and fresh faces taking to the stage, like Jimmy Barnes, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo and Pete Murray.
Where: Roche Estate, Corner Broke Road &, McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin

Le Vendange | 11 Feb
Le Vendange is back at Bonvilla Estate! Enjoy a summer long lunch, sparkling wine on arrival, wine sampling, beer tasting, live music, and of course, grape stomping.
Where: Bonvilla Estate, 534 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin

Maitland Show | 16 - 18 Feb
Maitland Show is back, celebrating its 162nd year. There'll be plenty of entertainment for the family over three days, with livestock exhibits, woodchopping, the Maitland Rodeo, an animal nursery, a fireworks display, and stacks more.
Where: Maitland Showground, Blomfield St, South Maitland

Harvest Lunch | 17 Feb
Margan's Harvest Lunch is a once-a-year exclusive look into its winemaking process. Go on a guided tour of the sustainably-farmed vineyards, taste wines fermenting in tank, and enjoy a 3-course lunch matched with Margan wines
Where: 1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke

Hunter Wedding and Wine Festival | 18 Feb
Enjoy entertainment, tasting, live demos and more at the Hunter Wedding and Wine Festival, held at Dalwood Estate.

Cinema Under the Stars | 23 Feb
Cinema Under the Stars will feature an open-air screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru. Grab your free popcorn and enjoy some yummy food options from the local vendors, then watch the movie!
Where: Maitland Park, Walker St, Maitland

Live at The Levee | 23 Feb
Don't miss Live at The Levee, bringing the vibes with live music, good food, and local wine.
Where: The Levee, Central Maitland

Meeting Place Exhibition | 23 Feb - 31 Mar
Stay tuned for exhibition details.
Where: Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre, 23 Maitland Rd, Singleton

MARCH 2024

Stomp | 9 Mar
Get a glimpse into the life of a winemaker during vintage at Stomp! Wines. You'll sample Stomp's 2024 juices and ferments, blend and taste wine, enjoy a 3-course lunch and accompanying wines, listen to live music, and stomp ripe, juicy grapes.
Where: Stomp! Wines, 504 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

Street Eats | 15 Mar
Enjoy delicious bites from food trucks and live music at Street Eats, happening in Woodberry. Bring the family or catch up with friends over a picnic.
Where: Woodberry Playground and Skatepark, Woodberry

Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival | 22 - 24 Mar
The annual Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival is all about rock 'n' roll, classic cars, fashion, music, dancing and everything good about the 50s and 60s. There’s a classic car and hot rod show, quality retro market stalls and food vans, free entertainment, rock n roll dance demonstrations, fashion parades, and more.

Cinema Under the Stars | Dates TBA
Stay tuned for Cinema Under the Stars dates and details for 2024!

Wine Machine Hunter Valley | Date TBA
Stay tuned for Wine Machine dates and details for 2024!

APRIL 2024

Hunter Valley Beer & BBQ Festival | Dates TBA
Do you love a beer and BBQ? Does spending the day (or weekend) listening to live music in the vineyards sound like your kind of thing? Then the Hunter Valley Beer & BBQ Festival is for you, with plenty of craft beer, masterclasses, cook offs, and live music.
Where: Hope Estate

Betty's Reading Retreat | 19 - 21 Apr
Experience relaxation like you haven't before at Betty's Reading Retreat, taking place in the Hunter Valley. Rug up by the fire, enjoy a bespoke book prescription by Betty's Books, chef-prepared meals, and a two-night stay in a luxury homestead.

Pottery in the Vines | 26 Apr
Stomp! Wines has partnered with Hunter Valley Ceramics to bring you Pottery in the Vines. In this hands-on experience, you'll taste Stomp! Wines accompanied by a local cheese plate, all whilst making a variety of your very own keepsake pottery.
Where: Stomp! Wines, 540 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

The Gum Ball | 26 - 28 Apr
The Gum Ball is a one-of-a-kind, laidback, family-friendly music and culture festival held on the beautiful grounds of Dashville in the Hunter Valley.
Where: 103 Kirkton Rd, Lower Belford

Street Eats | 28 Apr
Enjoy delicious bites from food trucks and live music at Street Eats, happening in Raworth. Bring the family or catch up with friends over a picnic.
Where: Bakers Brickyard Quarry, Morpeth Rd, Raworth

MAY 2024

Betty's Reading Retreat | 3 - 5 May
Experience relaxation like you haven't before at Betty's Reading Retreat, taking place in the Hunter Valley. Rug up by the fire, enjoy a bespoke book prescription by Betty's Books, chef-prepared meals, and a two-night stay in a luxury homestead.

