Spring in the Hunter Valley is simply not to be missed. There's no better way to celebrate the season than by gathering with friends for a day of exceptional food and wine under the warm sun. Picture yourself enjoying a leisurely long-table feast nestled in an enchanting pear grove, or perhaps you’d prefer to relax with a refreshing spring cocktail, live music filling the air as the sun sets. Whatever your taste, there’s an event waiting to make your spring day unforgettable. Here what's on in the Hunter Valley this spring.
We keep this blog updated. Check out what's coming up soon in spring in the Hunter Valley.
Spring School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens
Saturday 27th September - Sunday 12th October
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. Click here for more information.
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 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. Click here for more information.
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.
Wine & Song Evening at Winmark Wines
Saturday 4th October
Join special guest musician Craig McLachlan for an intimate evening of music overlooking the vineyards at Winmark Wines, paired with their premium range of Chardonnay and delicious food. Book now to secure a seat for this popular evening. Click here for more information.
QUEEN: The Show at Huntlee Tavern
Saturday 18th October
Rock out to every anthem you know and love in this epic Queen tribute with huge sound, dazzling lights, and an electric atmosphere. Tickets are $40, general admission only. Courtesy bus available from surrounding towns. Click here for more information.
Mercer Spring Fiesta at Mercer Wines
Saturday 18th October
Join Alison, Aaron and the Mercer team for a Mediterranean Fiesta full of wine, food and celebration. Hosted at their cellar door, enjoy a day of sunshine, live music, a tapas feast and of course tastings of Mercer’s collection of award-winning wines. Click here for more information.
Crowded House and special guests at the Red Hot Summer Tour - SOLD OUT
Saturday 25th October
Crowded House headline Red Hot Summer Tour supported by Australian favourites Angus and Julia Stone, The Church, Mark Seymour with Vika & Linda, and The Waifs. Click here for more information.
MELBOURNE CUP
Melbourne Cup at Chateau Elan
Tuesday 4th November
Enjoy an unforgettable day with canapés on arrival, a 3-course lunch, a 4-hour beverage package, and live music to set the tone. With the races on the big screen and best dressed prizes up for grabs, it’s the ultimate way to spend the day in style. Tickets are $160pp. Bookings essential. Click here for more information.
Melbourne Cup at NINETEEN Hunter Valley
Tuesday 4th November
Join in on the fun and festivities at the NINETEEN Melbourne Cup event. With a three-course alternate drop menu and 4-hour beverage package for $135, it’s a day not to be missed. Arrive at 12pm for drinks with lunch starting at 12:30pm. Click here for more information.
Ceramic Totem Workshop with Lisa Hölzl
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November
Create your own impressive 60cm ceramic totem over two intensive days with artist Lisa Hölzl on the beautiful Winmark Wines estate. In this hands-on workshop you’ll produce a substantial artwork you'll treasure forever - don't miss out! Click here for more information.
2025 Ford NSW Open Championship at The Vintage Golf Course
Thursday 13th - Sunday 16th November
Join us at The Vintage Golf Course, renowned for its stunning design and layout, to watch some of Australia’s top professionals and elite amateurs as they compete for the esteemed Kel Nagle trophy. 2024 Champion and LIV Golf star, Lucas Herbert, will return to defend his crown. Enjoy a unique spectator experience as you walk the fairways with the players and get an up-close view of all the action. Immerse yourself in the fan experience with a party hole, golf clinics and a tournament village offering a variety of food and beverage options. Click here for more information.
Hunter Valley Highland Games
Saturday 22nd November
Come experience the Hunter Valley Highland Games in beautiful Wine Country. These games celebrate the deep connection between Australia and Scotland. Enjoy a full day of Scottish culture including National Highlander Championships, live jousting, pipe band competition, highland and country dancers, highland cows, clans and societies, Jacobites Living History Group, market stalls, kids activities and more. Postponed from its original date in August, the Hunter Valley Highland Games brings together the best of Scottish traditions in one day. Click here for more information.
WEEKLY EVENTS
No matter when you are planning to visit these fantastic events will be on.
Friday Night Wine and Chill at Saddler’s Creek
Every Friday Night
Go where the locals go. The Saddler’s Creek Friday Night wine and chill has become a popular local institution. With outdoor firepits, wine pouring until 8:30pm, a local food truck on site for dinner and music, it's easy to see why it’s the spot to be on Friday nights. Click here for more information.
Live Music at Nineteen
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Nothing creates an atmosphere quite like live music. Sit back, grab a drink, a meal, and enjoy live music at Nineteen’s beer garden every Friday (5pm - 8:30pm), Saturday (4:30pm - 8pm) and Sunday (12pm - 3pm). Click here for more information.
Handmade in the Hunter Markets
Every Saturday
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
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.
Glandore Monthly Trivia
Every second Thursday of the month
Join the fun from 5.30pm at the cellar door, with questions kicking off at 6pm sharp. Grab a glass of Glandore wine, settle in on the deck overlooking the vineyard, and get ready for a night of laughs, local food, and plenty of prizes including a meat raffle. Rug up if it’s a cool evening as the event is hosted outdoors. Click here for more information.
This blog was created by Hunter Valley wine and Tourism Association.
