The Hunter Valley is buzzing this October long weekend with a great line-up of events on offer. The Hunter Valley Balloon Aloft Fiesta will take to the skies every morning of the October long weekend, with 20–30 colourful hot air balloons drifting across the sky, and the cosmic country music weekend Dashville Skyline returns for a jam-packed three days of live music, artistic collaborations and more. Brunch and long lunches hosted at picturesque wineries, live music, markets, and Oktoberfest celebrations will also be happening throughout the region. Keep reading to discover what’s on across the Hunter Valley this October long weekend.
Balloon Aloft Fiesta 2025
Friday 3rd October - Monday 6th October
The morning sky will turn into an incredible display of colourful hot air balloons each day over the long weekend for the Hunter Valley Balloon Aloft Fiesta. The event features approximately 20 to 30 hot air balloons taking off at dawn each morning, filling the skies with colour, energy and excitement. Don’t miss your chance to see this breathtaking display. Book your spot in a hot air balloon and be part of the action, blow bubbles during the flights, then enjoy a bubbly breakfast at Peterson House winery afterwards. Book your spot here.
Dashville Skyline at Dashville
Friday 3rd October - Sunday 5th October
Showcasing some of the best in Australian alternative folk and country music over one weekend, Dashville is the ultimate cosmic country weekender with an incredible line-up of musicians. The festival program is full of live shows, artistic collaborations, family activities, markets, workshops, vintage cars and laid-back old-school country-inspired fun. The festival is family friendly and guests are encouraged to bring the family along. Single day and full weekend tickets on sale now. Click here for more information. Find out more here.
Spring School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens
All long weekend
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a fun and colourful family day out at Hunter Valley Gardens these school holidays. From 27th September to the 12th October 2025, the Gardens will be blooming with flowers (and activity), offering something for all ages to enjoy. Plus, their amazing amusement rides will be operating throughout the school holidays and there will be a variety of special pop-up talks, nursery and garden society displays and more. Plan your visit here.
Restore and Reset with Heavenly Hunter Massage & Wellbeing
Long weekends and holidays give us the gift of slowing down and restoring balance. Heavenly Hunter Massage & Wellbeing brings treatments to your beautiful accommodation or home here. For the October Long Weekend, 2025, please mention this when you book and you will receive one (1) x essential oil roller (Heavenly spirits) per couple with every 2 x 60min massage/treatments booked. Specialty Massages, Reiki Energy Healing, Facials and Feet treatments. It is time to create some stillness to busy lives. Take time out from the world” Stay in your accommodation or home and we bring it all for your complete relaxation, calm & restoration. Book now to obtain the time you desire.
Festa Italiana at Saddler’s Creek
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October
Step into a little slice of Italy right here in the Hunter Valley this October long weekend. Festa Italiana is a two-day celebration of Italian wine, food, and music hosted at Saddler’s Creek Wines. On Saturday enjoy funky Italian and Latino-inspired beats by Zenith Pop Funk, and on Sunday enjoy soulful live music by local Pat McMahon and Isabella McGavin who are teaming up for an exclusive duo performance. Their Italian varietals and antipasti boxes will be available all weekend. See more details here.
Semillon and Sushi and On the lawns at McLeish Estate
All long weekend
This October long weekend enjoy a flight of four Semillon and Semillon blends, perfectly paired with fresh sushi and nori rolls for $40pp at McLeish Estate Wines. The winery will also be hosting an outdoor Spring Bar with croquet, white umbrellas and cheese and charcuterie paired with Jess’ signature Semillon Spritzer and rosé. Bookings recommended. Find more information here.
Special Lunch service at Muse Restaurant
Saturday 4th October
This October long weekend, Muse will open their doors for a special lunch service on Saturday 4th October. Enjoy a four-course set menu long lunch, showcasing the finest seasonal produce. $150 per person. Bookings from 12pm. Book here.
Oktoberfest & NRL Grand Final at 4 Pines at The Farm
All long weekend
Join us for a festive weekend filled with delicious Oktoberfest-inspired food and beer specials. 4 Pines at the farm's 600-square-metre tap room, cellar door and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating means there’s plenty of space for the whole family. Plus, catch the NRL Grand Final live on our big screens on Sunday, 5th October. Plan your visit here.