Maitland Taste | 17 - 19 May
Maitland Taste is a celebration of great food, wine, and produce from the Hunter Region and surrounds. Focusing on sustainability, Maitland Taste stalls and activities feature local, regional and organic produce.

Sweetwater Autumn Luncheon | 18 May
One of only two luncheons held at Sweetwater's each year, this autumn luncheon is held in the magnificant European-style chateau at Sweetwater Estate. Enjoy food by one of the Hunter Valley's finest chefs paired with Sweetwater wines.
Where: 117 Sweetwater Rd, Belford

Lovedale Long Lunch | 18 - 19 May
The Lovedale Long Lunch is a progressive-style lunch where food and wine lovers are invited to discover the many wonders of Lovedale. Launched in 1994, the concept is simple: get a group together, organise your transport and spend the day exploring six boutique cellar doors in the Lovedale area.

Street Eats | 31 May
Enjoy delicious bites from food trucks and live music at Street Eats, happening in Chisholm. Bring the family or catch up with friends over a picnic.
Where: Whitewater Adventure Park, Chisholm

Olive Long Table Lunch | Date TBA
This alfresco luncheon is set amongst the olive groves at Whispering Brook, and features a Mediterranean-inspired feast, matching Whispering Brook wines, and live music.

JUNE 2024

Smoke in Broke | 8 - 9 Jun
Smoke in Broke is a barbecue-lover's dream, with plenty of BBQ and food vendors, craft beer, boutique wine, barbecue demos, cooking competitions and live music across the weekend.
Where: McNamara Park, 1273 Milbrodale Rd, Broke

Betty's Reading Retreat | 14 - 16 Jun
Experience relaxation like you haven't before at Betty's Reading Retreat, taking place in the Hunter Valley. Rug up by the fire, enjoy a bespoke book prescription by Betty's Books, chef-prepared meals, and a two-night stay in a luxury homestead.

Street Eats | 21 Jun
Enjoy delicious bites from food trucks and live music at Street Eats, happening in Maitland. Bring the family or catch up with friends over a picnic.
Where: Maitland Park, Maitland

Burning of the Barrel | Date TBA
Check back here to see if Burning of the Barrel is returning in 2024!

JULY 2024

Betty's Reading Retreat | 26 - 28 Jul
Experience relaxation like you haven't before at Betty's Reading Retreat, taking place in the Hunter Valley. Rug up by the fire, enjoy a bespoke book prescription by Betty's Books, chef-prepared meals, and a two-night stay in a luxury homestead.

AUGUST 2024

Maitland Aroma | 10 - 11 Aug
The warm aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, rich melted chocolate and decadent dishes will descend on Maitland during the free Maitland Aroma Coffee and Chocolate Festival.
Where: The Levee, Maitland

SEPTEMBER 2024

Sweetwater Autumn Luncheon | 7 Sep
One of only two luncheons held at Sweetwater's each year, this spring luncheon is held in the magnificant European-style chateau at Sweetwater Estate. Enjoy food by one of the Hunter Valley's finest chefs paired with Sweetwater wines.
Where: 117 Sweetwater Rd, Belford

Dashville Skyline Festival | Dates TBA
This ultra-chilled countrified camping festival will host over 40 live performances, mouth-watering American-inspired food and drinks, boutique vintage market stalls, an animal petting zoo, a guitar-and-car show and shine and much more.
Where: 103 Kirkton Rd, Lower Belford

OCTOBER 2024

Maitland Riverlights | 8 - 12 Oct
Maitland Riverlights turns central Maitland into a melting pot of culinary delights, dance, music, and culture, celebrating all the cultures that call the region home.

Cessnock Stomp Festival | Dates TBA
Cessnock Stomp Festival is the Hunter Valley's biggest street party. Explore local wineries, breweries, distilleries, food, grape stomping, markets, and more.

NOVEMBER 2024

Bitter and Twisted | Dates TBA
Sip on craft beer and listen to a lineup of live music at Bitter and Twisted, Maitland's boutique beer and music festival.

If you would like to have your event listed, get in contact with us at [email protected]