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.

MAY

Blend & Sip | 11 May
Makeup and wine tasting collide at Blend & Sip. Head to this signature ‘Blend & Snatch’ session where you will be guided by one of Master Muse's Pro Makeup educators to create a soft glam makeup look on yourself, all while enjoying wine tasting courtesy of Kat from Wine Fairy Events.
Where: Master Muse, 380 High St, Maitland

Falling Leaves at The Levee | 11 May
The Levee’s annual autumn village fair, Falling Leaves, will feature a vibrant selection of handcrafted treasures, engaging entertainment, and creative activities – just in time for Mother's Day too.
Where: The Levee Shared Zone, Maitland

Mother's Day High Tea at Tocal Homestead | 12 May
Indulge in an exquisite Mother's Day High Tea by Sprout Catering, set against the picturesque backdrop of the historic Tocal Homestead. Celebrate the special day amidst elegance and history, where a selection of finely crafted teas and an array of delicacies await.
Where: Tocal Homestead, 957 Tocal Rd, Patterson

Mother's Day Lunch at Boydell's | 12 May
Enjoy a delicious four-course menu created by Chef Paula at Boydell's Cellar Door and Restaurant to spoil Mum on Mother's Day. Sit back, relax and enjoy as the team spoils you and your mum.
Where: 2 Green St, Morpeth

Mother's Day Long Lunch at Winmark Wines | 12 May
Treat your food and wine loving Mum to the ultimate Mother’s Day lunch amongst the vines at Winmark Wines & Art Gallery in Broke. With a glass of Chardonnay on arrival, three-courses curated by The Wilderness Chef, and paired Winmark Chardonnays, it's a match made in heaven.
Where: 229 Wollombi Rd, Broke

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.

Live and Local | 23 - 25 May
Maitland Libraries is partnering with the 2024 Sydney Writers’ Festival for a three day Live and Local event showcasing storytelling and literature. Expect author chats and discussions, offering attendees the opportunity to connect directly with acclaimed writers, delve into their creative processes, and explore narratives that shape our world.

Mexican & Margaritas | 25 May
Join Maitland St Collective for a night of Mexican good, margaritas, local beer, and live music. It's set to be quite the fiesta – grab your tickets here.
Where: Maitland St Collective, 45 Maitland St, Branxton

Olive Long Table Lunch | 25 May
Whispering Brook has teamed up with renowned Hunter Valley chef Frank Fawkner of EXP. Restaurant to craft a Portuguese-inspired menu for its Olive Long Table Lunch. Sit amongst the olive groves and sip Whispering Brook's delicious wine while you lunch.
Where: Whispering Brook, Rodd St, Broke

Chardonnay Lunch | 25 May
Winmark Wines' Chardonnay Lunch is back the its second year, featuring a superb three-course lunch on the alfresco terrace paired with the wineries' four finest Chardonnays.
Where: 229 Wollombi Rd, Broke

Rest and Reset: Womens Wellness Retreat | 25 & 26 May
Join psychologist Rachael Fowler of Your Nurtured Mind for this Rest and Reset retreat taking place at the lush Leaves and Fishes. The two-day retreat includes guided yoga practices, evidence-based psychological techniques, and nourishing food to leave you soothed and rejuvenated.
Where: Leaves and Fishes, 737 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale

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.

Find Me in the Flowers | Until 9 Jun
Find Me in the Flowers is a joyous display of floral paintings by Newcastle based artist Prudence De Marchi with a focus on the simple beauty of autumn.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

Settled/Unsettled | Until 9 Jun
Settled/Unsettled includes works by Kathrin Longhurst, Mehwish Iqbal, Angus McDonald and Penny Burne. The exhibition is a powerful exploration of the impact of war and cultural displacement through the lens of asylum seeker, refugee and migrant experiences.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

Small Museum | Until 30 Jun
Small Museum by Simone Rosenbauer features a photographic series exploring the buildings, people, and culturally significant collections of community museums across Australia, taking us inside the world of true collectors.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

The Collectors – Small Museums Commissions | Until 30 Jun
Taking its cue from Simone Rosenbauer’s Small Museums exhibition, Maitland Regional Art Gallery commissioned three artists to develop artistic interventions in response to items within local historic collections from Morpeth Museum, Mortels Sheepskin Factory Museum, and Maitland Gaol.
Where: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High St, Maitland

JUNE

Earp Distilling Co. Dinner | 8 Jun
Prepare to be delighted on with an extravagant 4-course degustation dinner at voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley expertly paired with local spirits from Earp Distilling Co. Settle into the evening with a cocktail on arrival then savour deliciously matched flavours with special spirit creation.
Where: voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, 336 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin

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

Food Fight | 25 Jun
You're invited to Hunter Culinary Association's annual Food Fight. Four chefs will prepare one lunch course, each paired with a Hunter Valley wine, for guests to vote on. This year, Mitchell Beswick of Muse Restaurant, Sam Alexander from Yellow Billy Restaurant, Matthew Smith from Roundhouse, and Nicolas Pedemonte from Âpé Yakitori Bar will be taking on the fight.
Where: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

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

JULY

Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival | 13 Jul
Sample local Hunter Valley wines, beers, ciders, spirits, and gourmet produce at the Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival. There'll even be live entertainment, kids' face painting, and a jumping castle, so the whole family can come along.
Where: Rydges Resort, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale

Winery Run | 21 Jul
Run around scenic wine country at Winery Run. With a marathan, half-marathon, 10.5km, 5km, and kids 2km course, there's something for everyone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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