Free Wine Tasting at Molly Morgan Wines
This October long weekend, Molly Morgan Wines invites you to enjoy free wine tastings at their charming boutique cellar door in the heart of Lovedale. Soak in stunning scenery while you learn the art of wine tasting and discover their selection of premium single-vineyard wines. Bookings essential - Use code 'WINE' to book online and secure your spot for the long weekend. *Free tastings are available from Friday 3rd October to Monday 6th October, for groups of up to six guests. For larger group bookings, please contact Molly Morgan Wines (02) 4911 9160.
Winmark First Saturday Lunch
Saturday 4th October
Join premium Chardonnay producer Winmark Wines for their special monthly pop-up restaurant on Saturday 4th October. Make the most of the day by starting off exploring their Sculpture Park, browning the art gallery and gift shop and book in a Chardonnay tasting to find your perfect lunch pairing. The lunch menu is a bright, share-style feast designed to match Winmark’s Chardonnay range, all set to the backdrop of live music and vineyard views. Check out more information here.
Oktoberfest at The Valley Brewhouse
Sunday 5th October
Visit The Valley Brewhouse on Sunday 5th October for a full day of German-inspired beer, food & live music at their Oktoberfest celebrations. German food specials and in-house brewed German-style beer on tap will be available throughout the day. The Oompah Pah Pahs will be playing live music from 3–6pm. Entry is free and booking a table is highly recommended. Book your spot here.
Emma's Cottage Brunch Club
Sunday 5th October
On the first weekend of every month, Emma’s Cottage hosts a stylish brunch on their vineyard estate in Lovedale. Book your spot at the October event on Sunday 5th October. With vineyards as the backdrop, you’ll enjoy a leisurely brunch with bottomless bubbles and mimosas, vibrant cocktails, refreshing non-alcoholic sparkling tea and a beautifully curated brunch selection of sweet treats and savoury favourites. Learn more here.
MARKETS
Handmade in the Hunter Markets
Saturday 4th October
Who doesn’t love a local handmade market when on holidays. The Handmade in the Hunter Markets are hosted each Saturday at Sobel’s Wines in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Here you will find a variety of products made by local artisans, all handmade right in the Greater Hunter area. Click here for more information.
Pokolbin Farmers Markets
Sunday 5th October
Browse the Pokolbin gourmet farmers market where local farmers, growers, and artisan producers share their fresh seasonal produce, wines, and handmade goodies. Pokolbin Farmers Markets are located on 691 Hermitage Road Pokolbin, and are open from 8am-2pm. There is plenty of parking on-site. Click here for more information.
LIVE MUSIC
Bimbadgen Woodfire Pizza and Live Music
Friday 3rd October
Step into Bimbadgen’s Woodfire Pizzeria set in the Tuscan-inspired courtyard of their cellar door to start your long weekend with pizza, wine and live music. Enjoy happy hour from 4.30pm to 6pm, live music from 4.30pm to 7.30pm and made-to-order pizzas cooked in a traditional outdoor pizza oven. Watch the sunset over the mountain range and vineyards below. Available every Friday night. Reserve a table here.
Saddler’s Creek
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October
On Saturday at Saddler's Creek enjoy funky Italian and Latino-inspired beats by Zenith Pop Funk, and on Sunday enjoy soulful live music by local Pat McMahon and Isabella McGavin who are teaming up for an exclusive duo performance. Their Italian varietals and antipasti boxes will be available all weekend. Find out more here.
NINETEEN Hunter Valley
Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October
Sit back, relax and enjoy live music in NINETEEN's Beer Garden with three days of live music. Friday 5pm - 8:30pm, Saturday 4:30pm - 8pm and Sunday 12pm - 3pm. Find out more here.
The Valley Brewhouse
Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October. Enjoy Live music all weekend at The Valley Brewhouse including special Oompah Pah Pahs on Sunday 5th October for their Oktoberfest celebrations.. Find out more here.
Harrigan’s Hunter Valley
Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October
Enjoy Live music all weekend at Irish-pub Harrigan’s Hunter Valley. Find out more here.
Jimmy Joans
Sunday 5th October
Head to Jimmy Joans, a warm neighbourhood favourite in the quaint Lovedale region for a laid back afternoon on their spacious outdoor lawn area to enjoy some live music from 1pm - 4pm. Reserve a spot here.
This blog was created by the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.
