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.

JULY

Snow Time in the Garden | 29 Jun - 28 Jul
Hunter Valley Gardens is transforming into a winter wonderland for Snow Time in the Garden with activities to delight all ages, including ice skating, a giant toboggan, and a huge snow play zone, plus all of its amusement rides and spectacular gardens.
Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

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 Loves Books, chef-prepared meals, and a two-night stay in a luxury homestead.

Singleton Art Prize | 26 - 30 Jul
Discover artworks for your own collection at Singleton Art Prize. The prestigious exhibition kicks off on Friday, July 26, showcasing incredible artworks from established and emerging Australian artists.
Where: Singleton Civic Centre, Queen St, Singleton

Winter Warmer at The Levee | 27 Jul
Get down to Winter Warmer at the Levee to shop locally made goodies, eat at your favourite cafes and restaurants, and enjoy live entertainment and kid's activities. This bespoke market promises a day of excellent local shopping while you enjoy the outdoors (rugged up of course!). 
Where: The Levee, Central Maitland

M&J Becker x EXP. Restaurant Dinner | 28 Jul
Enjoy a specialised menu at hatted restaurant EXP. alongside wines by their friends and neighbours, M&J Becker. Treat yourself to this decadent evening out, featuring two of the most exciting names in the Hunter Valley right now.
Where: EXP. Restaurant, 2188 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

Hunter Valley Wedding Fair | 28 Jul
Hunter Valley Wedding Fair is happening this July at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. Expect award-winning vendors, up-and-coming vendors, workshops and interactive displays, exclusive offers and discounts, and giveaways. 
Where: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

Songspirals: Yulŋu Women Sharing & Nourishing Milkarri | Until 28 Aug
Songspirals: Yulŋu Women Sharing & Nourishing Milkarri includes print-making, weaving, and audiovisual works, and is a manifestation of the intergenerational continuation and nourishment of songspirals and milkarri by Yolŋu women in North East Arnhem Land. Don't miss the opening on July 6, supported by Lisa McGuigan Wines.
Where: Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, 198 Vincent St, Cessnock

Hold | Until 27 Sep
An exhibition by Newcastle-based artists Brittany Ferns and Megan McGee, Hold, explores the long history of the vase and its various uses over time.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

A Garden of Parallel Paths | Until Sep 29
Artist Daniel Crooks is a careful observer of the everyday, and his videos are an exploration of time as a material. In A Garden of Parallel Paths, Crooks merges spacial dimensions, creating an interconnected ‘otherworld’ of Melbourne’s laneways, with time slowed emphasising the rhythm of pedestrian life passing through.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

Old Stories, New Magic | Until 6 Oct
Old Stories, New Magic is an exhibition featuring works by 2024 Sulman Prize winner Naomi Kantjurinyi, alongside the surreal and folkloric works of six prominent artists who work in the realm of old stories.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

Power: The Future is Here | Until Oct 13
Power: The Future is Here is a vibrant wall of superhero capes produced as a collaboration between Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding and 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Alexandria Park Community School.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

Memory Collective (Part One): Felicity, Mavis, Tara, Tory and Vicki | Until 27 Oct
Memory Collective (Part One): Felicity, Mavis, Tara, Tory and Vicki is an exhibition by Maitland artist Catherine Kingsmill who brings together a family of sculptures representing significant women who have contributed to the social fabric of Maitland.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

Lineage: A Visual Continuum | Until 27 Oct
Lineage: A Visual Continuum is an exhibition that celebrates the interaction of tradition and innovation in art’s ongoing evolution through eight varied but related art practices. This exhibition features some of Australia’s most renowned artists across generations including the late Guy Warren, Sophie Cape, Kevin Connor, and Elisabeth Cummings.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

Pregnant woman | Until 23 Jun, 2025
Ron Mueck’s iconic and internationally acclaimed Pregnant woman sculpture has arrived in Maitland as part of a long-term loan from the National Gallery of Australia under the Sharing the National Collection initiative.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

