Spring is one of the best times to experience the Hunter Valley. From September through November 2026, the region comes to life with food and wine festivals, live music, long lunches, school holiday activities and concerts.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away, a family day out or simply looking for what’s on in the Hunter Valley this spring, here are some of the events and experiences to add to your calendar.
September
Kick off spring with D’Vine Food & Wine Festival, Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival and the Long Table Lunch at Stonehurst Cedar Creek. Spring school holiday fun also begins at Hunter Valley Gardens from 26 September.
October
Make the most of the spring school holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens, catch Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral in Sydney on 18 October, or turn up the volume at the Red Hot Summer Tour at Roche Estate on 31 October.
November
Spring wraps up with Melbourne Cup celebrations at Château Élan, the NSW Golf Open and The Vintage Black Tee Challenge, alongside plenty of opportunities for a long lunch, cellar door tasting or weekend away in Wine Country.
Things to do in the Hunter Valley in Spring
Spring brings a packed calendar of special events, from intimate food and wine experiences to major concerts and family days out.
D’Vine Food & Wine Festival | September 11 - 13
The D’Vine Food & Wine Festival returns with its Meet Your Makers theme and a weekend of cellar-door events, wine, food, live music and special experiences across the Hunter Valley.
AWO – The Finest in Wine, Food & Music at Brokenwood | September 12
Members of the Australian World Orchestra join Brokenwood Wines and The Wood Restaurant for an evening combining world-class music, Hunter Valley wine and a three-course menu.
Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival | September 12-17
The Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival is a biennial celebration of art, nature and community set in the rolling hills of the historic Wollombi Valley. For over two decades, this beloved event has transformed the valley into an open-air gallery, inviting visitors to wander through scenic vineyards, explore curated indoor exhibitions and engage with a dynamic calendar of events.
Long Lunch Table at Stonehurst Cedar Creek | September 26
Welcome spring beneath the blossoming pear trees, with a five-course lunch, 10 matched Stonehurst wines and live acoustic music in the Wollombi Valley.
Spring School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens | 26 September–11 October
Hunter Valley Gardens comes alive for the school holidays with the Butterfly House, baby lambs, creative workshops, bee demonstrations, rides, garden activities and more
Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral
Sunday 18 October 2026 | 11am–5pm
The Hunter Valley is heading to Sydney!
Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral returns to the beautiful shores of Balmoral Beach, bringing Hunter Valley wineries, distilleries, restaurants and gourmet producers together for a sun-filled Sunday of wine, food and live music.
Taste Hunter Valley Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz alongside handcrafted spirits and regional produce, all overlooking the water at Balmoral.
Explore Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral.
More Hunter Valley events this spring
Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley Fiesta – 3-5 October. Experience the Hunter Valley's skies filling with color, energy, and excitement during the Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley Fiesta, taking place sunrise each morning from October 3rd to 5th, 2026.
Lawn Sessions at Pepper Tree Wines – October 4. Settle in on the lawns from 12.30 to 4pm with live music from Mark Henderson, cheese and hamper boxes to pre-order, outdoor games, and Hunter Valley wine to taste and take home.
Red Hot Summer Tour – 31 October: Australian Crawl, Men at Work and more take over Roche Estate for a huge day of live music.
Melbourne Cup at Château Élan – 3 November: Celebrate race day in Wine Country with food, wine and live entertainment.
NSW Golf Open – 12–15 November: Some of the country’s best golfers head to the Hunter Valley for four days of tournament action.
The Vintage Black Tee Challenge – 16 November: Test your game from the championship black tees at The Vintage.
Planning an end-of-year celebration? Cypress Lakes Christmas Party Packages run from 1 October, while Christmas at Château Élan – Celebrate End of Year with Your Team begins 1 November.
Make spring your season to visit
Between events, spring is the perfect time to slow down and explore Wine Country.
Taste your way around the cellar doors, book a long lunch overlooking the vines, explore Pokolbin, Lovedale, Mount View, Broke Fordwich or Wollombi, browse local markets, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon or simply find a sunny spot and enjoy a glass of Hunter Valley wine.
Fresh vines, warm afternoons, long lunches and a calendar packed with events make spring a special time to visit the Hunter Valley.
Ready to plan your spring escape? Explore what’s on across the Hunter Valley, find your next cellar door and start planning your stay in Wine Country.