AUGUST

Magical Winter Escape | 2 - 4 Aug
Escape the hustle and bustle and join Delzo Active in utter seclusion and acres of untouched Aussie nature for their Magical Winter Escape at Carawirry Forest Escape. It's a weekend to move your body, connect with like-minded souls, enjoy delicious meals prepared by a private chef, and relax and reset.
Where: Carawirry Forest Escape, 73 Cabbage Tree Rd, Main Creek

Retro-fusion Winemakers Dinner | 2 Aug
Hosted by Brokenwood Wines' Chief Winemaker Stuart Hordern, join the winery for an evening with Iain Riggs AM and special guest, Chief Winemaker & General Manager Sarah Crowe of Yarra Yering, as they share their stories and expertise over canapés and a sumptuous 3-course dinner, perfectly paired with iconic wines.
Where: The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines, 401-427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

Yellow Billy Restaurant 6th Birthday King's Table | 11 Aug
Celebrate six years of Yellow Billy at this special King's Table event, where you'll start in the courtyard and garden, then make your way to the restaurant for a shared banquet paired with premium wines.
Where: Yellow Billy Restaurant, 697 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

Winemaker's Table: Mother and Son | 17 Aug
For this special edition of The Little Wine Company's Winemaker’s Table series, winemaker Suzanne Little will be joined by her son and fellow winemaker, Jeremy Little. Taste through the winery's new releases, and get a very special sneak preview of a new fortified wine, plus enjoy a tasting plate.
Where: The Little Wine Company, Cnr Nelson & Singleton Street, Broke

Stargazing at Tulloch Wines | 17 Aug
Newcastle Astronomical Society presented Stargazing at Tulloch Wines, where you can enjoy a selection of your favourite Tulloch wines with local cheese and charcuterie by the firepit, plus a delicious spit-roast dinner, before looking to the stars for a guided stargazing experience.
Where: Tulloch Wines, 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin

Hunter Valley Highland Games | 24 Aug
Hunter Valley Highland Games are a celebration of Scottish culture Down Under. Expect showcases of physical prowess with events like the caber toss and the Husafell stone carry, plus Scottish food, dancing, and more.
Where: Saltire Estate, 113 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale

Krinklewood 2024 Wine Luncheon | 24 Aug
Krinklewood invites you to savour the refined tastes of its new wine releases while enjoying an afternoon of dancing among the picturesque Manchurian pear trees in full bloom. There'll be a three-course meal by Fennel & Co, live entertainment, and lucky door prizes.
Where: Krinklewood, 712 Wollombi Rd, Broke

SEPTEMBER

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

Wollombi Valley Sculpture Biennale | 14 - 29 Sep
Wollombi Valley Sculpture Biennale is a celebration of arts and culture in the Wollombi Valley held across boutique vineyards, the historic village of Wollombi, and Laguna village. 

Hunter Highland Lunch | 14 Sep
Hunter Highland Lunch will be a fitting celebration of all things Scottish, featuring a three-course feast paired with current and museum release wine from McLeish Estate, performances by Maitland Pipes and Drums, highland dancers, and a caber tossing competition.
Where: McLeish Estate, 462 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin

FEAST: A Rolling Long Lunch | 21 Sep
Calling all wine and food lovers! Embark on a culinary journey across three of the Hunter Valley's most celebrated wineries – Glandore Wines, De Iuliis Wines, and Oakvale Wines – at this roaming three-course feast, including oysters and a dessert station, plus wine, live music, and plenty of memories to be made.

Yellow Billy x Vinden Wines | 22 Sep
Yellow Billy will bring the fire & the food and Angus Vinden will bring the wine to this banquet fit for royalty in the Hunter Valley. Start with interactive canapés, spread throughout the courtyard, garden beds, and fire pit. Then, sit down for small plates, mains, sides, wine, and conversation.
Where: Yellow Billy, 697 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

OCTOBER

Dashville Skyline Festival | 4 - 6 Oct
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 to celebrate its 10th year.
Where: 103 Kirkton Rd, Lower Belford

D'Vine Festival | 5 - 8 Oct
D'Vine Festival has been completely reimagined to bring a great range of hands-on culinary experiences, entertainment, more activities and a whole host of child and dog-friendly events to the Hunter Valley this October long weekend.

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.

The Collectors' Plant Fair | 19 & 20 Oct
The Collectors' Plant Fair will travel to Maitland for their first-ever Spring Fair. Plan a great spring weekend discovering rare and interesting plants to add to your collection, either long forgotten or never sold at nurseries.
Where: Maitland Showground, Blomfield St, South Maitland

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

Take That | 9 Nov
Take That have announced their return down under with a huge live tour, featuring special guests Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ricki-Lee. This Life On Tour will see the trio take in seven dates across Australia and New Zealand, including three spectacular A Day on the Green events.
Where: Bimbadgen Estate, 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

SummerSalt ft Hozier | 16 Nov
SummerSalt is returning in November 2024 headlined by global superstar Hozier, performing shows in Australia for the first time since 2019. He will be joined at SummerSalt by a line-up of special guests to be announced soon.
Where: Roche Estate, Broke Rd & McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

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.

DECEMBER

Maitland New Year's Eve | 31 Dec
Say farewell to 2024 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

JANUARY 2025

The Teskey Brothers | 18 Jan
Soulful siblings The Teskey Brothers are performing at A Day on the Green this summer, supported by Band of Horses, Sierra Ferrell, CMAT, and Charlie Needs Braces.
Where: Bimbadgen Estate, 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

Timeless Summer Tour | 25 Jan
The Timeless Summer Tour is coming to Hope Estate, celebrating legendary musicians around the world with its lineup featuring Boy George, Bonnie Tyler, Tony Hadley (ex Spandau Ballet), and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. 
Where: Hope Estate, 2213 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

Dive in Cinema | Dates TBA
Catch a film while you laze about in the pool for Dive in Cinema, happening as part of the Make it Maitland program. There'll also be entertainment, food, laser tag, lawn games, and free swim time.

FEBRUARY 2025

Cinema Under the Stars | Dates TBA
Cinema Under the Stars will return in 2025. Grab your free popcorn and enjoy some yummy food options from the local vendors, then watch the movie!
Where: Maitland Park, Walker St, Maitland

MARCH 2025

ROXETTE | 15 Mar
Legendary Swedish pop-rockers ROXETTE are returning to Australia for a national tour in March 2025, including two very special a day on the green events.
Where: Bimbadgen Estate, 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

Gresford Billy Cart Derby | Date TBA
Typically taking place over the Easter weekend, the Gresford Billy Cart Derby features an epic billy cart race, lots of fun activities for the whole family, raffle prizes, market stalls, and more.

APRIL 2025

The Gum Ball | Dates TBA
The Gum Ball is a long-running festival that takes place in the idyllic bushland of Lower Belford. Family-friendly, full of amazing musical acts, and super laid back, The Gum Ball is always a good time.

MAY 2025

Maitland Taste | Dates TBA
Maitland Taste returns to The Levee in 2025 all in the name of celebrating good food, wine, and produce from the Hunter Region and surrounds.

Lovedale Long Lunch | 17 & 18 May
Lovedale Long Lunch is not just a lunch – it’s a culinary adventure, thanks to some of the Hunter’s finest chefs teaming up with six local wineries to create a weekend of foodie fun.

JUNE 2025

Burning of the Barrel | 29 Jun
Around 75 tonnes of wood and some sacrificial wine barrels (empty of course) are ignited for Burning of the Barrel, lighting up the night and heating up the Hunter Valley. You can also expect fireworks, delicious food, and of course, wine.
Where: Glandore Estate Wines, 1595 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

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